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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Ram Dass
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Ram Dass, also known as Baba Ram Dass, was an American spiritual teacher, guru of modern yoga, psychologist, and writer. His best-selling 1971 book Be Here Now, which has been described by multiple reviewers as "seminal", helped popularize Eastern spirituality and yoga in the West. He authored or co-authored twelve more books on spirituality over the next four decades, including Grist for the Mill (1977), How Can I Help? (1985), and Polishing the Mirror (2013).
Be Here Now
by Ram Dass
Books Like Be Here Now
If you're looking for books similar to Be Here Now, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Power of Now
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A transformative guide to spiritual enlightenment that emphasizes living in the present moment. Tolle explores how mental suffering stems from excessive thinking and attachment to past and future. The book offers practical techniques for achieving inner peace and consciousness. It shares Ram Dass's core message of mindfulness and self-awareness. A profound exploration of spiritual awakening and personal transformation.
Journey of Awakening
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A companion work to Be Here Now that further explores spiritual practice and personal transformation. Ram Dass offers deeper insights into meditation, consciousness, and spiritual growth. The book provides practical guidance for spiritual seekers. It expands on the themes introduced in Be Here Now. A comprehensive guide to spiritual exploration and inner understanding.
Autobiography of a Yogi
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A seminal spiritual memoir that chronicles the author's journey through mystical experiences and yogic philosophy. Yogananda shares profound insights into Eastern spiritual practices and the nature of consciousness. The book explores spiritual awakening, meditation, and the connection between science and spirituality. Like Ram Dass, Yogananda bridges Eastern wisdom with Western understanding. A transformative narrative of spiritual discovery and inner exploration.
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A philosophical novel about a young man's spiritual journey in ancient India. Hesse explores the path to self-discovery, enlightenment, and inner peace. The protagonist seeks meaning beyond material success, mirroring Ram Dass's own spiritual transformation. It delves into themes of consciousness, meditation, and personal growth. A timeless exploration of spiritual awakening and self-understanding.
The Untethered Soul
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A guide to inner freedom and spiritual awareness. Singer explores consciousness, meditation, and personal liberation. The book offers practical techniques for releasing mental limitations and experiencing true self. It resonates with Ram Dass's teachings about inner transformation. A powerful exploration of consciousness and personal growth.
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
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A comprehensive guide to understanding life, death, and spiritual practice from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective. Rinpoche offers profound insights into meditation, compassion, and the nature of consciousness. The book provides practical wisdom for living more meaningfully and approaching death with awareness. It shares Ram Dass's emphasis on mindfulness and spiritual growth. A deeply transformative exploration of existence and inner peace.
The Alchemist
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A mystical story about following one's personal legend and spiritual journey. Coelho explores themes of self-discovery, destiny, and inner wisdom. The book emphasizes the importance of listening to one's heart and pursuing spiritual growth. It shares Ram Dass's message of personal transformation and mindfulness. A powerful allegory about finding one's true path in life.
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism
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A profound exploration of spiritual practice and authentic transformation. Trungpa examines the pitfalls of ego in spiritual growth and true path to enlightenment. The book offers deep insights into meditation and consciousness. It shares Ram Dass's commitment to genuine spiritual understanding. A challenging and illuminating approach to spiritual practice.
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A practical guide to mindfulness meditation and living in the present moment. Kabat-Zinn offers accessible techniques for reducing stress and increasing awareness. The book emphasizes the importance of being fully present in each moment, echoing Ram Dass's core teachings. It provides simple, actionable strategies for cultivating mindfulness in daily life. A compassionate approach to personal transformation through meditation.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
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A philosophical exploration of life, quality, and personal understanding. Pirsig blends personal narrative with deep philosophical inquiry about consciousness and meaning. The book examines the relationship between rational and intuitive thinking. It shares Ram Dass's approach to understanding the self and reality. A profound meditation on personal growth and philosophical awareness.
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A daily guide to spiritual practice and personal transformation. Nepo offers meditations and reflections on living more deeply and authentically. The book emphasizes mindfulness, presence, and inner growth. It shares Ram Dass's approach to spiritual exploration and self-understanding. A compassionate guide to daily spiritual practice.
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior
Dan Millman
A spiritual novel that explores personal transformation and the journey of self-discovery. The book follows a young athlete's spiritual awakening through encounters with a mysterious mentor. Millman blends Eastern philosophy with practical life lessons about consciousness and personal growth. It shares Ram Dass's themes of spiritual exploration and inner transformation. A compelling narrative of spiritual and personal development.
The Seat of the Soul
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A transformative book about spiritual growth and conscious evolution. Zukav explores the concept of authentic power and spiritual transformation. The book offers insights into personal development and expanding consciousness. It shares Ram Dass's emphasis on inner growth and spiritual awareness. A guide to understanding deeper levels of personal and spiritual existence.
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An exploration of shamanic wisdom and spiritual healing practices. Calderon shares insights from traditional spiritual traditions about consciousness and personal transformation. The book offers a deep dive into alternative spiritual practices and inner exploration. It resonates with Ram Dass's approach to spiritual awakening. A profound journey into mystical understanding and personal growth.
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