In this riveting conversation, we sit down with Raghu Marcus to delve into the profound connection between psychedelics and spiritual traditions. Journey with us as Raghu shares his intimate experiences with the famous Indian guru, Neem Karoli Baba (a.k.a. Maharajji) and Ram Dass, exploring how these encounters shaped his understanding of universal love, non-duality, and the integration of psychedelics into spiritual practice.
Uncover the powerful stories of Ram Dass’s evolution from psychedelic seeker to spiritual teacher, and the remarkable teachings of Neem Karoli Baba. We’ll discuss the concept of “siddhis,” the legacy of these spiritual luminaries, and how their insights bridge Eastern and Western spiritualities.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the synthesis of psychedelics and spirituality, offering rich insights, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of these transformative practices.
ABOUT OUR GUEST: RAGHU MARKUS
Raghu Markus spent 18 months in India with Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. He has been involved in music and transformational media since the early 1970s, when he was program director of CKGM-FM in Montreal.
In 1974, he collaborated with Ram Dass on the box set Love Serve Remember. In 1990, he launched Triloka Records, which established itself as a critical leader in the development of world music. For 17 years, Triloka was home to such artists as Krishna Das, Hugh Masekela, Walela, Jai Uttal and transformational media projects that featured Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra, and Les Nubians.
Raghu lives in Ojai, California, and is the Executive Director of the Love Serve Remember Foundation. In 2016, he co-founded the Be Here Now Network, where he hosts the Ram Dass Here & Now podcast, as well as his own Mindrolling podcast. He is the producer of Becoming Nobody, a Ram Dass documentary feature film that was released in 2019.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Table of Contents
Integration of Psychedelics and Spirituality
Psychedelics as a Tool for Awakening: How psychedelics can serve as a catalyst for profound spiritual experiences. Raghu shares personal anecdotes of how psychedelics have opened doors to deeper self-awareness and insights.
The Importance of Integration: The true value of psychedelic experiences lies in their integration into daily life, Raghu discusses the need for combining these experiences with consistent spiritual practices like meditation, chanting, and mindfulness.
Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba
Meeting Neem Karoli Baba: Raghu recounts his life-changing encounter with Neem Karoli Baba (a.k.a. Maharajji), who became his spiritual teacher.
- This meeting shifted Raghu’s perspective on life, leading him towards a path of devotion and service.
- He tells vivid stories about his time with Maharajji (and Ram Dass) in India.
Ram Dass’s Influence: The deep bond between Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba, and how Ram Dass’s teachings have helped Western audiences connect with Eastern spiritual practices.
Living the Teachings: Raghu shares how the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass continue to influence his life and work, guiding him in his spiritual journey and daily practices.
Personal Transformation Through Spiritual Practices
From Skepticism to Devotion: Raghu talks about his initial skepticism towards traditional Indian spiritual practices and how his experiences with Neem Karoli Baba and other teachers led to a profound personal transformation.
Daily Spiritual Routine: Insight into Raghu’s daily practices, which include meditation, pranayama, and chanting. He emphasises the importance of consistency in these practices to maintain a deep connection with the self and the Divine.
Vipassana and Bhakti: The complementary nature of Vipassana (insight meditation) and Bhakti (devotion). Raghu explains how these two practices can work together to create a balanced spiritual life, where the mind is calmed, and the heart is opened.
Siddhis and Spiritual Presence
Understanding Siddhis: Siddhis, or Divine human capabilities, are briefly discussed in the context of Neem Karoli Baba’s spiritual presence. Raghu shares stories of Maharajji’s siddhis and how they demonstrated his deep connection to the divine.
The Role of Siddhis in Spiritual Practice: Siddhis should not be the focus of spiritual practice. Instead, Raghu encourages listeners to seek the essence of spiritual teachings—love, compassion, and service.
Maharajji’s Teachings on Presence: The importance of spiritual presence and how Maharaj-ji’s mere presence was a profound experience for his devotees. Raghu reflects on how this presence continues to guide him even after Maharajji’s physical departure.
The Legacy of Ram Dass
Ram Dass’s Impact on Spirituality: A reflection on the legacy of Ram Dass and his pivotal role in bringing Eastern spirituality to the West. His teachings, particularly those on love and service, continue to resonate with people around the world.
Be Here Now: The significance of “Be Here Now”, Ram Dass’s seminal work, and how it has influenced countless individuals on their spiritual paths.
Continuing the Work: Raghu speaks about how the Love Serve Remember Foundation, along with the Be Here Now Network, continues to carry forward Ram Dass’s teachings through various initiatives, ensuring that his wisdom reaches new generations.
The Hanuman Chalisa
Significance of the Hanuman Chalisa: The Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse hymn dedicated to Hanuman, is central to Raghu’s spiritual practice. He shares how chanting the Chalisa has been a transformative experience, helping him connect with his heart and transcend mental distractions.
Cultural Bridge: The spread of the Hanuman Chalisa beyond India, and how it has gained immense popularity in the West, particularly among those who follow Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. The Chalisa serves as a bridge between cultures, bringing the essence of Bhakti to a global audience.
The Love Serve Remember Foundation and Be Here Now Network
Mission and Activities: An overview of the Love Serve Remember Foundation, founded to preserve and continue the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. The foundation offers courses, retreats, and various resources to support spiritual seekers on their journey.
The Be Here Now Network: Raghu discusses the Be Here Now Network, a platform that hosts podcasts and teachings from a diverse array of spiritual teachers. The network aims to provide accessible spiritual wisdom to people worldwide.
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