Review of Words of Wisdom by Ram Dass

In this blog, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on Words of Wisdom by Ram Dass. As a longtime admirer of Ram Dass, I’ve always appreciated his ability to distill complex spiritual and philosophical ideas into clear, accessible insights. This book, with its fitting subtitle, “Quotations from one of the world’s foremost spiritual teachers,” perfectly captures its essence.

Ram Dass holds a unique place in the world of spirituality, partly due to his background as a former Professor of Psychology. This expertise shines through in his explanations of various spiritual traditions, making his teachings both authoritative and relatable. If you’re interested in learning more about his life, I highly recommend his autobiography, Being Ram Dass. I’ve also written a review of that book, which you can find here:

Themed Chapters

Words of Wisdom is thoughtfully organized into 14 themed chapters, each focusing on a specific topic or tradition. From “Trusting the Present Moment” to “Approaching Death with Less Fear and More Curiosity,” the chapters compile quotes from Ram Dass’s extensive body of work. This structure makes it easy to explore his teachings on subjects that resonate with you.

Favorite Quotes

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

• “As the Tao says, ‘Truth waits for eyes unclouded by longing.’”
• “There is no best or right kind of experience in meditation; each session is as different and unique as each day of your life.”
• “If you can’t stop thinking, can you let your thoughts go by without getting caught up in them? Just as a breath arises and then drifts away, can we let thoughts do the same? You don’t have to see where each breath goes. It’s just the breath coming and going. Allow the thoughts to be the same.”
• “The qualities in yourself determine what qualities are in the world.”
• “You are not holding on anywhere. You’re right here, always in the new existential moment. Moment to moment, it’s a new mind. You just keep giving up your story line.”
• “I myself stand in need of the arms of my own kindness.”

These quotes are just a glimpse of the wisdom packed into this book. Each one offers a profound reflection on life, mindfulness, and spirituality.

Inspiration for Yoga Classes

As a collection of quotes, Words of Wisdom is an excellent resource for yoga teachers looking for themes to incorporate into their classes. I’ve often shared passages from this book during my sessions and have even created meditations inspired by its teachings. Many of my students have been so moved by the quotes that they’ve asked for the book’s details.

Final Thoughts

Words of Wisdom by Ram Dass is a treasure trove of inspiration, perfect for dipping into whenever you need a dose of spiritual insight. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, a student of spirituality, or simply someone seeking wisdom, this book is a must-read. I highly recommend it!

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