Pilgrim Heart with Krishna Das
The Krishna Das Pilgrim Heart Hour features Krishna Das’ no-nonsense take on everyday struggles for finding balance on the spiritual path. Through the honesty, humility and humor of his own personal experiences, he points to the possibility of navigating life’s trials with a true inner yearning for truth. His own practice of kirtan or chant is the well stone of his ability to share from his spiritual heart. As KD says, “Love is a disease - we catch it from those who have it.”
Ep. 197 – Wherever We Are, Maharaj-ji Is
Krishna Das reflects on the enduring presence of Maharaj-ji, the medicine of devotion, and finding our own way into the practice of love.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das chats about:
Accomplishing all through the name of GodEntering the presence of Maharaj-ji, the presence of real loveFinding your own way to practiceThe medicine of love and devotionThe Ramcharitmanas, an epic retelling of the Ramayana by the saint-poet Goswami TulsidasHumbling our hearts with gratitude for what we do haveMemories of arti practice with Maharaj-ji“We’re always here and where we are, Mahraj-ji is. He said...
Ep. 196 – Live Kirtan from the 2024 Ram Dass Legacy Summer Mountain Retreat
Live from the 2024 Ram Dass Legacy Summer Mountain Retreat, Krishna Das leads a soul-stirring kirtan with “The Band” and shares heartfelt stories about Maharaj-ji.
Join Inner Academy and virtually immerse yourself in the full 2024 retreat! Listen to spiritual talks from some of Be Here Now Network’s favorite wisdom-keepers, live kirtans, and more.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, enjoy Krishna Das’s full kirtan set from our 2024 Summer Mountain Retreat:
Sita RamBaba Hanuman Maha Mantra Ma DurgaAnd more!Interested in attending a retreat? Join us in Hawaii this December for the Open Your Heart in Pa...
Ep. 195 – Descent into the Heartspace
Enjoy this descent into the heartspace where Krishna Das connects us to our true nature of pure awareness and unity with God.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das explores:
Different translations of the Ramayana Bhakti and repetition of the name as one of the easiest paths to follow Descending deeply into the mind and heartHow Maharaj-ji instructed Krishna Das to wear red Union with god alongside worldly enjoymentsRemembering to orient ourselves to our true nature Watching the breath, separating breathing from awareness of breathing“The eye receives information from the outside world. But, the eye has...
Ep. 194 – Selfless Service in Action
Krishna Das offers his perspectives on selfless service, committed practice, and uncovering the presence that has always been within.
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das discusses:
Doing selfless service for others anytime and anywhereKeeping up with our practice in order to receive the fruits Asana and Pranayama to clean our energy channels and heal the bodyUncovering the presence that already exists within us Guru devotion as a means to dissolve the separate selfAbout Krishna Das:
Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has be...
Ep. 193 – Sub Ek: Our Own True Nature
Krishna Das reflects on Maharaj-ji’s teaching that all names, forms, and journeys lead to the same truth.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das talks about:
Neem Karoli’s teaching: Sub Ek (all one)Following the heart and our own individual path to GodA dream message that Krishna Das had from Maharaj-jiDeveloping communication skills for improved relationshipsHow being hard on ourselves makes it difficult to offer compassion to othersPutting effort into daily practice Living with ease and being with all experiences, good and bad“Maharaj-ji said one thing to us that was life-changing: sub ek. All...
Ep. 192 – From Turmoil to Tenderness: Lessons in Devotion and Release
In this extended Q&A special, Krishna Das offers powerful insights on navigating the turmoil of the human experience through devotional practice.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das offers down-to-earth advice on:
The name of God as an echo of our own beingTuning ourselves into the mantra Replacing greed and anxiety with compassion and kindnessThe delusion of self and otherDepression and falling into the trap of self-obsessionBuilding up the strength to let go through daily practice Coming back home to ourselves, to our breathThe lingering connection we have to those we have lostLooking for love wi...Ep. 191 – Trauma, Healing & Permission to Start Over
Krishna Das shares wisdom on overcoming trauma, transforming negative patterns, and continually beginning again in the grace of the present moment.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das offers down-to-earth advice on:
The incredible life of Garchen Rinpoche, a Tibetan Lama who spent 20 years in prison and labor camps in Communist China Overcoming trauma & tragedy with gratitude for the present moment Holding beings we have lost in our hearts and helping their spirit through prayerNegative thought patterns and the stories we tell ourselves Liberating the mind from suffering through practice Remembering that we can always start agai...Ep. 190 – The Essence of Karma
Exploring the essence of karma, Krishna Das explains how conscious spiritual practice and selfless living can transform the patterns that guide our incarnation.
Check out Krishna Das’s book and CDs, Flow of Grace, for an expansive explanation of the Hanuman Chalisa and more!
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das gives wisdom on:
The essence of karma and the seeds that we plant for the futureIndividual karma, global karma, cultural karma and ancestral karmaTransforming our reactions to all that arises in the momentWhat perpetuates negative karmaThe spiritual law of cause and effect: how lo...Ep. 189 – Maharaj-ji Behind the Scenes
Discussing the divine mystery of Maharaj-ji, Krishna Das explains all of the spiritual workings that are going on ‘behind the scenes’ of our daily lives, bringing us exactly where we need to be.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das explores:
How Maharaj-ji works in our lives, often without us directly noticing When Maharaj-ji sent Krishna Das back to America The moment that Krishna Das ‘got with the program’ and realized he had to chant with others in order to purify his own heartServing Maharaj-ji through being true to oneself and figuring out what we want out of lif...Ep. 188 – Suffering & Self-Created Stories
Guiding us toward balance, connection, and freedom from suffering, Krishna Das explores letting go of our numerous self-created stories.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das responds to questions on:
Devotional literature and poetryWhat to do when feelings of boredom arise during practiceUsing pain as an object of awarenessHow mantra practice helps us remain balanced in daily lifeDetaching from our thoughts and feelings rather than identifying with themFreeing ourselves from the stories we tell ourselves, about ourselvesThe difference between letting go and pushing awayThe illusion of separation and how recognizing our connection to all beings releases...Ep. 187 – 50 Years of Devotion
Drawing on over five decades of devotional practice, Krishna Das offers down-to-earth spiritual guidance for beginners and seasoned seekers alike.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das gives wisdom on:
The miracles that happen around enlightened beingsHow to cleanse and open the heart by letting go of old patternsKrishna Das’ lifelong journey of awakening, surrender, and trusting life’s unfoldingPreparing the heart for prema-bhakti—the experience of real, unconditional loveLearning to trust yourself and discovering what’s truly right for your unique spiritual pathMoving away from the ego and going further into our true nature Seeing the guru...Ep. 186 – Bowing at the Feet of God
Through soulful insights on detaching from the ego and expanding the heart, Krishna Das reminds us that surrender is not defeat, it’s the deepest devotion to God.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das gives wisdom on:
Listening to the heart and paying attention to our motivationsWhy Krishna Das started to chant with people rather than aloneWhat surrendering means in spiritual life: bowing at the feet o...Ep. 185 – Spiritual Practices for Fear, Anxiety, and Overthinking
Krishna Das explores how spiritual practices like chanting and loving-kindness can calm anxiety and free the mind from the trap of overthinking.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das shares his thoughts on:
Maharaj-ji, beyond the physical formDiscovering the guru’s presence everywhereOur limited, human way of conceptualizing GodSpiritual life and relieving suffering in ourselves and others Loving people as they are while still being able to set...Ep. 184 – The Heart of Healing: Lessons on Love and Personal Responsibility
Encouraging listeners to take responsibility for their own inner healing, Krishna Das discusses cleansing the heart of betrayal, hurt, and grief.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das provides wisdom on:
Meeting Anandamayi Ma and what it means to have darshan with a guru Accepting people as they are and loving unconditionallyRecognizing where we really are on our spiritual journey so that we can see where our w...Ep. 183 – The Golden Rule Meets The Bhakti Path
Krishna Das shares time-tested practices and spiritual wisdom for easing suffering, letting go, and treating others with the same compassion we wish for ourselves.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das provides wisdom on:
Navigating the challenges of family relationships and untangling the knots of triggered emotions.Channeling our energy into chanting, meditation, and treating others with compassion and respect.Working skillfully with the mind rather than...Ep. 182 – Your Life as Your Path
Reminding us that there's no need to escape our daily life in search of spirituality, Krishna Das explains that our relationships, struggles, joys, and routines are the spiritual path.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das opens our hearts to:
The divine play (Leela) and mysterious grace behind Maharaj-ji Neem Karoli Baba’s actionsKrishna Das’ experiences with the Dalai Lama Embracing aging with grace, staying rooted in presen...Ep. 181 – Letting Go, Loving All, Living Now
Krishna Das gives insights on continual grace and transforming our self-limiting inner narratives through spiritual practice.
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/insighthour and get on your way to being your best self
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das thoughtfully discusses:
What it means for the guru to have a key to our mindsTeachings from Siddhi Ma: knowing that everything is grace, but acting like it isn’tPutting effort into loving everyone, serving everyone, and remembering GodThe story of Maharaj-ji in England with a mi...Ep. 180 – Maharaj-ji's Perpetual Grace
Sharing personal stories of his time with Maharaj-ji, Krishna Das walks us down the path of recognizing grace, loving all beings, and keeping the heart open, no matter how hard it gets.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
"Grace is always here but we're too busy, too involved in our stuff, our thoughts and emotions. We're too identified with our negative emotions. From our side, it appears we lose contact with the grace. Bu...
Ep. 179 – Resting in the Nature of Love
Krishna Das shares a realistic path for resting in the true nature of love that is always accessible to us all.
In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das thoughtfully discusses:
The many versions of The Bhagavad Gita from different lineages Figuring out which practice works for youHow the soul/buddha-nature is always present, even when we aren’t lookingMeditation practices that increase the awareness of being (I am-ness)Appreciating and accepting all the different parts of ourselves A mantra given to Krishna Das from Ram Dass, “When the sun is kept in the heart, all evils v...Ep. 178 – Freed by the Name
In this heart-led exploration, Krishna Das shares how mantra, willpower, and grace guide us from the illusion of ego and into the freedom of real love.
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das offers wisdom on:
Inspiration from Maharaj-ji’s picture, dream visits, and moreHow the soul pulls us towards real love and freedomWhy meditating/chanting/any form of practice is a good ideaThe jungle guru who helped Krishna Das with his will powerUsing our will in a constructive way to free ourselves from sufferingSolving the problem of what is really holding us backRepeating the name of...Ep. 177 – Working Through Afflictions
Discussing how to work through afflictions like addiction, heartbreak, and self-hatred, Krishna Das gives spiritual guidance to listeners.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das explains:
Learning to chant the Hanuman Chalisa Working with addiction as a part of the spiritual path Developing the ability to stop hurting ourselves Looking within, not without, in order to do spiritual work in all parts of our daily livesComparing Hanuman w...Ep. 176 – Releasing the Ego, Repeating the Name
Revealing the true Buddha nature, which rests beyond ego, Krishna Das shows how regular practice can unveil the inherent purity within us all.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das gets into
Desireless action and other teachings of the GitaThe ‘evil’ within us all (selfishness, greed, anger, etc.)How our ego tries to protect itself from othersThe ways we feed our hungry desires at the expense of anythi...Ep. 175 – Healing Our Heavy Hearts
Providing mantra and mentorship, Krishna Das explores how we can heal our heavy hearts and manage both personal and global suffering.
In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das explores:
Mantras to use during wartimes or other painful experiencesHanuman, the remover of all difficulties and negative energyTibetan philosophies of the transition between life and deathBest wishes for all who are suffering across the globeKeeping our hearts open and available to all beings, all the timeA story of how KC Tewari saw Maharaj-ji as ShivaThe extraordinary beauty of the devotee and the belovedEscaping from the habit loop...Ep. 174 – Beyond Instant Gratification
Explaining the fruits of dedicated practice, Krishna Das urges listeners to move past instant gratification and artificial forms of awakening.
This episode is brought to you by Dharma Moon. Join Buddhist teachers David Nichtern and Professor Robert Thurman for a free online event on Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm ET. Together, they'll explore the power of lineage, tradition, and the evolution of mindfulness practices. They’ll also discuss Dharma Moon’s renowned mindfulness meditation teacher training program. Visit dharmamoon.com/lineage for more info and to reserve your spot for the free online event with David Nichtern and Professor R...
Ep. 173 – Reaching Higher States
Sharing insight from Maharaj-ji, Krishna Das discusses reaching higher states of consciousness through service, repetition, and purification.
This episode includes wisdom from Krishna Das on:
Shedding our belief system of ego and separate selfThe importance of regular practice and finding time everydayLearning from Maharaj-ji through dreams and meditationFinding Maharaj-ji in our worldReaching higher states of consciousness through service, mantra, and purificationDoing spiritual work in our daily lives and seeing it all as GodLooking at humanity with honest eyes and letting go of how we think things should beThe book Love Everyone by Parvati Markus“Higher stat...
Ep. 172 – Making Practice a Way of Life
Through devotional chanting and conversation, Krishna Das offers guidance on living out our practice both on and off the mat.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
In this episode, Krishna Das answers questions on:
The deep intuition that develops over timeMaking our practice a way of lifeRebirth and ensuring we create positive karmaDealing with conflict in parental relationshipsAccepting others fully as an act of pure loveWidening our hearts and noticing when we are b...Ep. 171 – No Within, No Without
Closing the year, Krishna Das explores the transformative power of deepening our awareness and how practice helps us navigate life’s challenges.
This time, on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das speaks on:
Going within and deepening our awarenessSubjective versus objective experiencesAdvice that Krishna received from Maharaj-jiHow repeating the name gives us strengthPracticing awareness and breaking bad habitsHow to work through heartbreakComing back into an object of concentrationLearning to trust your own heart“There’s really no within and without except in the sense of physicality. Consciousness is not within or without. It permeates everything. Everything exists inside...
Ep. 170 – Sincerity of Heart
Krishna Das teaches listeners all that is possible through total sincerity of the heart and self-awareness.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das holds a talk on:
How Krishna Das’ bar mitzvah transformed his outlook on organized religionWhat initially struck Krishna Das about Zen Buddhism and Indian philosophySensing an ongoing connection to Ram DassSitting down and chanting without over-intellectualizing everythingHaving sincerity of heart and being kind to ourselvesThe inner and outer blanket of Maharaj-jiThe difficult process of forgiving those who have hurt usLetting others be who they are and learn their own lessonsRecognizing that the problems we...Ep. 169 – The Physical vs. The Spiritual
Contrasting the physical, impermanent world with the ever-present spiritual world, Krishna Das shares insights from the heart space.
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das shares insights on:
How each situation has its own parametersPracticing the principle of non-harmGiving yourself 100% to whatever you are doingConceptualizing our approach to religionThe love that exists in the non-physical reality within usReal love versus conditional loveAllowing people to be who they areRemembering the impermanent nature of pleasureThe pressure from the times we live in“Everything in your life can serve the spiritual side if you are ripe enough to pa...
Ep. 168 – The Strength to Overcome
Krishna Das guides listeners to develop the strength to overcome painful situations through regular practice and surrendering to what is.
Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das dives into:
Chanting for a balance between light and darkThe inner strength to not identify with negative emotionsWorking through fear surrounding death of a loved oneKrishna Das’ hot spring storyBeing kind to ourselves and allowing situations to normalize in due tim...Ep. 167 – Fruits of Practice
Exploring the many fruits of making time for spiritual practice, Krishna Das shares the beauty of forgiving those who have hurt us.
This week, Krishna Das responds to questions on:
The ways we nurture our wounds and carry our painForgiving those who have hurt usHow hurt people hurt others out of their own painThe power of loving-kindness mediation for forgivenessMaturing and realizing that pain is just a part of lifeForgiveness and kindness as the fruit of spiritual practiceHow the poison of attachment ruins loveThe Hanuman Chalisa as an offering to Maharaj-jiChanting as a meditation practiceFinding the...Ep. 166 – Service to Our Parents
Krishna Das explains how we can serve our parents and release their karmas along with our own as a labor of love.
This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self.
This week, Krishna Das responds to questions on:
What Maharaj-ji said about service to our parentsPraying for people from afar and working through traumasFreeing our parents from their karmasDoing healing work on our own heartsDetaching from the ego and loving the soul instead of the ro...Ep. 165 – Moving Forward When Our Spirit is Heavy
Amidst global and individual suffering, Krishna Das teaches listeners how to move forward even when our spirit is heavy.
This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self.
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das offers advice about:
Coping when we are worn out from global and individual painHonoring all of our feelingsUsing the handshaking practice for difficult emotionsRecognizing that we are separate from our feelingsHaving a chanting practice to work on releasing feelingsWhy we cannot ne...Ep. 164 – Practice & Serve
Dissolving our erroneous beliefs of separateness, Krishna Das shares the importance of continuous service and devotional practice.
This episode is brought to you by Betterhelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/heartwisdom and get on your way to being your best self.
In this episode of Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das speaks about:
Service anytime and anywherePlanting seeds for the fruits of our practiceClearing out blockages in the body with asana practiceKrishna Das' deep friendship with Maharaj-jiSamadhi and emerging into deeper states of consciousnessHow mantra can uncover the presence of spiritual beingsRealizing that...Ep. 163 – Extending Kindness Through Self-Compassion
Gracefully describing the truth of love that unites all people, Krishna Das shares how self-compassion can extend into the world.
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This week, Krishna Das responds to questions on:
The concept of Sub Ek, or, all oneMaking peace with the many paths to GodHow relationships help us see where we need to work on ourselvesHaving compassion for ourselves so we can extend kindness to othersRecognizing the impact of our...Ep. 162 – Liberation from Suffering
Discover new approaches to overcoming life’s challenges! In this episode of the Pilgrim Heart Podcast, Krishna Das offers powerful teachings that empower you to take control of your own liberation from suffering.
In today's episode, KD reflects on:
Developing the quality of bodhicittaStaying present through tragedy and sufferingChanging how the present moment feels rather than being lost in the pastThe impossibility of avoiding painCoping with the loss of a loved oneDealing with reality rather than seeking constant blissCreating positive habits and releasing destructive emotionsPracticing coming back to our breathPutting ourselves in others shoe’s when they...Ep. 161 – Finding Your Path
Diving into principles of karma, Krishna Das describes how we can serve all beings and follow our own path, shares stories about his guru, Maharaj-ji, and much more.
Today’s episode originally aired on Krisha Das’ “Hanging Out In the Heart Space” online satsang on September 8th 2022. Be sure to subscribe to Krishna Das on Youtube to get new episodes of “Hanging Out In the Heart Space”, fresh music from KD and more: Krishna Das Music
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to b...
Ep. 160 – Enlightened Beings
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das explores the experience and manifestation of enlightened beings and answers questions on Maharaj-ji, devotion, and more.
Today’s episode originally aired on Krisha Das’ “Hanging Out In the Heart Space” online satsang on August 18th 2022. Be sure to subscribe to Krishna Das on Youtube to get new episodes of “Hanging Out In the Heart Space”, fresh music from KD and more: Krishna Das Music
This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das holds a talk on:
The experience and manifestation of enlightened beingsMaharaj-ji’s guidance on chanting and repeating the na...Ep. 159 – Being Honest with Ourselves
In between devotional chants, Krishna Das guides listeners on the path of radical self-honesty and self-examination.
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.
This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das teaches us about:
Facing our own egoistic desiresMaharaj-ji’s guidance on chanting and repeating the name of GodSurrendering by grace and being kind to ourselvesFinding out what we really want to doBeing honest with ourselves and examining ourselves closelyThe usefulness of therapy and spiritual pract...Ep. 158 – Beyond the Conceptual
Describing how God is beyond what the mind can conceptualize, Krishna Das reflects on ways to let go and experience oneness.
In this episode, Krishna Das describes:
Looking for love and beauty inside of ourselvesGod as beyond the conceptualHow Maharaj-ji represents the entire universeWhy we cannot simply run from sufferingBeing of service to others without our ego getting involvedRecognizing the ways we engage in hurtful relationshipsTaking care of ourselves and lightening the load of sufferingMaharaj-ji’s physical body and abilitiesAccomplishing anything through love and devotionThe practice of letting go through dance, chanting, or other forms of re...