Bhagavan Das is an American yogi who in the 1960s spent about six years in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. He is considered one of the pioneers of the kirtan movement in the United States.
A key role
It was he who introduced Richard Alpert, later known as Ram Dass, to his guru, Neem Karoli Baba.
His recommendations
- A daily practice: he rises around 4 a.m. for gentle hatha yoga, chanting and tea. Everyone should find their own routine.
- A simple altar with a form of the divine that speaks to you.
- Repetition: repeat sacred names while walking or with a mala.
- Put spiritual life first, and let the rest fall into place.
- Remember death to live with love and purpose.
The guru as a channel
For Bhagavan Das, the guru is the divine acting through a person, not their personality. And he reminds us there are many unknown saints.
Source: Integral Yoga Magazine – Connecting with the divine.
