Noah Hoffeld

REMEMBERING RAM DASS
(An updated post from 2019)

This week marks the 4th anniversary of Baba Ram Dass’ death. As students, we basked in his giant embrace of love and wisdom. He died at the age of 88, or ‘left the body,’ as it’s said in India, the spirit enduring. His presence is palpable still, as is the grief many feel in his absence.

Ram Dass’s central message was simple: the work we do on ourselves is the greatest gift we can give others. He taught his audiences and readers to live with awareness of everything they did in daily life, honored each person’s inner calling, and guided each one to listen closely to their own soft still voice within. Baba made no rules, and there was no contract to sign.

Baba meant many things to many people. For some, he was a consummate 60’s iconoclast, and popularizer of L*D with Timothy Leary. His blockbuster bestseller Be Here Now was a gateway into Eastern thought and practice, becoming a guide for thousands’ inner work. He opened other doors too- exposed to his teachings, some became rabbis, Buddhist nuns, and priests.

Meeting Ram Dass changed my own life forever. I was in a life crisis when a generous friend, Sruti Ram, gave me RD’s number. Baba spoke to me, getting me on a road to healing. I’ll never forget how he wove his own story into our dialogue, and I was awe-struck that someone of his stature would reveal his own intimate experience. He told me he’d suffered a massive stroke and, while on the precipice of death, had gravitated towards worldly concerns, not towards God. As one who had lived and taught others the primacy of spirit over matter, he was crestfallen.

Many years before, he had begun his journey. On a wintery night in 1961, when the then Richard Alpert first took psilocybin, he became attuned to how we Westerners are conditioned to be ‘somebodies’ and to identify with the roles we’re taught to play.

He watched his own roles dissolve into thin air- the professor, pilot, son, cellist. Even his body vanished. He remained as witnessing awareness itself. That Presence, the experiencer of all phenomena, came as a life-changing revelation to him. That first experience was a critical one, but over time he came to understand that psychedelics could provide only short glimpses of reality, not lasting liberation. Wishing to transcend the ups and downs of chemicals and find true freedom, he traveled to the East.

In India, he found his guru Neem Karoli Baba, known as Maharajji, a miracle-working saint with a ubiquitous plaid blanket. In him, he also met an ancient philosophy which validated his experiences- we are not the body, not the roles we play, and not the stories we believe ourselves to be.

Maharaji renamed him Ram Dass, meaning ‘Servant of God.’ He showed RD, and the cohort of young Americans who followed him to India, a radical vision of what humans can be: when we dissolve our identification with who we think we are, we rest as the pure Loving Awareness we TRULY are.

Ram Dass came back to America with techniques for cultivating awareness and loosening the grip of the ego. But if he was a transmitter of Eastern teachings, he was equally a beacon of Maharaji’s own energy, emanating the powerful loving essence of his teacher. Although he was still working on himself and could be angry and difficult, thousands had redemptive experiences with him, lifting them into greater self-awareness, forgiveness, and joy, and inspiring them to help those around them and the World at large.

The first time I met Baba face to face, we argued. Twelve years after that initial phone call, I was with him for a personal retreat. I had begun to experience a larger sense of awareness in my life, but it was punctuated by my usual worries and neuroses. I couldn’t find a solution anywhere, so I decided to call on Ram Dass. I traveled to his home on Maui, where he’d been marooned since the stroke, excited to share and to thank him for the help he’d given me years before. However, when I explained the situation to him, he said “It’s not real. It’s your ego,” and suggested I get a second opinion from another teacher. I was crushed.

Somehow, I pulled myself together with the help of my partner. And somehow, during our talks together, Baba harnessed my pain to open a door inside me. As the days passed, I came to know a part of me I had never known. My walled-off heart, separated from joy since the traumatic loss of my mother in childhood, opened. Once again, it was RD’s sharing of his own story that proved pivotal.

“I’m gay, I’m gay, I’m gay.” Baba told me the thought had swirled in his mind since his teens. A teacher had ridiculed him for wrestling with another boy in the locker room and, ever since, the stigma had stayed with him, causing him profound anxiety and alienation. But in meeting Maharaji, it began to fade. The inner space around the thought grew so large that he now identified as the space itself, not as the thinker inside. He was able to enjoy who he was, including his sexuality, and to love himself and others more fully.

As Ram Dass told me his story, a tangible hum filled the room, as if the house were going to lift off, and the photos of Maharaji on the wall began to glow. “We’re under Maharaji’s blanket,” Ram Dass whispered conspiratorially, like a kid lighting a firecracker. “Go into your heart, and repeat the words, ‘I am loving awareness, I am loving awareness, I am loving awareness.’ Move your attention from your mind to the spiritual heart. Loving awareness, loving awareness, loving awareness…” My body hummed with a comfort I didn’t normally enjoy, and I was no longer identified with the Noah Hoffeld I’d thought I was. Instead, I was inhabiting a soft, cushy Love-Field all around me and within me.

RD looked me in the eyes and said, “Now where’s the trauma?”

* * *

Returning home from the retreat, life was forever changed. As if RD had reorganized my cells, I experienced a state of alignment with myself and the world. I felt connected to loving awareness itself, less strapped to limiting notions of who I’d thought myself to be, and I had a new capacity for experiencing joy. Though over time this sensation could fade, it could also be rekindled by doing the loving awareness practice. I went back to Baba’s house two more times for retreats in the following years to learn more and nourish what he’d shared. Although I was angry at him after the teacher he’d recommended disagreed with his assessment, the anger was soon consumed by the always-unfolding healing he’d given me. In hindsight, I see this healing as the effect of Maharaji’s grace, who said to his followers, “Love is the strongest medicine.”

As years passed, RD’s anger faded as well. The stroke forced him to become dependent on others, and softened him. He became a pioneer of conscious aging, and his phrase “We’re all just walking each other home” conveyed a deep trust in the spiritual nature of human experience, and in the power of friendship and community.

He manifested more and more of what those who knew Maharaji said was Maharaji himself. At the last gathering in 2019, he exuded a luminosity which filled every space he entered, from the pavilion at the retreat, to the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, a huge venue. A feeling of tender, unconditional love suffused the halls, and it’s hard to describe the depth of peace that was present.

A couple of weeks later, Baba left his body. He was at home and passed peacefully. The grief in our community was deep, but so was the joy at his leaving behind his long-suffering body, worn by twenty two years in a wheelchair. After all the transformation he underwent, and all he shared with the world, we know where he is now….

Home.

To learn more about Ram Dass and/or Maharaji visit Ram Dass, Love Serve Remember and have a wonderful day.

It was amazing to play with Natalie Merchant at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock last week! We did two nights- both benefits for victims of domestic abuse.

From right are: Amy Helm, Gail Ann Dorsey of Bowie band fame (an incredible singer herself), Natalie Merchant, Dan Littleton on guitar, me on cello and Olivier Manchon on viola. Not seen are Megan Gould (Friday night) and Karen Waltuch (Saturday) on violin.

Other amazing artists included Martha Wainright and Kate Pierson from the B52’s.

And a big wow- Charley Drayton on drums from Dylan’s band, The Rolling Stones, etc.

A very inspiring experience to work with these incredible artists, in such a great venue with so much history.

Their songs are still sounding in my ears one week later.

Have a great one people. 🙏

Beautiful photo by Bahram Foroughi

I’m looking forward to playing with Natalie Merchant and co. this weekend in a benefit for victims of domestic violence, at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. The shows are sold out but there will be livestreams of both nights. You can watch the videos for a week after they air after you purchase. Only $15 and It’s a great cause! ❤️ Here are the links:

Friday https://viddd.co/v/PNqGgK
Saturday https://viddd.co/v/mKjdVN

Stay well everybody.

‘Twas lovely being part of the orchestra this week, recording the music of Franco Ambrosetti with John Scofield, Peter Erskine et al.

I loved being with cello buddies , and ! The best the best the best. ❤️🎻

The arrangements and conducting by were sublime. If you’d like to listen, you can hear the first volume of this music on your fave platform ‘Nora’ by Ambrosetti. You will relax in a deep way.

Have a great weekend people.

While I was really pleased with how things went this year, I don’t love how we’re all being rallied to think in numbers.

For me, the creative act is sacred, and I want to see my connection to it through a different lens- qualitatively, not quantitatively.

Making art was never about numbers, unless you’re doing painting by numbers :)

Love to all you artists, no matter your medium or genre. May 2024 be a year of creation, and rejoicing in what you came here to do.
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Did I tell you about when and I were roommates in Kazakhstan? Once upon a time we journeyed to a land far far away to play with the incredible Tibetan singing nun under the direction of the incredible .

I could tell you many stories about the experiences we had there- some really far out! But it’d be best to do that in person, so ask me sometime :)

I’m thrilled to be playing more with Steve up in the mountains these days. We’ll see where the next adventures lie….

My song Born For America turns one year old, with beautiful video by Piotr Redliński. ‘Born’ expresses the tension between the potential for equality for all people, and the reality we see today.

Born For America has done well- over 100K spins- several thousand people have added it to their own playlists and libraries. Thank you people for all you do!

Mark Plati coproduced the song with me, as well as played bass and guitar. His mix makes the track soar. If you’re looking for a serious partner for a project, you’ll find no greater than Mark. Doug Yowell plays incredible drums. I play piano, keyboards and sing. We did it all remotely during lockdown.

Take care and remember to love up your neighbor. We’re the only ones who can make the change we want to see, and it’s gotta start in our own hearts and minds.

You can hear the song and Mobile Home album in the link 🔗 in the comments below. 🙏🏻

Noah Hoffeld - "Born For America" (Official Music Video) Would love to know what you think of "Born For America". Your opinion counts so please share in the comments below.Listen to "Born For America" here:https://...

Can’t wait to play with incredible partners in sound Arjun Bruggeman and Steve Gorn in New Paltz on 11/11. These guys move me in ways unwordable. if you’re around, we’d love to share the moment with you.

There’s nothing like playing music with friends you love. The last time we met as a trio was during lockdown, in a tent far far away. Seems like another lifetime….

Can’t wait to play this Sunday with the great Genevieve Walker in Bolinas, CA. The concert will be at 3pm at St Aidan’s Church. Please write me if you’d like a ticket- limited seating!

Gen and I have been playing duo together for a year now, both in concert and at retreats. An album is in the works!

Here’s Gen’s beautiful album which I’m part of

https://genevievewalker.bandcamp.com/album/home-songs

Looking forward to playing with the wonderful this Friday in Kingston NY. If you’re in the area come by and hang with us! Here's a video of a recent performance! https://youtu.be/FKE4C2UNptU?si=QLQI7swYSU4kq420

Sending love out into the Universe. 🙏🏻

I’m honored to be part of the new album by Sarah Fimm, produced by the incredible David Baron. Sarah is a gifted songwriter and pianist and I’m delighted David captured this musical moment with such beauty. You can find Okeanos and all of Sarah’s work at https://sarahfimm.bandcamp.com. Have a beautiful weekend. ❤️🙏🏻

Great days with Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers and producer extraordinaire David Baron -recording cello for Jeremiah's amazing new instrumental music. It's an honor and a deep learning for me, watching these two maestros work.

Jeremiah's first instrumental album, Piano Piano is beautiful, evocative and haunting. Have a listen to it on your fave platform!

Looking forward to sharing this with all of you when it releases....

Have a beautiful one 🌍

Thank you for the beaut review of my album and its title track, Mobile Home. Grateful for all they say here:

“insightful social and environmental commentary, delivered through an eclectic mix of art, alternative, glam, and synth rock with pop sensibilities.”

“The track’s infectious chorus, intricate arrangement, and thought-provoking theme make it irresistibly addictive and beautifully haunting.

Noah’s ability to seamlessly combine emotional depth with musical ingenuity is on full display here, making this track a true gem.”

Read the full review and listen to the music at www.linktr.ee/noahhoffeld

And have a beautiful day. ❤️

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Amazing to record cello for the great Donna Lewis a new song co-created with her very gifted son, along with the sure hand of at his sun mountain studios.

Donna’s music is always stunning, but I found this new beauty to be especially so. You may already know her smash hit I Love You Always Forever and other beauties.

I’m looking forward to sharing with you all.

Snaps by Donna 📸

Proud to be the cello layers of this beautiful new release by

Collis says: Today I'm releasing "Of
Hammers & Walls" it's a really important meditation on masculinity and the roles we take on and the masking we do in relation to these oppressive identities.

This song is intensely personal and tries to show the pain of being a Pretty Boy in the face of toxic masculinity

Voice piano and production by Collis Browne with additional strings production by with cello by and violin by Cover photo by Art direction by

Listen everywhere and have a beautiful restful weekend.

🏳️‍🌈

It was truly great to see Jimmy In Saigon with its composer John McDowell (that’s us👇🏻). We recorded his stunning cello parts for the film from my studio remotely during lockdown.

‘Jimmy’ has been winning all kinds of awards at LGBTQIA festivals and others around the world. It’s an amazingly heartbreaking and hopeful film. I was laughing and crying a lot. Check it out!

Have a beautiful weekend, people. 💕

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Warning! embracing the unknown can create small miracles. Last week I spoke to the great producer David Baron about visiting his studio. He said come by today! Sarah Fimm is recording here and maybe she’d like a lil cello.

I’d never met Sarah and there we were face to face. David played back an incredible new ballad by Sarah and boom! They sat me down to add some sounds. After that, she and I improvised together to tape with David on electronics. I can’t wait to hear and share.

Embrace the unknown and have a beautiful day. Let me know what happens!

Photos: me by Sarah. Sarah’s most recent album cover. Sputnik the great doggie. David’s grand.

I’m very proud to have played cello on this gorgeous new release in support of the trans community in Brazil. Listen on your fave platform here https://lab344.lnk.to/VozesTransBryanSentiRework

My friend the incredible Bryan Senti reworked the song by amazing artists- Patricia Marx and

I highly recommend giving this song a listen! It’s very beautiful and unique.

Beautiful bass by Spencer Zahn and astounding mix by

Big shout out to WCCA TV 194 "The People's Channel" in MA for featuring my music in their awesome Video Jam. The show airs tomorrow, June 19 at 9pm on cable and online everywhere. 🌍

You can watch last week’s episode which headlined my ‘Born For America’ video by the great Piotr Redliński here https://www.wccatv.com/video/video-jam/videojam-1226

As with some other songs that have been mistaken or misused for hateful propaganda, Born For America shouldn’t be misconstrued- its a rallying call for justice in this country of ours, a nation which holds so much promise for ALL beings, not just the few.

Be Love. Choose Love. ❤️

Photo by Gretchen Robinette

I'm thrilled to be part of an amazing Cello Series at Matagiri Woodstock, beginning this weekend with the incredible Dale Henderson, founder of Bach in the Subways, described by Yo-Yo Ma as “a very gifted musician, a natural cellist.”

On Saturday at 8pm Dale will perform Bach Solo Cello Suites 1, 2 and 3. Reservations here https://matagiri.org/events

Then on Sunday the 28th at 4, my good friend, beautiful percussionist Arjun Bruggeman and I will perform a concert of improvised music for cello, tablas and more.

If you're in the area, we hope to see you there! Tickets for all concerts here https://matagiri.org/events

Have a beautiful 🎻 day....