Photo Credit: Carol Cassara / Maui / Dec. 2018
He is as close to a guru as I will ever have, a guiding figure, a sage, an angel on earth and a generational influence we will never see again. Guru: one who removes the darkness. A gateway to God.
Ram Dass has joined the other angels and is now spreading his love and joy from the afterlife and for that I am both happy and sad.
I was lucky enough to meet him in Dec. 2018 at his Maui retreat and to have several loving interactions with him there. It was my first time at one of his retreats. I was called to go because I knew his time here was limited. It was a miracle that I got in–the event sold out in six minutes, but I was there lurking when registration opened and quickly got a place.
It was a magical five days. Many exuberant highs and also deep introspection. I came away with a love of chanting and renewed dedication to loving kindness.
Above is a signed photo taken for the cover of one of his books. I bid on it at the retreat in a silent auction held to raise funds for his ongoing care. It now sits on my dresser and is one of the first things I see every morning. His eyes are beautiful, mesmerizing, so on fire at that time, with all of the intellectual excitement involved in bringing his experience in India to the rest of the world in ways we could digest. His many books. His lectures.
And then, some 20 years ago, a debilitating stroke. He lived a very long time with those disabilities. The brain was fully intact but expression was another matter. How frustrating for such a major intellect and yet, he saw it as a lesson. As he saw everything. As I try to see everything. I try.
And he lived with joy and love.
I am grateful that I got to be in his company, that I met him, looked into his eyes and he in mine, and both sent and received unconditional love.
Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram
I’m sad for you that someone who has made such an impact on your life has now died but at least they have passed on to you their wisdom, joy and love. A beautiful tribute post.
Yes, exactly. His wisdom goes on. A wonderful and loving man who set a great example.
He has left behind so much wisdom!
So, Ram Dass passes on the first night of Hanukkah, reminding us of the Shamash , the “helper or attendant “ the one that is lit for others. His passing reminds us that we too, are called to be the light that first shines for others to see and then helps them to be their own light, and in turn, will shine for others…