In 'Be Here Now', Ram Dass takes readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery through spirituality and mindfulness. The book blends Eastern philosophy with Western thought, inviting readers to embrace the present moment. Through vivid illustrations and poignant anecdotes, Dass shares the wisdom he gained from his experiences with Hindu gurus and psychedelic exploration. Each page urges you to shed your past and future worries, unveiling the beauty of now. This compelling guide challenges you to awaken to your true self and live life fully.
By Ram Dass
Published: 1971
""The mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.""
Beloved guru Ram Dass tells the story of his spiritual awakening and gives you the tools to take control of your life in this “counterculture bible” (The New York Times) featuring powerful guidance on yoga, meditation, and finding your true self. When Be Here Now was first published in 1971, it filled a deep spiritual emptiness, launched the ongoing mindfulness revolution, and established Ram Dass as perhaps the preeminent seeker of the twentieth century. Just ten years earlier, he was known as Professor Richard Alpert. He held appointments in four departments at Harvard University. He published books, drove a Mercedes and regularly vacationed in the Caribbean. By most societal standards, he had achieved great success. . . . And yet he couldn’t escape the feeling that something was missing. Psilocybin and LSD changed that. During a period of experimentation, Alpert peeled away each layer of his identity, disassociating from himself as a professor, a social cosmopolite, and lastly, as a physical being. Fear turned into exaltation upon the realization that at his truest, he was just his inner-self: a luminous being that he could trust indefinitely and love infinitely. And thus, a spiritual journey commenced. Alpert headed to India where his guru renamed him Baba Ram Dass—“servant of God.” He was introduced to mindful breathing exercises, hatha yoga, and Eastern philosophy. If he found himself reminiscing or planning, he was reminded to “Be Here Now.” He started upon the path of enlightenment, and has been journeying along it ever since. Be Here Now is a vehicle for sharing the true message, and a guide to self-determination.
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“"The mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master."”
Be Here Now
By Ram Dass
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Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert in 1931, was an influential spiritual teacher and author best known for his work in the field of consciousness and spirituality. His landmark book, "Be Here Now," published in 1971, became a classic of both the countercultural and spiritual movements, blending Western psychology with Eastern spirituality. A disciple of the Indian guru Neem Karoli Baba, Ram Dass's writing is characterized by its heartfelt warmth, humor, and deep insight into the human experience. In addition to "Be Here Now," he authored several other notable works including "The Only Dance There Is" and "Miracle of Love," which explore themes of self-awareness, compassion, and the transformative power of love. With a unique mix of personal anecdotes and practical spiritual guidance, Ram Dass inspired countless individuals to embark on their own spiritual journeys.
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