Ep. 186 (Part 2 of 2) | In this lively, mind and heart-opening conversation, Miranda Macpherson, contemporary spiritual teacher and author, shares the extraordinary wisdom she has gained from experience—both from the initial life-changing transmission of boundless love she received in Ramana Maharshi’s cave, and from the subsequent need for integration of the deeper truths that were revealed upon being called back “down the mountain,” back to the West to teach and serve. For her, the trick of navigating ordinary life without reconstructing an ego boiled down to three words: What’s needed now?

Miranda discusses how to show up in the world of today and not let resistance to right action win. “Wake up and love,” she offers. “Take inventory, ask, is there anything in the way of me being openhearted and awake in this moment?” She explains a practice she developed called ego relaxation, emphasizes the power of devotion—the source of strength, love, courage, and motivation—and shares several of the key questions she asks herself in her own practice to keep her receptive to existential grace. Miranda’s inspiring teachings are infused with her foundational sense of divine benevolence; “Grace is alive!” she tells us. And being human, we can embody grace; we can become “grace delivery devices.” Recorded November 1, 2024.

“Being human is a grace delivery device.”

• After the ascent the descent; "coming down the mountain" (01:28)
• The power of devotion (04:12)
• A mantra carries with it the love, spiritual energy, and devotion of countless beings before us (06:28)
• The power of pilgrimages (08:58)
• Miranda’s practice now: Can I open my heart to all the suffering, let it be understood more completely, and be transformed? (12:22)
• Wake up and love: ask "Is there anything in the way of me being openhearted and awake in the now?" (15:44)
• Practicing with our blind spots (18:46)
• Multitasking is a disaster for spiritual practice (20:22)
• Ramana Maharshi’s transmission in the cave: Be nothing, do nothing, get nothing… be as you are. Rest in God. (22:24)
• Ego relaxation as a practice (23:40)
• Showing up and resting in God at the same time (26:50)
• The divine dance—here we are, learning how to be the best human beings we can be (30:41)
• The divine force always brings forth what is needed, but the gate is humility and surrender (34:24)
• What helps us into a posture of humility? (35:39)
• Appreciating Roger Walsh: do-er and be-er, curious and humble (38:15)
• Being human is a “grace delivery device;” embodying grace—grace is alive! (40:35)
• The importance of yes, of thank you (43:38)

• Miranda’s website: MirandaMacpherson.com, The Living Grace Global Sangha
• Miranda Macpherson, The Way of Grace: The Transforming Power of Ego Relaxation
• A. H....