RAM DASS VIDEOS
Interviews and Podium Talks at the Congress of the Planetary Initiative for The World We Choose, 1983
My Unique Form of Manifesting God
Ram Dass describes his transformation from living in fear and seeking to feel special to realizing the interconnectedness of all beings and dedicating himself to relieve suffering. Initially following moral guidelines out of fear, he later saw the inherent truth in these principles and moved from trying to be “somebody special” due to feelings of inadequacy, to embracing a Zen-like approach of being “nobody special.” He says everyone has a unique role, no more or less important than others, and advises us to appreciate the unique ways each person manifests the Divine.
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Video Duration: 2:24
All I Can Do Is Work on Myself
Asked what’s the most important thing he can do at this time, Ram Dass says, “I can use every experience of my life as a vehicle for working on myself… so that all my manifestations heal.” The game he says, “is to quiet the mind, open the heart, keep the energies moving and do what you can to relieve suffering… I really experience being aligned with God at play… If anything, I am an appreciator of the beauties of God’s manifestation. I’m just delighted, I mean, I’m just awed by it all, including the chaos.”
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Video Duration: 2:48
Authenticity and Spirituality in Television
Ram Dass reflects on the potential of the media, particularly television, to connect deeply with audiences by transcending physical appearances and roles. He says the media should foster spiritual growth and genuine human connection, beyond mere content. For him, the goal of mass media should be to recognize the beauty and spirituality in everyday life and roles, making it a conduit for deeper understanding and connection.
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Video Duration: 8:38
Awakening to Universal Harmony
Ram Dass highlights the essence of the Planetary Initiative, focusing on awakening to a deeper, universal harmony beyond individual ego. He says, “The only real choice is to awaken to God. Everything else follows naturally… Meetings like the Planetary Initiative emphasize and recognize our interconnectedness and transcending individual identities. By embracing and integrating experiences like this, individuals can achieve a state of unity beyond attachments.”
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Video Duration: 3:09
Finding Fulfillment in Everyday Roles
Ram Dass tells the story of a bank vice-president to make the point that while suffering “stinks,” from a higher awareness it’s a kind of grace. All perfect. While at the same moment we do everything we can to relieve it, doing so with that awareness allows us to “relieve suffering without creating another kind of suffering through your own judgment of God about suffering.” The story emphasizes that personal transformation is about changing one’s inner being rather than external circumstances, and that fulfillment is available to everyone, regardless of their situation.
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Video Duration: 4:18
How Did She Know?
Ram Dass Ram tells the story of an elderly woman in a large audience where he gave a lecture. She kept shaking her head, affirming that she was following the complex spiritual principles he was articulating. After the event he asked her how it could be that she understood what he’d spoken about, because some of the ideas were “outrageous.” Her response is precious, delightful and meaningful.
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Video Duration: 2:21
The Journey from Dualism to Non-Dualism
Ram Dass addresses the difference between “initiative” and “initiation.” The former involves connecting with a deeper part of oneself beyond the ego, recognizing the self as a co-creator of the universe. The shift from seeing ourselves as a creator rather than a victim acknowledges our dual nature—form and formless. “Initiation” is the process of moving from dualism (separation) to non-dualism (unity) and returning with a new perspective. The goal is to be in the world but not of it, recognizing one’s formless nature while engaging with the form.
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Video Duration: 2:34
A Meeting With Hopi Elders
Ram Dass recounts his meeting with hippies and Hopi elders in the 1960s, reflecting on truth and responsibility. He experienced a profound moment when an elder asserted the truthfulness of a young Brave, evoking a longing for a time when truth prevailed. He concludes by asking the Congress attendees to acknowledge that, in relation to choosing a world, they must be responsible for this one—as souls who incarnated at this time to work on themselves. The story underscores the connection between self-awareness, responsibility and collective change.
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Video Duration: 4:35
The Dolphin Story
Ram Dass relates his experience of swimming with dolphins. The story reflects his profound, transformative experience, letting go of rational thinking and embracing intuition and trust. He initially struggled with self-doubt and overthinking, but the dolphins taught him to open his heart and trust the process. The experience led to a joyful, ecstatic state that transcended species boundaries. He says the encounter demonstrates the power of letting go and connecting deeply with nature and oneself.
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Video Duration: 8:12
The Power of Intuition
Ram Dass advises individuals to stay true to their deepest hearts and continually listen inwardly to understand the deeper rhythms and harmonies of which they are a part. This inward listening helps to align both actions and desires. He emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s intuition over intellect, as intuition fosters a subjective relationship with the universe, leading to harmony, unique self-manifestation and the preservation of Dharma.
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Video Duration: 1:28
The World We Choose
Ram Dass says we’re living in a world of our collective creation, shaped by the choices we’ve made. He suggests that our current circumstances, including fears and global challenges, are part of the conditions necessary for our spiritual growth and awakening from the illusion of separateness. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the paradox of being both human (with fears of death) and divine (without fear of death) to view life’s challenges as learning experiences rather than sources of fear.
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Video Duration: 1:41