Conversations on Loving and Dying ~ By Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush
We all sit on the edge of a mystery. We have only known this life, so dying scares us—and we are all dying. But what if dying were perfectly safe? What would it look like if you could approach dying with curiosity and love, in service of other beings? What if dying were the ultimate spiritual practice?
Ram Dass and Mirabai Bush began their friendship more than four decades ago at the foot of their guru, Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji. He transmitted to them a simple philosophy: love everyone, tell the truth, and give up attachment to material things. After impacting millions of people through the years with these teachings, they have reunited once more with Walking Each Other Home to enlighten and engage readers on the spiritual opportunities within the dying process. They generously share intimate personal experiences and timeless practices, told with courage, humor, and heart, gently exploring every aspect of this journey. And, at 86 years old, Ram Dass reminds us, “This time we have a real deadline.”
In Walking Each Other Home, readers will learn about: guidelines for being a “loving rock” for the dying, how to grieve fully and authentically, how to transform a fear of death, leaving a spiritual legacy, creating a sacred space for dying, and much more.
“Everybody you have ever loved is a part of the fabric of your being now,” says Ram Dass. The body may die, but the soul remains. Death is an invitation to a new kind of relationship, in the place where we are all One. Join these two lifelong friends and spiritual luminaries as they explore what it means to live and die consciously, remember who we really are, and illuminate the path we walk together.
Why do people need this book?
To help them focus on dying as part of life, to demystify death and yet understand it as sacred. That makes life much richer, more meaningful; it helps us be more present for others.
When a friend asks you - "what is your book about?" - what do you say, in just a few sentences?
It’s about leading a loving life unafraid of death, so when it comes you will be ready—peaceful, accepting, open. And it’s about being with the death and grief of others. It is what Ram Dass has learned over so many years of being with great teachers, practice and teaching.
What makes your book different from other books on death and dying?
It is intimate, informal conversation about one of the most important things in life: death. And it covers a wide range—from getting past fear to being with the dying to planning your own last ritual. And there are great stories from Ram Dass of course about what he’s learned from friends who have died. And it doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Who is the audience for your book? Everyone who will die. People who are just becoming curious about death. Anyone who wants to get beyond fear, cultivate more love, live with more freedom…and people going through grief, people getting close to their own death. And people who care for the dying—doctors, nurses, hospice workers, family members.
The audio interview below was recorded before the books release. It features a guided meditation at the end featuring Ram Dass & Boretta.
With great thanks to Soundstrue for the sharings from the audiobook Copyright Soundstrue.
https://soundcloud.com/phillc/walking-each-other-home-ram-dass-and-mirabai-bush-book-launch/s-cSqUN