*** This is an updated re-upload of the video that originally premiered on August 10, 2026 *** Take a trip up and down the subway stairs with Ram Dass as he explores the seven chakras, why this moment in history is ripe for fourth chakra work, and how he escaped the mainline reality trip. This episode is supported by Omega Institute. Like the Be Here Now Network, Omega believes that personal transformation can change the world—one heart at a time. Discover immersive retreats, workshops, and gatherings in New York's Hudson Valley. Check out the pinned comment for a link. This episode of Here and Now is from a retreat at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, in June 1976. Check back soon for the conclusion of this talk. Ram Dass begins with a story of how a trip to the subway provided him with a useful metaphor for the spiritual path. He explores the seven chakras to help us understand who incarnates on this physical plane. Ram Dass digs into why primarily first, second, and third chakra people incarnate onto this plane. He talks about why the conditions that exist in society at this moment make it appropriate for beings with fourth chakra work to take birth. Ram Dass talks about escaping from the mainline reality trip and how the age of technology impacted people’s perception of reality. He touches on rebellion, revolution, evolution, and the state of the mystical experience in America. “My experience was primarily that I was on the mainline of reality, and that there were all these kind of weird trips on either side, but that I, as a super scientist, rational mind, power, control, house full of antiques, my airplane, my motorcycle, gratification, more and more sex, more better food, more power, more intellect, I was doing the mainline reality trip. And I was hired to tell everybody else what reality was, okay, that’s what a Harvard professor does. And there was no doubt in my mind at all that that’s what reality was, alright, until I took psilocybin.” – Ram Dass ================ Subscribe today so you don't miss a single video podcast from Be Here Now Network: https://www.youtube.com/@BeHereNowNetwork You can catch more of your favorite shows like Krishna Das's Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Sharon Salzberg's Metta Hour Podcast and the Mindrolling Podcast with Raghu Markus over on our sub-channel, Be Here Now Podcast Network 2: https://www.youtube.com/@BHNNPodcasts2 ================ Be Here Now Network Podcasts, Courses, and Articles to help you live a Life in Balance. Heart-Centered wisdom from Ram Dass, Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Krishna Das + many more! Be Here Now Network delivers weekly insights into mindfulness, self-discovery, and Eastern philosophy through engaging podcasts, articles, and videos featuring renowned spiritual teachers. Inspired by Ram Dass' timeless wisdom, our platform serves as a guiding light for seekers on their path to greater awareness and inner peace. Whether you're exploring meditation, conscious living, or spiritual growth, our top-rated mindfulness podcasts provide thought-provoking discussions and practical wisdom. We believe that by transforming our own hearts, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and presence—one heart at a time. Start your journey today and deepen your connection to mindfulness with Be Here Now Network.