Ram Dass shares his journey from privileged child to renegade Harvard psychedelics researcher to beloved spiritual icon, set against a backdrop of sweeping cultural change.
Ram Dass (1931-2019) means "Servant of God." Born Richard Alpert,
he was the founder of the Love Serve Remember Foundation and a
cofounder of the Seva Foundation, the Dying Project, and the Prison
Ashram Project. He is the author of the spiritual classic Be Here
Now and many other books. Learn more at ramdass.org.
Rameshwar Das met Ram Dass in 1968. Ramesh has collaborated with
Ram Dass on many projects, most recently as coauthor of Be Love Now
and Polishing the Mirror.
"A comprehensive memoir from a famous but humble spiritual seeker."
--Kirkus Reviews "More than an account of one man's fantastic
voyage, Being Ram Dass is an account of America..." --The East
Hampton Star
"Throughout the book [BEING RAM DASS], he [Ram Dass] is cogent,
warm, and wise; the book provides a glimpse into an extraordinary
life as well as a historical moment, one that continues to
resonate." --The Boston Globe "Being Ram Dass is a profound journey
into the heart and soul of one of the world's most beloved
spiritual leaders. Throughout, we are reminded that our
intrinsically loving nature can never be tainted or destroyed."
--Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and Radical
Compassion "Ram Dass is one of the great spiritual masters of our
time, who was at the same time extremely humble, approachable, and
a quintessential storyteller! His stories were all inspiring,
uplifting, and transforming. He also knew how to transcend all
stories and find the highest truth in the pure knowing and love of
just being. This book will be a joyful companion to anyone on the
spiritual journey." --Deepak Chopra, MD, author of Total Meditation
"Being Ram Dass is a wonderful memoir, sharing his life's travels
and journey from Harvard to Bodh Gaya to Kainchi, and all over the
world. Ram Dass became a beloved spiritual guide to so many, and
this book is a reminder of all the ways he impacted our lives.
Love, Serve, Remember . . ." --Sharon Salzberg, author of
Lovingkindness and Real Change "When Ram Dass left this world, he
was eulogized as a 'new age guru.' He was so much more than that,
as all know who were delighted, stretched, and transformed by his
presence, his teaching, and his writing. His imprint was growing on
a new generation at the end of his life, and will continue to do
so. For this was a singular, radiant human being who never stopped
deepening and evolving. As wise and fluent in the language of
intellect as of spirit, of 'fierce grace' as of karma, Ram Dass
embodied the possibilities of consciousness, and of spiritual
evolution, as few have. He is missed, and yet he is still with us.
No surprise that we receive this book, his story, just when we need
it most." --Krista Tippett, founder and CEO, The On Being Project;
host, On Being; curator, The Civil Conversations Project "Ram Dass
is no more. But he has left us a magnificent gift. Honest,
touching, tender, and inspiring, his autobiography takes us on the
journey of the making of an American saint. And what a journey it
was! If you thought you knew Ram Dass, think again. And if you did
not know him, get ready. This book will light up your soul." --Mark
Epstein, MD, author of Thoughts Without a Thinker and The Trauma of
Everyday Life "This is an extraordinary autobiography, one that
totally draws you into the mind and heart of beloved teacher Ram
Dass. The detail he shares about his life is like nothing we have
read before. Truly astounding. A page-turner, this book is a great
treasure house of wisdom, joy, and wonder." --Roshi Joan Halifax,
abbot, Upaya Zen Center "With his playful wit, luminous mind, and
generous heart, Ram Dass lured generations of seekers into the life
of the Soul. I am one of those lucky pilgrims. I met Ram Dass in
the 1970s, when I was a teenager on fire with desire for God. Ram
Dass pointed toward an array of sacred gates--Hinduism, Buddhism,
Sufism, Christian mysticism, mystical Judaism--and beyond the
traditions to what our Guru, Neem Karoli Baba, meant when he would
say, 'Sub ek' (All is One). This confluence of spiritual sources
has permeated my life, giving rise to everything I do and am. This
book, transmitted by Ram Dass in the final years of his life and
beautifully transcribed by Rameshwar Das, is not only a thoroughly
riveting read but also a portal to that boundless wellspring of
love." --Mirabai Starr, author of Caravan of No Despair and Wild
Mercy "This book beautifully chronicles the transformation of a man
into pure love. Ram Dass may have been the greatest spiritual voice
of a generation. Certainly he was its most loving heart." --Frank
Ostaseski, author, The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can
Teach Us about Living Fully "Being Ram Dass is a glorious book
about the transformation of a man born into wealth and privilege
who through the study of psychology, psychedelics, and then
meditation becomes one of the central voices of his generation and
discovers the true gold of spirituality, love, and service. Ram
Dass's autobiography is an exploration of this transformation
filled with profound insights and fascinating stories. Being Ram
Dass is for those interested in and/or stewarding the current
psychedelic renaissance--including those in the burgeoning world of
for-profit psychedelic companies--for those interested in
spirituality and service, and for everyone who simply wants to read
about a unique and inspirational incarnation." --Rick Doblin, PhD,
executive director of MAPS "I'm so grateful that Being Ram Dass has
finally come out. I've been through Polishing the Mirror three
times now and am so eager for more stories of wisdom and insight
from this precious teacher." --Laurie Anderson "A long love letter
and lasting testament from America's Guru, sharing his altered
statesmanship, his ruthless honesty, his ecstatic devotion to
Maharaji, his commitment to love and being present, his quest for
healing humanity body and soul, his journey of aging, including the
hard parts. This is what we adore about our perfectly imperfect
master, leader of the Love Tribe. Now we get to absorb his final
gems of wisdom shared in this life-summation, Being Ram Dass."
--Alex Grey & Allyson Grey "What an utter delight and
heart-bursting pleasure to immerse myself in Ram Dass's
autobiography, Being Ram Dass. To be able to feel so much intimacy
and connection with him this year is like a healing balm for the
uniquely challenging times." --Jamie Catto, director of Becoming
Nobody film "Ram Dass's deep yearning for Truth shines through
every stage of his life in this inspiring and transformational
memoir. His story makes you ask yourself, 'What is the most
important thing in my life and how committed to that am I, really?'
Ruthless self-investigation combined with boundless love for God
and all beings is his answer." --Dale Borglum (Ram Dev), director,
Living/Dying Project "Being Ram Dass is the profound story of one
of the most inspiring souls of our times--a being who held the
torch for all to follow. Lighting the way by acknowledging his own
egoic journey, he moved beyond to embrace the divine and sacred in
every moment. His humor and intellect inspired, while his actions
have uplifted and continue to help so many. His deep love for
everyone is his lasting legacy." --Stephan Rechtschaffen, MD,
founder of Blue Spirit Costa Rica and Omega Institute "The stories
behind the stories of the best storyteller of our generation. With
little veneer or evasion, Ram Dass peels back the layers of his
many lives. We leave his presence enriched, and thankful." --Arthur
Magida, author of Code Name Madeleine: A Sufi Spy in Nazi-Occupied
Paris "Being Ram Dass brings me once again to the feet of my
teacher. His wit and wisdom shine through in this intimate glimpse
into the life of the man who shone so bright as he lit our own
hearts on fire. The depth of my devotion and self-acceptance I owe
to his teachings; reading this book makes me feel like he is still
right here with me, holding my heart with unwavering compassion."
--East Forest, music artist and creator of the Ram Dass album "Ram
Dass's human experience has always been so much part of his
teaching. This narrative is a gift of love to our awakening
humanity. The interaction and interplay between ego and soul and
love is exquisitely articulated." --Ahad Cobb, author of Early Lama
Foundation "As I was growing up and learning how to be a human
being, Ram Dass--his books and his lectures--were my guideposts
along the way. He was able to take what were to me complex Eastern
religious philosophies and make them accessible. And then to meet
and get to know him a bit--and to feel his true self and his
kindness and humor and wisdom--was a gift." --Ben Cohen, founder of
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream
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