Be Here Now

by Ram Dass

4.7(14,185 ratings)

9 min read

Brief overview

This book offers a transformative journey into the nature of consciousness, showing how present-moment awareness can dissolve illusions and deepen compassion. It blends personal experiences, spiritual practices, and contemplative insights to encourage a more open-hearted approach to everyday life.

Introduction

Imagine being pulled into a world where time stands still and every breath you take is in sync with a greater cosmic rhythm. That’s the invitation here: to explore what it means to be fully present and to challenge your own limitations. While personal stories weave through these pages, the message isn’t about one person’s life but a universal human experience—getting free from our own mental traps.

Psychedelic experiences, yoga, and encounters with wise teachers reveal that our daily routines can hide a deeper truth. When we finally quiet all the static in our minds, we catch glimpses of a more expansive reality. But as encouraging as new experiences might feel, they also demand patience and consistent practice. This journey calls for letting go, yet it promises a life more vibrant and honest than we might have imagined.

Every new door we open on this journey leads us closer to the truth within ourselves.

Mind Expansion

Experiments with psychedelics form a central backdrop: they become catalysts for profound changes in perception. While their effects might offer a temporary sense of unity or oneness, the real challenge emerges in holding on to that expanded perspective once the immediate experience fades. The point isn’t to rely on these tools forever, but to use them as glimpses of what’s possible.

When the usual barriers slip away, people often discover a softness in their approach to others, a renewed spark of curiosity, and a strong desire to make every act meaningful. Yet, there is a caution: a taste of elevated consciousness can inspire or unsettle, depending on one’s readiness and environment. Ultimately, it’s the steady unfolding of awareness, not merely a single powerful event, that opens the real gateway to growth.

It’s only when you reside quietly in your own heart that you become the one who sees all, who knows all.

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What is Be Here Now about?

“Be Here Now” by Ram Dass explores how present-moment awareness can profoundly influence day-to-day life. With personal reflections, spiritual exercises, and straightforward guidance, this book invites readers to challenge long-held beliefs about ego, success, and happiness. It underscores that consciousness isn’t a lofty concept but an accessible state where clarity and compassion grow hand in hand.

By weaving together Eastern spiritual traditions, practical mindfulness tips, and heartfelt storytelling, “Be Here Now” highlights the power of embracing the now without judgment or distraction. Readers gain concrete ways to bring their focus back to the gift of the present, helping them cope with stress, discover new dimensions of inner peace, and nurture richer relationships. Its timeless lessons continue to inspire those seeking deeper self-awareness and a more open-hearted perspective on life.

Review of Be Here Now

This book shines by blending personal storytelling with universal teachings that speak to a wide range of readers. Ram Dass draws from his experiences as a Harvard psychologist and a spiritual seeker, providing insights that feel both intimate and broadly relevant. From learning how to gently observe your thoughts to practicing non-attachment, key lessons remind us that daily routines can also be pathways to deeper consciousness.

The writing style remains warm and accessible, even as it addresses complex topics like the nature of the ego and the essence of compassion. Whether you’re new to spiritual reading or you’ve explored many traditions, there’s plenty of practical wisdom here to apply in your own life. If you’re open to rethinking priorities and tuning in to the present moment more often, “Be Here Now” is an excellent resource that offers both guidance and gentle encouragement.

Who should read Be Here Now?

Professionals who want practical ways to reduce stress and improve focus
Spiritual seekers exploring mindfulness and deeper self-discovery
Students of psychology curious about consciousness and identity
Everyday readers who crave more presence and fulfillment in daily life
Yoga or meditation practitioners seeking supportive teachings and inspiration

About the author

Ram Dass was an American spiritual teacher, guru of modern yoga, psychologist, and writer. Born Richard Alpert on April 6, 1931, he conducted research on psychedelic drugs at Harvard University in the early 1960s before becoming a disciple of Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba in 1967. He authored or co-authored numerous books on spirituality, including "Be Here Now" (1971), which sold two million copies and helped popularize Eastern spirituality and yoga in the West. Over his career, he wrote twelve more books and founded charitable organizations such as the Seva Foundation and Hanuman Foundation.