Be Here Now

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Summary: The Sea of Existence
Review: Trying to describe the concepts expressed in this amazing book is akin to the proverbial five blind men each touching and then trying to describe an elephant. The concepts herein are hinduistic in nature but certainly linked to any and all "spiritual" expressions. The key to spiritual enlightenment is surrender - the surrender of desire, the surrender of ego attachments, the surrender of self - letting go of material attachments and becoming attuned with the "quiet voice" within all of us. The highlight of this book, without a doubt, is the amazing middle section which, through alternately hilarious and sublimely profound psychedelic illustrations and writings, describes the wretched state of being trapped in a materialistic and ego-centered world and, even more amazingly, guides those seeking enlightenment on the path to "moksha" - the state where one's ego - even the material world - are released. Words are useless when it comes to this undescribable place - referred to as the 'Sea of Existence'. The bizarre illustrations may be off-putting at first but I've never before or since read anything quite like "Be Here Now".

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Summary: the greatest common denominator for aging hippies
Review: I first read this book in 1990, and I found it to be a timeless connection to a greater truth from the past. Be Here Now inspires spiritual individualism and experimentation, which is its greatest strength.

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Summary: There Then...But Then I Forgot
Review: Long ago it seemed that the possibility of enlightenment was there for the taking. But life intervenes and the possibilities seem to get swept away in t-bills, t-bones, and t-tops. Material things weigh in and the possibility slips away. If God is everywhere he is in your fingertips and your eyes as you read this. That makes you god. The difference is that we need to stop trying so hard to make every thing perfect and accept the realization that everything is already perfect. Acceptance is the key that Ram Dass teaches. If you first read it in a drug induced haze, man, try it again from the otherside of 40. What time is it? (Now) Where are you? (Here) Be well...

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Summary: The ONLY book you NEED.
Review: Everyone born should read this book. If you don't have it, get it! Its just the neetest coolest thing out there. Everything you need to know. OM...

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Summary: REALLY out there but . .
Review: I first picked up this book about two years ago. Since that time, the tale of how Richard Alpert Ph.D. became Ram Dass has become one of my favorite works. Is it on the fringe? Well, that depends on your perspective. Your enjoyment of this book will be proportional to your acceptance of different viewpoints on life. If you don't want your ideas about life challenged, then don't read this book. However, if you believe that the purpose of reading is to get you thinking, then there is perhaps no better book then "Be Here Now". If you are up for a good internal debate, pick it up and read on.

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Summary: Be Here Now
Review: I could feel the love radiating from this book. That is how powerful it was for me. Right from the first chapter I was captivated by the fact that the author would be a harvard university prof. and still even more amazed at the great adventure he went through. As I have had many psychodelic experiences myself, I found that I came to the same conclusion as he did about the universe being made up of yin yang , two opposing and paradoxial forces which make one, but I never could quite grasp it in the way that he has. This book is a definate must read for anyone who is somewhat open minded. Or any fellow former/continuing acid tripper.

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Summary: ENLIGHTENING
Review: I don't mean to insult the author but attempting to review such clearly inspired work. I only want to say this this book was pivotal in my spiritual development from 20 years ago, and will always be on my bookshelf as a reminder of what real growth is about. Please, treat yourself to a copy. A million thanks to the authur. :-)

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Summary: Ram Dass is very helpful
Review: Nice book. Plenty of universal truths that tend to slip through our everyday experience. Dass has been kind enough to pick them up, collect them and show them to us.

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Summary: No matter where you go, HERE you are
Review: I can still remember the first time I saw this book back in Junior High when one of my hippie friends shared it with me. But it's not just for hippies and the message remains true: No matter where you go, here you are. This book continues to remind the existentially confused that what is most important is to experience this moment. And this one. And this one...

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Summary: Transformative
Review: This book shares Ram Dass's journey into consciousness that transformed him in every way. He reminds us that the journey we find ourselves on in the world of form has a parallel expression in the formless aspects of our being. Each of us are on a journey into the nature of soul. The paths we take in this life engage some of the most profound experiences our consciousness is capable of embracing. Be Here Now reminds us to make the most of each moment, see it as grace, and filled with enough love to last a lifetime. I also recommend: What the Dying Teach Us: Lessons on Living by Samuel Oliver