Be Here Now

by Ram Dass

“To him who has had the experience no explanation is necessary, to him who has not, none is possible.”

Tibetan Book of the Dead, which was a very close description of a number of these experiences.

This book was 2500 years old, at least, and it had been used all those years for preparing Tibetan Lamas to die and be reincarnated. And when we opened it, we would find descriptions of the 49 days after death before rebirth, that were perfect descriptions of sessions we were having with psychedelics.

And during these travels he’s starting to train me in a most interesting way. We’d be sitting somewhere and I’d say, “Did I ever tell you about the time that Tim and I . . .” And he’d say, “Don’t think about the past. Just be here now.” Silence. And I’d say, “How long do you think we’re going to be on this trip?” And he’d say, “Don’t think about the future. Just be here now.” I’d say, “You know, I really feel crumby, my hips are hurting . . .” “Emotions are like waves. Watch them disappear in the distance on the vast calm ocean.”

As they say in the Sikh religion—Once you realize God knows everything, you’re free.