Ram Dass
Born Richard Alpert, Ram Dass was a Harvard psychologist turned spiritual teacher after a transformative journey to India in the 1960s. Under the guidance of Neem Karoli Baba, he became a key figure in introducing Eastern spirituality to the West. His seminal book, Be Here Now, combined psychedelic exploration with Hindu philosophy, launching a spiritual counterculture movement. Known for his warmth, humor, and depth, Ram Dass continued to teach about love, service, and mindfulness until his death in 2019. His legacy includes decades of writing, lectures, and activism rooted in compassion, spiritual inquiry, and living in the present moment.
Part memoir, part spiritual guide, Be Here Now traces Harvard psychologist Richard Alpert’s transformation into Ram Dass after a life-altering trip to India. Blending Eastern philosophy, psychedelic exploration, and yoga teachings, the book offers a path to mindfulness and enlightenment. Its iconic illustrations and free-form structure embody its message of living in the present moment. Ram Dass emphasizes love, surrender, and the inner journey, encouraging readers to release ego and awaken to higher consciousness. A seminal work in 1970s counterculture, it remains a deeply influential text for spiritual seekers, mindfulness practitioners, and open-hearted wanderers alike.