Ram Dass - Addiction and Attachment

Ram Dass responds to questions dealing broadly with attachment and addiction. Throughout the Q&A he covers a myriad of different concepts including guilt, desire, co-dependency, intimacy, the root causes of negative behaviors, and the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Recorded in the Summer of 1989 as apart of 'The Listening Heart' retreat series.

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The Love Serve Remember Foundation is dedicated to preserving and continuing the teachings of Ram Dass and his guru, Neem Karoli Baba.

[evanbowser]

I’m paraphrasing here, but I deeply appreciate these words I once heard from Ram Dass on addiction. “Don’t try to overcome your attachment/addiction. Rather, be patient (by remaining in the present moment) and eventually the addiction won’t be so interesting to cling to - and it will fade.” I have come to learn this truth through my direct experience with addiction. Bless you all, and know that it gets better. 🙏🏽❤️

[allenanderson]

Here's how addiction began with me...
"I took drugs because of a deep longing for mystical fulfillment.
I was starving metaphysically. I was so hungry I couldn't differentiate food from poison."

[FabilousGalaxy]

I am at my 5th relapse since I've become aware that recovery is indeed possible for us addicts and I'm driving myself mad trying to understand what it is that I am not doing right that leads me to keep relapsing. It's despair that brings me to this video and I comment today with the hope that future me can come back and look at that comment and see what, if anything, has changed. I wish nothing but the best for future me, I hope we're okay.

[brookbergsma]

I commented on this video a year ago but I wanted to update: I’m a peer recovery coach now. I help others with their own battle of addiction now with my own stories of how I got through it. That’s my old karma running off. It does get better. Develop the observer. I often use RD’s words: “you don’t need a bus ticket to Detroit when you’re already in Detroit”. The process ever continues. I love you all. ❤

[samanthabenavides]

As a woman who has been by choice celibate and single for 8 years, Baba Ram Dass speaks to me. I may or may not find an individual willing to journey with me though love without physical intimacy. I spent many years doing quite the opposite, only to find when passion had faded that I was left with a human I barely knew, and often didn't even like. This has been the failure of relationships. The backwards culture that has caused so much grief. I am learning to love myself and accept my aloneness. His teachings on aging are timeless and are helping me so much.

[Misslotusification]

"Don't worry about the addiction; it'll fall away when it'll fall away."

[cherokeegypsymama]

Great way to start the morning. To all who see this, I wish you peace and stillness in your minds.

[culbinator]

The first 13 minutes of this talk is a blueprint to overcoming vice. Thank you Ram Dass. I feel you through the veil.

[katijahlivindalife]

35 seconds in and I'm bawling over his kindness in acknowledging every human in saying "those who have a home" 😭😭😭

[michaelfox]

Wow! I have autism. My ability to communicate with words is limited. When asked about the woman's co-dependent relationship with God I wondered how Ram Dass would form his communication into words to answer her question? He had to think but his ability to explain and communicate so deeply is astounding. Maybe I am not progressed enough because I miss him but he is still around smiling at everyone. I can't put that into words how I know this but I feel it is so. He continues to spread love and joy. His videos are pleasant reminders. Thanks.

[nestortomaselli]

"Until you can find the place within yourself to be at peace without having what you want, THEN you are in the optimum position to get what you want."

[ecstacie]

This man, and the wonderful people in these comments… What a soulful spot to hang out. Thank you, each of you, for sharing. 💕

[anatorres-ymke]

as corny as it sounds these videos really help me not off myself..

[brookbergsma]

Love when RD acknowledges the babies in the audience when they chime in.

[mightygary]

So grateful for this today. Living the first day alone after my ex-partner left me and this has kept me company during the quiet moments. Thank you for the lessons!

[jaydeanderson]

After I lost my son…. My mom took my daughters… turned them against me… I turned to Buddhism because it was the only thing that gave me relief and control. I fall asleep listening to Ram Dass and I read “We’re all doing time” by bo lozoff.

[CelestialBarbie]

I love You Ram Dass🤍 and all watching this video! We are One.

[mindoveraaron]

The opening to this talk really speaks to me. I've been dealing with emotional eating for most of my life. I'm glad he brought that up in the context of addiction because that's what it truly is. And that cycle of indulgence and guilt is so real. I'm still stuck in it currently but I'm trying every day to change my perspective and view it the way he describes here.

[D.T.Hippie]

2:41 “It might be a moment of surfing- When you transcend the dualism between you and nature”

[bananasolo]

Incredible answer to the woman's question with co dependency... also i gott point out her voice was beautiful I love the way she spoke and articulates ♡