Be Here Now Summary and Review | Ram Dass
“Be Here Now” is a spiritual classic written by Ram Dass, a spiritual teacher, psychologist, and former Harvard professor. The book was published in 1971 and has since been a popular guide to mindfulness and spiritual growth for readers around the world.
In “Be Here Now,” Ram Dass explores the concept of mindfulness and the importance of being present in the present moment. He argues that by living in the present, we can find true happiness and enlightenment. The book also covers topics such as meditation, the nature of the ego, and the role of service in spiritual growth. Through personal anecdotes and practical exercises, Ram Dass encourages readers to let go of their attachments and embrace a life of spiritual fulfillment. Overall, “Be Here Now” is a thought-provoking and inspiring guide to finding meaning and purpose in life.
StoryShot #1: Be Present in the Moment
The core message of “Be Here Now” is to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Ram Dass emphasizes cultivating full awareness of the here and now.This concept is fundamental to many spiritual traditions and has gained popularity in recent years through mindfulness practices. The idea is that by fully engaging with the present, we can reduce anxiety, increase happiness, and gain deeper insights into ourselves and the world around us.Ram Dass describes several practices to help cultivate present-moment awareness:
- Meditation: Sitting quietly and focusing on the breath or a mantra to anchor attention in the present.
- Yoga: Using physical postures and breath work to bring awareness to the body and present sensations.
- Mindful activities: Bringing full attention to everyday tasks like eating, walking, or washing dishes.
He shares a personal story of how psychedelic experiences initially gave him glimpses of intense present-moment awareness:”I remember taking LSD and suddenly realizing that the room I was in, which I had seen countless times before, was actually vibrating with life and energy. Every object seemed to pulse with its own rhythm. I felt completely immersed in the present, as if past and future had fallen away.”However, Ram Dass cautions that while psychedelics can offer temporary glimpses of presence, sustainable awareness requires ongoing practice and integration.An analogy he uses is that of tuning a radio:”Our minds are like radios constantly flipping between stations of past, future, and present. Practices like meditation help us tune into the ‘present moment’ station more consistently, reducing the static of regrets and worries.”To illustrate the power of presence, Ram Dass often told this story:A student approached a Zen master and asked, “How can I find enlightenment?”
The master replied, “Have you eaten your breakfast?”
“Yes,” said the student.
“Then wash your bowl,” answered the master.This simple exchange highlights how enlightenment is not some distant goal, but can be found in fully engaging with ordinary moments.
StoryShot #2: Let Go of Ego and Identity
Ram Dass encourages releasing attachment to one’s ego, social roles, and constructed identity. He describes his own journey of shedding his identity as Dr. Richard Alpert, successful Harvard professor, to become Ram Dass, spiritual seeker.This transformation was not easy or instantaneous. Ram Dass shares how he initially clung to his academic credentials and social status, even as he began exploring Eastern spirituality. He recalls a pivotal moment during his first trip to India:”I arrived at my guru’s ashram wearing my Harvard professor outfit – tweed jacket, tie, the works. I thought I was so important. My guru took one look at me and burst out laughing. In that moment, I realized how ridiculous my attachment to this identity was.”Over time, Ram Dass learned to let go of fixed notions of who he was, embracing a more fluid sense of self. He uses the metaphor of actors in a play:”We’re all playing roles – professor, parent, spiritual seeker. But we’re not the roles themselves. We’re the awareness behind the roles, free to step in and out of different parts as needed.”To help readers explore their own identities, Ram Dass suggests exercises like:
- Writing down all the labels you use to describe yourself, then questioning each one.
- Practicing introducing yourself to others without using any titles or roles.
- Meditating on the question “Who am I?” and noticing what arises.
He emphasizes that letting go of ego doesn’t mean becoming a blank slate, but rather holding identities lightly and recognizing our deeper essence beyond surface-level labels.
nchor the mind.Ram Dass shares his own experiences with developing a meditation practice:”At first, my mind was like a wild monkey, jumping from thought to thought. But with patience and persistence, I began to experience moments of profound stillness and clarity. These glimpses motivated me to keep practicing.”He uses the analogy of cleaning a dirty window to describe the process of meditation:”Our minds are like windows covered in dust and grime. Meditation is the process of slowly, patiently cleaning that window. As it becomes clearer, we can see reality more accurately and let in more light.”To help readers establish their own practice, Ram Dass offers practical advice:
- Start with short sessions (5-10 minutes) and gradually increase duration
- Create a dedicated meditation space in your home
- Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you
- Be patient and non-judgmental with yourself
- Use everyday activities as opportunities for mindfulness
He emphasizes that the goal of meditation is not to achieve a blank mind, but to develop awareness and equanimity in the face of thoughts and emotions.Ram Dass also introduces the concept of “witness consciousness” – the ability to observe one’s thoughts and experiences without getting caught up in them. He describes this as a key to spiritual growth:”As you develop the witness, you start to see that you are not your thoughts or emotions. You are the awareness in which these experiences arise and pass away.”To illustrate the power of meditation, Ram Dass often shared this story:A student came to a meditation master and said, “My mind is so restless. How can I calm it?”
The master replied, “Show me this mind of yours and I will calm it for you.”
The student thought for a moment and said, “But when I try to show you my mind, I can’t find it!”
“There,” said the master, “I have calmed it for you.”This exchange highlights how the very act of observing the mind can lead to greater peace and clarity.
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