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Being Ram Dass

Written by: Rameshwar Das,Ram Dass
Narrated by: Rameshwar Das
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Publisher's Summary

Ram Dass tells here, for the first time, the full arc of his remarkable life.

Perhaps no other teacher has sparked the fires of as many spiritual seekers in the West as Ram Dass. If you've ever embraced the phrase “be here now”, practiced meditation or yoga, tried psychedelics, or supported anyone in a hospice, prison, or homeless center - then the story of Ram Dass is also part of your story.

From his birth in 1931 to his luminous later years, Ram Dass saw his life as just one incarnation of many. This memoir puts us in the passenger seat with the one-time Harvard psychologist and lifelong risk-taker Richard Alpert, who loved to take friends on wild rides on his Harley and test nearly every boundary - inner or outer - that came his way.

Here, Ram Dass shares his life’s odyssey in intimate detail: how he struggled with issues of self-identity and sexuality in his youth, pioneered psychedelic research, and opened the doorways to Eastern spiritual practices. In 1967 he trekked to India and met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. He returned with a perspective on spirituality and psychology that changed millions.

Populated by a cast of luminaries ranging from Timothy Leary to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, Allen Ginsberg to Sharon Salzberg, Aldous Huxley to Alan Watts - this intimate memoir chronicles the cultural and spiritual transformations Ram Dass experienced that resonate with us to this day, a journey from the mind to the heart, from the ego to the soul.

Before, after, and along these waypoints, listeners will encounter many other adventures and revelations - each ringing with the potential to awaken the universal, loving divine that links us to this beloved teacher and all of us to each other.

©2021 Ram Dass and Rameshwar Das (P)2021 Sounds True

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Deeply touched

This book touched me very deeply. Usually when I finish an audio book, I move on to the next book immediately. With this book, I find myself not able to move on to the next book immediately. I feel that I have to continue to "savour" and reflect on the book, as it triggered many deep thoughts/feelings within me.

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Takes me back to my youth

Being Ram Dass is a wonderful audiobook.
Very well read.
The story of a life well lived.
I have loved Ram Dass since I was a teenager.
This book is interesting and informative.
Listening to it a second time.

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  • JL
  • 2023-01-15

Inspiring

I was surprised by the depth of this memoir. Wonderfully insightful and beautiful. I encourage others to take the time to hear Ram Dass' story.

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what a man what a story!

ram dass! what a gift you were and are and will always be!
this biography is brilliantly written! so much life force, inspiration, love and so much more beyond words, to joyfully and in awe be received on the journey of listening/reading this book! ❤
the narrative is amazing also!

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satisfies the mind and heart

... from the Soul's perspective. Gives details about events and relationships for sure, but it's greatest energy is from the heart. I'll listen to the final chapters probably many times: my heart is full.

Many thanks to you Rameshwar Das, for instigating this, creating it and now for reading it to us. We hear in it that your heart was/is full too.

Atma Dharshan! Namaste

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I am not the same person anymore

This book has changed my life. Life seems to be such a joyful experience now. This has helped me out of my miseries. I wish I had the chance to see Ramm Dass in person, but I guess he is already with me.

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Amazing!

Great book and great narration.

Maharaji would be, and still is, proud of you both.

I love and thank you both, Ram Dass and Rameshwar Das

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Absorbing

Extraordinary and absorbing. You can lose yourself in this book, in the life of Ram Dass. I was hesitant to listen because it wasn’t narrated by Ram Dass himself - but at a certain point you sink into it and forget that it’s Rameshwar Das speaking. So much wisdom here.

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A beautiful life! A beautiful message!

Such an amazing life lead with purpose. I will be listening to this many times over.

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A beautiful book that illuminates a great soul

This book added so much dimension to the persona of Ram Dass for me. As an enthusiastic listener of his talks, I'll now hear them with so much more dimensionality, knowing the details of his incredible mortal existence and personal transformation.

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  • Justin Lodge
  • 2021-05-08

Amazing memoir

When I heard Ram Dass had died I wasn’t surprised. I was sad but not emotional. By the end of this book I was holding back tears for the teacher we lost. Ram Dass poured everything he had left into this memoir. It was really entertaining, even though I’d heard many of these stories before in his talks. The book fills in many holes and gives a well rounded view of who he was at any given moment in time. It lays out how he became who he was in a comprehensive way. It is the definitive text on his life. Thank you Rameshwar Das.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 2021-05-02

This book will appeal to anyone.

I am an anti-drug Christian, but I loved this book for it's honesty. I grew up hearing the stories of the LSD movement. I think it's easy after reading this book to assume LSD has a purpose for some. But I think the truth of using drugs lies within what happened to the people around the author. The shattered lives that were part of the background. While the Author was so driven to make a change for people with psychological problems he didn't see the carnage. Unfortunately we have not made much strides in the field of mental illness. You won't be able to put this book down. The author is raw and real and he may have some really good points for the use of LSD. It's unfortunate he was such an addict himself.

Psychiatric Pharmacist

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  • Austin
  • 2021-01-29

A+

I really liked getting a more inside look at Ram Dass' life, I thought I had heard most of it but there is a lot in here. Rameshwar's voice carries Ram Dass' old age well, helps me think Ram Dass is reading to me.

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  • Jcross
  • 2022-01-31

Incredible humanity and love

I’ve followed Ram Dass for a few years and Ive heard some of these stories throughout his various books and talks, but nothing compares to the story telling in this book. I was moved to tears and laughed out loud on many occasions. What an incredible human and what a light he still is for us all.

Thank you Rameshwar for prompting Ram Dass to write this memoir and delivering it so beautifully.

And most of all: Thank you, Ram Dass. You inspire me still.

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  • Richard Z.
  • 2021-03-03

Being Real

The story reveals Ram Das naked transparency and open honesty. An integral tribute to a man of many seasons.

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2021-02-28

Immersed in Love

A beautiful memoir of Ram Dass’s life from his transition as Professor Richard Albert to spiritual teacher. I enjoyed the stories of my dear Satsang friends, and felt Maharaji’s spirit throughout the book.
Thank you Rameshwar Das for bringing the book to life with your beautiful reading.

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  • VV
  • 2021-05-02

absolutely beautiful

one of the most beautiful books I've ever read . his friend narrating just adds to the beauty. I thought, at the beginning , 'oh gosh is this gonna be an acid book ' ... but it is so far from that. such an amazing soul

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  • rj
  • 2023-09-23

Discover the Inspiring Journey of Ram Dass: A Heartwarming Memoir of Transformation and Compassion

"Being Ram Dass" is an extraordinary memoir co-written and narrated by Rameshwar Das that takes us on an awe-inspiring journey through the remarkable life of Richard Alpert, who later became known as Ram Dass. This heartwarming account delves deep into the spiritual transformation and self-discovery of a man whose story is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The book beautifully captures the evolution of Richard Alpert's life path, from his days as a Harvard psychologist to his profound encounter with the legendary Ramana Maharshi in India. This encounter proved to be a catalyst for his inner quest, propelling him on a lifelong journey of self-realization and service to others.

What makes this memoir truly exceptional is the intimate and heartfelt narrative that Rameshwar Das weaves together. With every word, we are transported alongside Ram Dass, experiencing the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges of his spiritual odyssey. The honesty and vulnerability with which the story is shared make it a deeply personal and relatable account.

Throughout the pages, we witness Ram Dass's transformation from an individual seeking fulfillment through external achievements to a radiant being dedicated to inner growth and compassion. His encounters with spiritual luminaries like Neem Karoli Baba and Timothy Leary further deepen his understanding of the human experience and the interconnectedness of all beings.

But what truly sets this memoir apart is Ram Dass's unwavering commitment to holding the hand of others along their own journey. His teachings, which emphasize love, acceptance, and the power of presence, have touched the lives of millions and continue to resonate even today.

"Being Ram Dass" not only provides a window into the remarkable life of a spiritual luminary but also serves as a guidebook for anyone seeking meaning and purpose in their own lives. It reminds us of the transformative potential that lies within each of us and the importance of cultivating compassion and connection in our interactions with others.

In just 900 characters, it's impossible to fully convey the depth and impact of this incredible memoir. But I can say with certainty that "Being Ram Dass" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul and a reminder that love, wisdom, and service are the true hallmarks of a meaningful life. It is a truly inspiring and heartwarming read that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

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  • Jes_074
  • 2023-09-20

So many great lessons

Over the years I've read books by Ram Dass and have always learned from them. Here we get a more complete view view of his life through his own words. Some of the stories have changed a little and some new ones have been added. We get a deep personal look at his life and what it meant to so many. Listening to this book had a profound impact on my life. I finally understood some teachings I received years ago. I wonder what I will learn from it when I read it for the second time.

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  • Juan Pablo Galindo
  • 2023-06-08

Beautiful

Beautifully written, beautifully told.
Taking us on a journey of a life filled with wonderful transformation.

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  • Client Amazon
  • 2022-01-05

Moving memoir

What a journey ! Wonderfully read by Rameshwar Das, one of his longtime friends, Being Ram Dass travels through 8 decades of incredible transformation, from WWII to the psychedelic years of the sixties and eventually, Alpert becomes Ram Dass, a lighthouse of unconditional love. A miracle book.

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