Be Here Now

Rating:
Summary: Introduction to Places Your Mind Needs to Go
Review: I picked up this book about 8 years ago for the first time and as I was reading it I felt as if my mind was being [pulled] in the pages. I have bought it 3 separate times but always feel compelled to give it away to someone who I feel could benefit from the wisdom inside.
This book comes in 3 parts...the first part is an account of the author's pre "Ram Dass" life as a PhD and scholar....then to make a long story short, he did some psychedelic drugs, and discovered that he actually liked what was inside his mind and wanted to try to find a way to live in "the now" without the drug experience attached. His journey took him to finding a guru..interesting stuff but then to my favorite part of the book:
the middle....this is a brown paper rambling section full of rich artwork, roughly drawn cartoons, biblical and buddhist references, and what I found to be great truths....all about what it means to "be here now."
While some of it is overly simplistic, and some of it is gratuitous reference to organized religion, most of it is just an alternative way of thinking about yourself, your problems, lifestyle, and family issues. What I took away from this book was a renewed sense of self awareness and it even made me realize that different is not bad, its just different. I guess I was at the point in time in my life where I needed that insight into my own behaviors and thought processing capabilities. In any event, it OPENED MY EYES!!! It made me look at everything differently, and almost instantaneously changed my perception of the world and others in it.
The third part, which is called something like "cookbook for a sacred life" really gets into the practice of buddhism and meditation, which was not the route I chose to go with my life...but in any case, a great and interesting read for anyone interestied in gaining valuable insight into the mystery of their life and life in general.

Rating:
Summary: The 'truth' in three words?
Review: I know it's a cliché, but this book changed my life. I read it in 1973 when I was an angst-ridden twenty-something searching for a spiritual direction. I bought the book because I recognised Dr Richard Alpert from his association with Dr Timothy Leary and was curious to hear his post acid-haze spin on spirituality. What I found in the pages of this book planted the seed of a philosophy which has grown in my own consciousness, becoming the foundation for a spiritual life. The first part of the book deals with Dr Alperts spiritual awakening through the grace of his guru and his subsequent metamorphosis into the disciple called Baba Ram Dass. It is an inspiring tale for those not afflicted by cynical preconceptions and it inspired in me the desire to seek out my own guru. The central portion of the book was perfect for the times, when people who had opened the gates of their perception with the aid of psychotropic substances, were looking for more natural means to help keep them open. Using the words and teachings of many different spiritual masters, from Jesus to Ramakrishna, the book uses psychedelic, cartoon-like images to get the message across. And the message is Be Here Now. When I first meditated on the meaning of this exhortation, ten thousand bells began to ring in my mind. Of course! The past is gone, an illusion which exerts all kinds of negative influences on the human psyche. The future is even more illusory, in that it is so transient. It could be years long, or it could be seconds - who knows? Life can only be truly experienced in the present - in the here and now - and if we are to find peace and spiritual freedom, we must first do away with our attachment to the past and the future. This is the central premise of the books teaching and it is a profoundly important teaching. We live so much of our lives in the past or the future, we forget to experience the joy of the moment and in the third part of the book entitled 'Cook-book for a Sacred Life', Ram Dass offers the reader some practical techniques. Meditation, yoga, posture, mantra, recipes - there is everything here for the novice spiritual aspirant wishing to bring a sense of sacred-ness into all aspects of his or her daily life. As a young man seeking spiritual knowledge and a pathway towards salvation, the rituals, techniques and teachings expounded in this book brought a magic to each day and a kind of unseen connection with Ram Dass and his other readers. Be Here Now was a vital component of my spiritual awakening and I would like to address my words to any open-minded person looking to tread the rock-strewn road towards self-knowledge, compassion and spiritual illumination. Read this book now!

Rating:
Summary: A great being
Review: I find it incredible that this man left a job at Harvard or got kicked out with Timothy Leary and decided to try another path. This led him to India where people knew he was coming and he devoted his life to studying under a master. Unheard of for someone with a PHd to give that up a basically start over.
This is where Richard Alpert became Ram Dass. Servant of God. He continues to devote his life to the passion of healing and has helped raise the level of consciousness for many people. This was his first book.

Rating:
Summary: The truth will set you free, or are you?
Review: It was midnight and I was on top a butte in the Glass Mountains of Oklahoma after tripping on mescaline all afternoon and into night. I was with another kind soul and poured my anguished heart out. He said I should read "Be Here Now". I did and have never seen another book so magnificent. It spoke beatify of Karma and Grace, of an amazing voyage of self discover and despair. It points the kindest finger you're likely to come across to the notion you aren't alone or in bondage. I've since been a Yogi, a body worker, an Astrologer and Therapist and haven't out grown "Be Here Now". Read it and set your own course. Just remember, what ever is happening you're there. Who are you?

Rating:
Summary: The 'truth' in three words?
Review: I know it's a cliché, but this book changed my life. I read it in 1973 when I was an angst-ridden twenty-something searching for a spiritual direction. I bought the book because I recognised Dr Richard Alpert from his association with Dr Timothy Leary and was curious to hear his post acid-haze spin on spirituality. What I found in the pages of this book planted the seed of a philosophy which has grown in my own consciousness, becoming the foundation for a spiritual life. The first part of the book deals with Dr Alperts spiritual awakening through the grace of his guru and his subsequent metamorphosis into the disciple called Baba Ram Dass. It is an inspiring tale for those not afflicted by cynical preconceptions and it inspired in me the desire to seek out my own guru. The central portion of the book was perfect for the times, when people who had opened the gates of their perception with the aid of psychotropic substances, were looking for more natural means to help keep them open. Using the words and teachings of many different spiritual masters, from Jesus to Ramakrishna, the book uses psychedelic, cartoon-like images to get the message across. And the message is Be Here Now. When I first meditated on the meaning of this exhortation, ten thousand bells began to ring in my mind. Of course! The past is gone, an illusion which exerts all kinds of negative influences on the human psyche. The future is even more illusory, in that it is so transient. It could be years long, or it could be seconds - who knows? Life can only be truly experienced in the present - in the here and now - and if we are to find peace and spiritual freedom, we must first do away with our attachment to the past and the future. This is the central premise of the books teaching and it is a profoundly important teaching. We live so much of our lives in the past or the future, we forget to experience the joy of the moment and in the third part of the book entitled 'Cook-book for a Sacred Life', Ram Dass offers the reader some practical techniques. Meditation, yoga, posture, mantra, recipes - there is everything here for the novice spiritual aspirant wishing to bring a sense of sacred-ness into all aspects of his or her daily life. As a young man seeking spiritual knowledge and a pathway towards salvation, the rituals, techniques and teachings expounded in this book brought a magic to each day and a kind of unseen connection with Ram Dass and his other readers. Be Here Now was a vital component of my spiritual awakening and I would like to address my words to any open-minded person looking to tread the rock-strewn road towards self-knowledge, compassion and spiritual illumination. Read this book now!

Rating:
Summary: peace
Review: This book changed my life. I have read tons and tons of spiritual books, but this one really changed me. I have read this book over and over and the message seems to change as the readers development changes. If I could only have one book to choose it would be this one. It explores the writer's path first, then gives a great illustrated tale that lingers in the mind...,goes on with spiritual quotes from all spiritual leaders that we have ever known, gives some info on stretching,and etc. This book calls for those who are ready. How much do you want to let the ego go, is the real question here...now...

Rating:
Summary: A MUST READ for anyone on a spiritual path
Review: I first read this book in the 70's and have since re-read it many times. The book is a timeless compendium of information to be treasured by anyone on a spiritual path. It really did change my life.

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Summary: All things are good
Review: Read it...There is always something to learn. Something powerful in everything. Not only in this book but in any perceived object.

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Summary: Change books
Review: Like Undoing Yourself, by Hyatt, this one is a classic that redefines what a book should look like and do for the reader. Its structure and design are created to magically imprint the book's message in a way that is striking and memorable. The content proves refreshing and cutting edge.

With so many forces of brainwashing all around us, it is invigorating to encounter a truly revolutionary work that transforms its readers so profoundly.

This fun-loving but challenging enlightenment is delivered in a highly unique form.

Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Spiritual Thinking Outside the Box
Review: Although this book is probably a testament to why LSD is illegal,this book remains a spiritual classic. It's funky, thought provoking, real, honest and just plain fun. What is says is meaningful and it's about people, and more specifically Ram Dass, who took risks. He didn't accept the "norm" and searched for more. This book is about what he found out. Thinking outside the box and living it. I found it more enjoying to read the book in sittings as it's text is not presented traditionally and is interspersed with drawings. But the simple presentation makes it message stay with you. A must read for any person on a spiritual journey.