Ram Dass Interviews
Ram Dass has been a pivotal influence on American culture for three generations. Every year, for the past ten years, Bhakti Fest’s Executive Producer, Sridhar Silberfein, has had the honor to meet with Ram Dass for a very special and intimate Bhakti Fest exclusive interview. Hear the wisdom he has to share for Bhaktas young and old.
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
About Richard Alpert / Ram Dass
Be Here Now, Ram Dass’s monumentally influential and seminal work, still stands as the highly readable centerpiece of Western articulation of Eastern philosophy, and how to live joyously a hundred per cent of the time in the present, luminous or mundane.
Ram Dass first went to India in 1967. He was still Dr. Richard Alpert, a prominent Harvard psychologist and psychedelic pioneer with Dr. Timothy Leary. He continued his psychedelic research until that fateful Eastern trip in 1967, when he traveled to India. In India, he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, who gave Ram Dass his name, which means “servant of God.” Everything changed then – his intense dharmic life started, and he became a pivotal influence on a culture that has reverberated with the words “Be Here Now” ever since. Ram Dass’ spirit has been a guiding light for three generations, carrying along millions on the journey, helping to free them from their bonds as he works through his own.
Since 1968, Ram Dass has pursued a panoramic array of spiritual methods and practices from potent ancient wisdom traditions, including bhakti or devotional yoga focused on the Hindu deity Hanuman; Buddhist meditation in the Theravadin, Mahayana Tibetan and Zen Buddhist schools, and Sufi and Jewish mystical studies. Perhaps most significantly, his practice of karma yoga or spiritual service has opened up millions of other souls to their deep, yet individuated spiritual practice and path. Ram Dass continues to uphold the boddhisatva ideal for others through his compassionate sharing of true knowledge and vision. His unique skill in getting people to cut through and feel divine love without dogma is still a positive influence on many people from all over the planet.
“I hang out with my guru in my heart. And I love every thing in the universe. That’s all I do all day.”
~ Ram Dass
Artist Interviews
Shiva Rea
This week we were joined by long-time Bhakti family member and dear friend, Shiva Rea, on our new series of Bhakti Speaks interviews. Shiva Rea will be headlining our upcoming November Retreat along with Vijay Krsna from Kirtaniyas, Michael Brian Baker, and Allison Eaton. Settle in to your favorite comfy chair, or on your drive to work to listen to this exclusive discussion diving into spirituality, navigating your own personal healing journey, the amazing juicy classes she will be offering at the retreat, and more.
Michael Brian Baker
This week we are so excited to have a special interview with Michael Brian Baker and Sridhar, the founder of Bhakti Fest. They discuss the importance of breathwork in our daily lives, as well as some of the amazing things Michael will be offering during our November Bhakti Retreat. This interview will be the first of a series interviewing renowned teachers and artists in our community, inspired by and dedicated to the Bhakti Speaks series of interviews with our beloved Ram Dass, who we miss so dearly.
A Bhakti Blessing
Ram Dass, author of the famous book Be Here Now, and one of the most beloved spiritual figures in our era, has gifted his teachings of loving service, harmonious living practices, and conscious care for our elders to millions of people.
For four generations, his luminous spirit has inspired the path of a spiritual journey for countless souls, including our very own Bhakti Fest Founder, Sridhar Silberfein.
Read on for an intimate first-hand experience of what it’s like be presented with a sacred opportunity, to rise up and care for one the most enlightened souls among us–and for some endearing advice just for you:
Reflections on Ram Dass by Sridhar Silberfein
On my annual retreat in Maui to visit Ram Dass, I merged into the arms of my dear friend.
I instantly recalled the many years of our close relationship since 1970. It wasn’t so long ago that I moved him from Northern California to Maui on the pretext of doing a retreat with him.
Once he arrived, I witnessed his deteriorating health. I immediately did what I would call a “spiritual intervention”, by refusing to let him go back to a dysfunctional community. I got him the best doctors and practitioners on Maui, found a suitable home for him, and proceeded to raise some funds with the help of the late Dr. Wayne Dyer.
This gave us a beginning, and settled him into what is now a very healthy, sweet and compassionate lifestyle for him.
However, like everything else, it took a major step to make it happen. By putting myself in a crib of immense challenge, I understood the will of doing the right thing superseded anything else.
What this has taught me is, you have to realize the importance of right association, of right action, of bhakti flow, of doing what you feel is right beyond any other objections and agenda’s…just do the right thing for everyone– you also have to remember that everyone has an agenda, and it’s mostly their own.
So tread carefully, and mindfully. Know who your true friends are, and spend time in solitude, or with spiritual elders, and read important texts.
Let’s make this year the best ever– peaceful, kind, loving and in the utmost of service.
Let’s look at each other for who we are today, not reflecting on the past or anxious about this or that in the future…we all have past histories of good and not so good, of treating each other with love and not so much love– but life is about forgiveness. Let’s all forgive each other for past indiscretions and ask for forgiveness in everything we do.
Wake up each day and be thankful we are alive, and have another day to be of service.
This year promises to be an amazing year for Bhakti and Shakti Fests. We have all-star line ups of teachers, sacred music leaders, and world teachers of dharma.
Thanking you kindly for your generous support.
Namasté,
Sridhar Silberfein