ABOUT RAM DASS
Ram Dass, born as Richard Alpert (April 6, 1931 – December 22, 2019), was an American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author. He is best known for his association with Timothy Leary at Harvard University in the early 1960s, both of whom were dismissed from their professorships for controversial research on the psychedelic substance psilocybin, a type of hallucinogenic mushroom.
After leaving Harvard, Alpert journeyed to India in 1967 where he met the Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba, who gave him the name Ram Dass, meaning "Servant of God." Ram Dass then dedicated his life to exploring spirituality and understanding the mind, the self, and the soul.
Ram Dass is particularly known for his book "Be Here Now" (1971), which has been described as a "counterculture bible." The book, featuring metaphysical and spiritual teachings, combined with autobiographical elements, has sold over two million copies worldwide and continues to be a popular manual for spiritual seekers.
His teachings have influenced Western spirituality significantly, bringing Eastern philosophy and religion to a Western audience. After his stroke in 1997, Ram Dass became a symbol of strength for those dealing with physical difficulties. He passed away at his home in Maui, Hawaii, in December 2019.