Thinking Allowed

Embracing Aging, Change and Dying (Ram Dass) – Part 1

Ram Dass, cultural pioneer for the spiritual renaissance, human potential and psychedelic movements and an inspiration to millions, points us to our greater identity, which includes and transcends that of our physical bodies.

After a life-transforming stroke, he is glad that he identifies with soul, which doesn't experience illness or death, but at the same time embraces his limited yet transient physical self, through the larger spiritual realization that his suffering has brought him.

Because he identifies with more, in a sense he is even more human now. By contrast, the same limitation might be a point of contention to a someone who does not include the physical form in their awakening.

See also: Part 2