Ram Dass

Ram Dass (born Richard Alpert; April 6, 1931 – December 22, 2019), also known as Baba Ram Dass, was an American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author. His best known book, Be Here Now (1971), has been described as "seminal," and helped popularize Eastern spirituality and yoga with the baby boomer generation in the West. He is also known for his travels to India and his relationship with the Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba.

Ram Dass was a key figure in the psychedelic movement of the 1960s, and his work with Timothy Leary at Harvard University on the Harvard Psilocybin Project is well known. He was fired from Harvard in 1963 for giving psilocybin to an undergraduate student, and later traveled to India where he met Neem Karoli Baba, who became his guru.

After returning to the United States, Ram Dass continued to teach and write about spirituality, psychology, and personal growth. He founded the Hanuman Foundation and the Seva Foundation, and was a co-founder of the spiritual community known as the Love Serve Remember Foundation. He also taught at the Naropa Institute and the Omega Institute, and was a frequent guest on Oprah Winfrey's television show.

Ram Dass passed away on December 22, 2019, at the age of 88. He left behind a rich legacy of teachings and writings that continue to inspire and guide people around the world. His message of love, compassion, and spiritual awakening has touched the lives of millions, and his work continues to be a source of wisdom and inspiration for generations to come.

Teachings

Ram Dass's teachings are rooted in the spiritual traditions of India, particularly Advaita Vedanta and Bhakti Yoga. He emphasized the importance of self-inquiry, mindfulness, and compassion in the spiritual path, and encouraged his students to cultivate a deep connection with their inner selves and with the divine.

One of Ram Dass's central teachings was the idea of "being here now," which he described as the practice of living fully in the present moment and embracing life as it is. He believed that true spiritual awakening comes from letting go of the past and the future, and learning to be fully present in the here and now.

Ram Dass also taught about the power of love and compassion in spiritual practice, and the importance of cultivating a heart-centered approach to life. He often spoke about the transformative power of love in healing relationships, overcoming fear and suffering, and connecting with the divine.

Legacy

Ram Dass's teachings have had a profound impact on the spiritual landscape of the West, and his work continues to be widely read and studied by people around the world. His message of love, compassion, and spiritual awakening has inspired generations of seekers and spiritual practitioners, and his books and lectures remain popular among those interested in Eastern spirituality and personal growth.

In addition to his written works, Ram Dass's legacy lives on through the Love Serve Remember Foundation, which continues to promote his teachings and support spiritual communities around the world. His message of love, compassion, and spiritual awakening continues to resonate with people of all ages and backgrounds, and his work remains a beacon of light and wisdom in a world that is often dark and troubled.

Ram Dass's passing in 2019 marked the end of an era, but his teachings and his spirit live on in the hearts and minds of those who have been touched by his wisdom and his love. His legacy is a testament to the power of love, compassion, and spiritual awakening, and a reminder that the path to enlightenment is open to all who seek it with an open heart and a willing spirit.

Remember, be here now.