Episodes

  • Ep. 191 – Trauma, Healing & Permission to Start Over

    Ep. 191 – Trauma, Healing & Permission to Start Over
    Apr 1 2026
    Krishna Das shares wisdom on overcoming trauma, transforming negative patterns, and continually beginning again in the grace of the present moment.This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das offers down-to-earth advice on:The incredible life of Garchen Rinpoche, a Tibetan Lama who spent 20 years in prison and labor camps in Communist China Overcoming trauma & tragedy with gratitude for the present moment Holding beings we have lost in our hearts and helping their spirit through prayerNegative thought patterns and the stories we tell ourselves Liberating the mind from suffering through practice Remembering that we can always start again and create better habitsFinding the quiet space within ourselves that is non-reactive Naturally arising compassion and not taking things too personallyCheck out this free documentary on Garchen Rinpoche, For the Benefit of All Beings. About Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.MORE INFORMATION and OFFERINGS VISIT: https://krishnadas.com/ KRISHNA DAS ON SOCIAL: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KrishnaDasMusic INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/krishnadasmusic YOUTUBE: / krishnadasmusic X: @krishnadas #KrishnaDas"Our emotions are like clouds. We can't see the sun when we're stuck in our emotions. But has the sun gone anywhere? Have we gone anywhere? It is our minds that create the suffering and our minds that liberate us from suffering. You will always be right here where you are every minute. So how do we free ourselves? Practice. It's not about being high, having bliss or love all the time; it's about dealing with what's here. We can always start again." –Krishna DasSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep. 190 – The Essence of Karma

    Ep. 190 – The Essence of Karma
    Feb 27 2026

    Exploring the essence of karma, Krishna Das explains how conscious spiritual practice and selfless living can transform the patterns that guide our incarnation.

    Check out Krishna Das’s book and CDs, Flow of Grace, for an expansive explanation of the Hanuman Chalisa and more!

    This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das gives wisdom on:

    • The essence of karma and the seeds that we plant for the future
    • Individual karma, global karma, cultural karma and ancestral karma
    • Transforming our reactions to all that arises in the moment
    • What perpetuates negative karma
    • The spiritual law of cause and effect: how love generates love, anger generates anger, and intention shapes reality
    • Knowing that we are here in this incarnation for a reason
    • The many forms that spiritual practice can come in and finding what resonates with you
    • How to live selflessly and cultivate compassion, even when feeling lost or searching for meaning

    "Every action, every thought, is a karma which has an effect at one point or another. Whatever it is right now is a result of the past of our own karmas, the karmas of the world, the karmas of our culture, our family, and our own particular personal stuff. That can't be changed because it is here, it's in the moment. What can be changed is how


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Ep. 189 – Maharaj-ji Behind the Scenes

    Ep. 189 – Maharaj-ji Behind the Scenes
    Feb 6 2026
    Discussing the divine mystery of Maharaj-ji, Krishna Das explains all of the spiritual workings that are going on ‘behind the scenes’ of our daily lives, bringing us exactly where we need to be.This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das explores:How Maharaj-ji works in our lives, often without us directly noticing When Maharaj-ji sent Krishna Das back to America The moment that Krishna Das ‘got with the program’ and realized he had to chant with others in order to purify his own heartServing Maharaj-ji through being true to oneself and figuring out what we want out of lifeDoing activities that bring one closer to peace and compassionTurning inward and getting to the root of depression and unhappinessSeeing Hanuman and Jesus Christ as one in the sameFreeing ourselves from egoistic suffering Grab a copy of KD’s favorite version of the Ramayana HERE!“Finally, I blurted out, ‘Maharaj-ji, how can I serve you in America?’ Now come on, I wasn’t at all concerned with how I was going to serve. I was concerned with how I was going to live in America. He looked like he bit a pickle. That’s when he said, ‘Asking about service, then it’s not service. Just do what you want.’ So what did he mean…you can help people, you can do many things to help, but Maharaj-ji was saying that I had to figure out what I wanted and that would be a service to him.” –Krishna DasAbout Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.MORE INFORMATION and OFFERINGS VISIT: https://krishnadas.com/ KRISHNA DAS ON SOCIAL: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KrishnaDasMusic INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/krishnadasmusic YOUTUBE: / krishnadasmusic X: @krishnadas #KrishnaDasSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep. 188 – Suffering & Self-Created Stories

    Ep. 188 – Suffering & Self-Created Stories
    Jan 8 2026

    Guiding us toward balance, connection, and freedom from suffering, Krishna Das explores letting go of our numerous self-created stories.

    This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das responds to questions on:

    • Devotional literature and poetry
    • What to do when feelings of boredom arise during practice
    • Using pain as an object of awareness
    • How mantra practice helps us remain balanced in daily life
    • Detaching from our thoughts and feelings rather than identifying with them
    • Freeing ourselves from the stories we tell ourselves, about ourselves
    • The difference between letting go and pushing away
    • The illusion of separation and how recognizing our connection to all beings releases us from suffering

    Check out this Tibetan devotional poem mentioned by Krishna Das, Life Beyond Time

    “When there is a lot of physical pain, it is really hard to be present, which is why they always say practice when you can. It is inevitable that people get sick and suffer and die. People we know will get sick, suffer, and die, and we’re going to have to deal with those situations. We must find a way to live everyday in the best way we can.” –Krishna Das


    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ep. 187 – 50 Years of Devotion

    Ep. 187 – 50 Years of Devotion
    Dec 17 2025

    Drawing on over five decades of devotional practice, Krishna Das offers down-to-earth spiritual guidance for beginners and seasoned seekers alike.

    This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das gives wisdom on:

    • The miracles that happen around enlightened beings
    • How to cleanse and open the heart by letting go of old patterns
    • Krishna Das’ lifelong journey of awakening, surrender, and trusting life’s unfolding
    • Preparing the heart for prema-bhakti—the experience of real, unconditional love
    • Learning to trust yourself and discovering what’s truly right for your unique spiritual path
    • Moving away from the ego and going further into our true nature
    • Seeing the guru in everyone and living with less fear, doubt, and mistrust
    • Remembering the essential truth of impermanence—nothing lasts forever, not even suffering

    About Krishna Das:

    Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.

    KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.

    MORE INFORMATION and OFFERINGS VISIT: https://krishnadas.com/ KRISHNA DAS ON SOCIAL: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KrishnaDasMusic INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/krishnadasmusic YOUTUBE: / krishnadasmusic X: @krishnadas #KrishnaDas

    “In those days, my heart was full of many things that the last 50 years have flushed out—sometimes, against my will. I didn’t want to let go of things, but you have to.” –Krishna Das

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Ep. 186 – Bowing at the Feet of God

    Ep. 186 – Bowing at the Feet of God
    Oct 23 2025
    Through soulful insights on detaching from the ego and expanding the heart, Krishna Das reminds us that surrender is not defeat, it’s the deepest devotion to God.Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das gives wisdom on:Listening to the heart and paying attention to our motivationsWhy Krishna Das started to chant with people rather than aloneWhat surrendering means in spiritual life: bowing at the feet of GodRemembering that everything is all grace, but acting like it isn’tLoneliness and how feeling alone comes from within our own belief of separateness rather than physical closeness to other peopleGrief and longing for the things we do not haveRefining oneself through eliminating the parts of our lives that do not workNavigating morals in practice when a spiritual teacher has been denounced Keeping our hearts open and engaging with life fully regardless of our quickly passing feelingsGet a copy of Krishna Das’s book, Chants of a Lifetime, to hear more stories about his chanting epiphany.Plus, grab this FREE download of The Divine Reality for stories of Neem Karoli Baba.“If we were ripe, if we were ready, if we were fully cooked, the moment we heard that, there would be nothing going on in our heads except the name. But we are not ripe, our lives are very busy, our minds are very distracted, so let's do the best we can to remember the name until the point that the name remembers us and it repeats itself within us.” – Krishna DasAbout Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.MORE INFORMATION and OFFERINGS VISIT: https://krishnadas.com/ KRISHNA DAS ON SOCIAL: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KrishnaDasMusic INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/krishnadasmusic YOUTUBE: / krishnadasmusic X: @krishnadas #KrishnaDas“Over the years I’ve done lots of stuff, I’ve gotten in as much trouble as humanely possible, and I’m still here. So, that’s the most important thing, find out what you want and pursue it. If it’s not working, keep going, keep fine-tuning. How else will you find yourself except to eliminate everything that does not work?” – Krishna DasSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    48 mins
  • Ep. 185 – Spiritual Practices for Fear, Anxiety, and Overthinking

    Ep. 185 – Spiritual Practices for Fear, Anxiety, and Overthinking
    Sep 30 2025
    Krishna Das explores how spiritual practices like chanting and loving-kindness can calm anxiety and free the mind from the trap of overthinking.Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This time on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das shares his thoughts on:Maharaj-ji, beyond the physical formDiscovering the guru’s presence everywhereOur limited, human way of conceptualizing GodSpiritual life and relieving suffering in ourselves and others Loving people as they are while still being able to set boundaries when necessaryThe challenge of leaving relationships after they’ve served their karmic purposeAllowing the mind to settle and becoming accustomed to the feeling of letting goThe illusion of control and the ridiculousness of trying to control othersFinding ways to give ourselves a break and ways to show ourselves kindnessWhy we practice: feeling the suffering of the world without letting it destroy usOffering loving kindness to those we are struggling to acceptPracticing the Hanuman Chalisa as a coping mechanism and a way to change karmaAbout Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.MORE INFORMATION and OFFERINGS VISIT: https://krishnadas.com/ KRISHNA DAS ON SOCIAL: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KrishnaDasMusic INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/krishnadasmusic YOUTUBE: / krishnadasmusic X: @krishnadas #KrishnaDas“Let the mind settle a little bit, get used to the feeling of letting go. Thoughts will cut you up, cut your mind up. Just keep practicing, letting go, that’s what we can do. If we don’t do it, we’re constantly going to be the target of our own anxiety and fear. We have to do some letting go.” – Krishna DasSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Ep. 184 – The Heart of Healing: Lessons on Love and Personal Responsibility

    Ep. 184 – The Heart of Healing: Lessons on Love and Personal Responsibility
    Sep 4 2025
    Encouraging listeners to take responsibility for their own inner healing, Krishna Das discusses cleansing the heart of betrayal, hurt, and grief.Today’s podcast is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/beherenow and get on your way to being your best self.This week on Pilgrim Heart, Krishna Das provides wisdom on:Meeting Anandamayi Ma and what it means to have darshan with a guru Accepting people as they are and loving unconditionallyRecognizing where we really are on our spiritual journey so that we can see where our work liesHow all things are accomplished through the repetition of the name Navigating parental relationships and seeing our parents as people instead of only parentsTaking responsibility to cleanse our hearts of betrayal, hurt, and painPracticing seva (selfless service) and offering love to the world around usHolding grief with compassion and allowing ourselves to move through it with careSimplifying our practice: treating others the way we want to be treated How Maharaj-ji scoffed at superficiality and preferred authentic practice, even if it wasn’t meditationAbout Krishna Das:Layering traditional Hindu kirtan with instantly accessible melodies and modern instrumentation, Grammy nominee Krishna Das has been called yoga’s “rock star.” With a remarkably soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, Krishna Das – known to friends, family, and fans as simply KD – has taken the call-and-response chanting out of yoga centers and into concert halls, becoming a worldwide icon and the best-selling chant artist of all time. His album ‘Live Ananda’ (released January 2012) was nominated for a Grammy in the Best New Age album category.KD spent the late ’60s traveling across the country as a student of Ram Dass, and in August 1970, he finally made the journey to India, which led him to Ram Dass’ own beloved guru, Neem Karoli Baba, known to most as Maharaj-ji. Krishna Das now travels the world sharing his kirtan practice and wonderful stories of his life, of Maharaji-ji, of his life on the Path and discusses bringing chanting into our lives through retreats and workshops. To date, KD has released 15 well-received albums, most recently Trust in the Heart released in October 2017.MORE INFORMATION and OFFERINGS VISIT: https://krishnadas.com/ KRISHNA DAS ON SOCIAL: FACEBOOK: facebook.com/KrishnaDasMusic INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/krishnadasmusic YOUTUBE: / krishnadasmusic X: @krishnadas #KrishnaDas “Our relationship with our parents can be very difficult. We don’t know our parents as people; we only know them as our parents. We don’t know how many times their hearts were broken. We don’t know how their parents treated them. We don’t know what they’ve gone through that made them into the person they are now...When your parents lay a trip on you, if you get caught in reacting, that's your problem, not theirs. They are allowed to be who they are.” – Krishna DasSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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    1 hr and 21 mins