This is THE book that turned on an entire generation to eastern philosophy. Ram Das, originally named Richard Alphert, taught with Timothy Leary at Harvard in the 1950's. Together they experimented with psychedelics such as LSD and conducted clinical studies with students. As the LSD controversy swelled, both Alphert and Leary were fired from their positions. At this point, Alphert left for India in search of someone who could teach him to attain these about these higher states of awareness without the use of drugs. He found his guru, Maharaji, who renamed him Ram Das---"Servant of God."



The first section of Be Here Now describes Ram Das' experience with psychedelics, his journey through India, and his powerful relationship with his Guru. He has so many fantastic stories, and it is especially moving to read about Maharaji. The second section of the book is unlike anything I've ever seen. It is a series of psychedelic drawings which combine words and images to point towards the mystical experience. It's really beyond words, and these drawings can be turned to again and again and always show you something new. The third section contains a small vegetarian cook book which reinforces the idea of the body's connection to the mind and the spirit.



Ram Das is one of my biggest heros. The joy and love that he expresses through his words is both inspiring and contageous. Those who have experimented with psychedelics will most likely feel an affinity with his writing. You can just sense it from him. And those who are strictly interested in spirituality will recognize Truth working in his life.