Ep. 278 – Innocence of Consciousness

In this interview from 1977, Ram Dass shares his views on psychedelics and how they can provide a free slate to experience the innocence of consciousness once again. Join the most important psychedelic gathering of the year......bridging science, spirit & society at Psychedelic Science 2025: THE INTEGRATION, hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. Be part of the movement that will shape the next era of mental health, medicine, and consciousness.Featuring speakers like Paul Stamets, United States Representative Tim Ryan, UCSF Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology Researcher Robin Carhartt-Harris, Rick Doblin, founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Richard Schwartz, Pilar Guzman, CEO/Medical Director of the American Psychiatric Association Marketa M. Wills - M.D., M.B.A., FAPA, Raghu Markus, comedian Reggie Watts, musicians TYCHO & Jim James, and many more!Listeners get 15% off tickets to the 5-day event with our promo code LSRF15 at PsychedelicScience.orgThis episode of Here and Now is from an interview with Ram Dass conducted by New Dimensions Radio in 1977, shortly after Ram Dass participated in a conference called “LSD – A Generation Later.” 

• The interview begins with Ram Dass discussing the happenings at the conference and his interactions with other psychedelic luminaries, including Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner, and Albert Hofmann. 
• Ram Dass explores the culture surrounding LSD in 1977, and how he has no desire to legislate how other people live their lives. He shares his guru’s instructions for using the “yogi medicine” and talks about whether or not it’s important to have a guide for psychedelic experiences.
• Finally, Ram Dass cautions that “getting high and seeing” is only one part of the process of change, and there are inner processes necessary to bring about change in life. He discusses the cultural evolution brought about by psychedelics and the shifts in consciousness he sees taking place. 

The Ram Dass community gathers regularly to engage in meaningful discussions about the podcast. We invite you to join us and share your curiosities, insights, and wisdom. Sign up for the General Fellowship to receive event invitations directly in your inbox.Sponsors of this Episode:This show is sponsored by Magic Mind, a matcha-based energy shot infused with nootropics and adaptogens designed to crush procrastination, brain fog, & fatigue. Check out their new Maxx & Free energy shots and get 60% off your subscription with our code RAMDASS60 at magicmind.com/ramdassmfRam Dass Here & Now is also brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ramdass and get on your way to being your best self.Reunion is offering $250 off any stay to the Love, Serve, Remember community. Simply use the code BeHere250 when booking. Disconnect from the world so you can reconnect with yourself at Reunion. Hotel | www.reunionhotelandwellness.com Retreats | www.reunionexperience.org“If you have a guide, you’re calm, and you really want to explore your inner being, I still see LSD as an incredible vehicle for overriding your habitual response patterns, your habits of thought, and giving you a free slate to experience your innocence of consciousness once again.” – Ram DassSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.