Introduction
In the fast-paced world we live in, it's all too easy to get caught up in the endless pursuit of success, material possessions, and the next big thing. We often believe that happiness and fulfillment are just around the corner, waiting for us to achieve that next goal or make that next purchase. But even when we reach these milestones, we're left wondering, "Is this all there is?"
This profound question lies at the heart of Ram Dass's transformative journey from a successful Harvard psychologist to a spiritual teacher seeking deeper truths. His book, "Be Here Now," is a testament to this journey and offers valuable insights for those seeking their own path to enlightenment and inner peace.
Ram Dass's awakening began with his experiences with psychedelic drugs and continued through his encounters with spiritual teachers in India. Upon returning to America, he shared the wisdom he had gathered, introducing many in the West to Eastern spirituality. His teachings offer timeless wisdom on transcending the ego, embracing the present moment, and finding peace within oneself.
This summary serves as an accessible introduction to some of Ram Dass's main concepts and teachings. While we can't cover all of his insights, we'll explore the key ideas that can serve as a starting point for your own spiritual transformation. So, let's begin by learning about Ram Dass and how he arrived at his spiritual destination – or rather, how he arrived here, in the present moment.
Becoming Ram Dass
Ram Dass's spiritual journey began in the 1960s when he was still known as Richard Alpert, a Harvard psychologist at the peak of his academic career. On the surface, he had it all – a prestigious position, a nice apartment, a car, a motorcycle, and even a small plane. Yet, despite his apparent success, Dass felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction and a nagging feeling that there had to be more to life.
This inner turmoil led him to explore the world of psychedelic drugs. For the first time, he encountered the vast expanse of human consciousness. Substances like psilocybin and LSD opened up a universe of perception and insight that he had never imagined possible. However, Dass soon realized that the euphoria and expanded awareness brought about by these substances were fleeting. Each experience was followed by an inevitable come-down, leaving him longing for a more enduring connection to the spiritual realm.
As a result of his involvement with psychedelics, Dass lost his position at Harvard. However, this setback opened up a new opportunity – a chance to travel to India, a country rich in spiritual history and wisdom. It was here that a chance meeting with a young, surprisingly enlightened American traveler changed everything.
This new friend, who lived a life of remarkable simplicity, taught Dass the power of being fully present in each moment. Together, they embarked on a journey that led them to a guru named Neem Karoli Baba, also known as "Maharaji" to his followers.
Initially skeptical, Dass's encounter with Maharaji became a pivotal moment in his awakening. During one of their meetings, Maharaji demonstrated an inexplicable knowledge of Dass's personal life, including details about his mother's recent death that he couldn't possibly have known through ordinary means. This experience, both mystifying and illuminating, opened Dass's heart to Maharaji's teachings and set him on a path of deeper spiritual exploration.
Under the guidance of another spiritual mentor, Baba Hari Dass, Ram Dass began to explore the teachings of Raja Yoga. He immersed himself in practices such as yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation. He also learned spiritual teachings through simple, yet profound lessons – phrases like "Snakes know heart" and "Yogis in jungle need not fear." These cryptic statements were lessons about energy and vibrations, teaching that spiritual purity can overcome fear and danger.
This phase of deep learning and growth instilled in Dass a profound awareness of the connection between the divine, the self, and the universe. When he returned to the West, he still considered himself a novice on the spiritual path, but he was eager to share his lessons and insights with others who were on similar journeys.
Transcending Attachment
One of Ram Dass's most central concepts is called "From Bindu to Ojas." This phrase encapsulates his core teachings on spirituality, consciousness, and the journey to enlightenment. "From Bindu to Ojas" symbolizes a journey from a point of individual consciousness (Bindu) to the essence or vigor that sustains spiritual practice (Ojas), leading to a higher state of awareness and being.
This metaphorical voyage represents an important transition – moving from a life centered around the ego and materialistic desires to a state of enlightenment and unity with the divine. The journey begins by exploring the concept of the individual self, or ego, and the suffering caused by attachment to the physical and temporal aspects of existence.
Dass teaches that societal norms and personal desires create a cycle of attachment and pain. To achieve true freedom and happiness, we must transcend these attachments. This involves exploring the nature of reality, recognizing the illusion of separateness, and understanding the interconnectedness of all beings. The fundamental truth, according to Dass, is that we are all one.
A crucial aspect of this journey is recognizing our inherent divinity, as well as the divine in others. To achieve spiritual fulfillment, we should aim to live a life of service, love, and compassion. Dass's message is one of hope and transformation, emphasizing that enlightenment is within reach for everyone, regardless of our circumstances.
The key to this transformation lies in realizing that the place of peace and tranquility we seek is already within us. There's nowhere we need to go to find it; we simply need to look inwards. This doesn't mean we need to change our lives completely or live like monks on a mountain. Instead, we can continue living our lives and doing our work, but without attachment – without identifying with it.
For example, if you're a potter, you can keep making pots. The difference is in your perspective: remember that you're not actually the one making the pots. The pots just are. The potter just is. Everything simply exists. This shift in perspective allows us to see through the illusions of the ego and embrace the truth of our existence.
The ultimate goal of this spiritual path is to truly be present – right here, right now. In reality, there is only now. Once you understand this, you're on the right track. You can overcome your fear of death because you realize there is no death. We're all just here, now, in the divine dance of life that never ends.
Arriving at this realization can happen in many ways. It might come through direct experience, such as falling in love or having a child. However, there are also specific methods and practices that can bring us closer to the truth of existence. In the following sections, we'll explore some of these practical techniques that Ram Dass recommends for deepening our spiritual awareness.
Practical Guidance: Breathing
One of the beautiful aspects of deepening your spirituality is that there's no prescribed path you must follow. Instead, you can explore simple, practical techniques and choose what works best for you. The key is to listen to your inner voice; it will guide you on your journey.
For many people, breathing is an excellent method to start with. It's a fundamental part of spiritual practice and something you can do anywhere, at any time. When you focus on your breath, you're harnessing the life force, or pran, that flows through all living beings.
Ram Dass teaches that the breath can be seen as a gateway. With each breath, you're tuning into the energy of the universe and reaching a state of peace and heightened awareness. The connection between breath and thought is so profound that calming one can simultaneously calm the other, leading to a state of samadhi, or super-consciousness.
Through the disciplined practice of pranayam, or controlled breathing exercises, you can manipulate this vital energy, bringing about a serene calmness and readiness for deeper spiritual practices. For beginners, there are simple yet immediately effective exercises that pave the way for more advanced techniques. These practices not only instill a sense of peace throughout the day but also encourage more efficient breathing patterns.
Seasoned yogis, Dass notes, breathe gently and never get out of breath. This is something you can work towards through consistent practice. To enhance your spiritual journey, try making pranayam part of your daily routine. It's best to do these exercises on an empty stomach, ideally first thing in the morning or at sunset, before the evening meal.
Maintaining an upright posture is important, whether you're seated in the lotus position or in a chair. Keep your head, neck, and chest aligned, and contract your abdominal muscles slightly. One technique Ram Dass recommends is called Sheetali. Here's how to practice it:
- Extend your tongue out as far as you can, and shape it into a "U" shape.
- Breathe in deeply through the mouth, imagining the intake of pure life force.
- Retract the tongue and exhale through the nose, imagining that you're expelling any impurities.
While doing this exercise, try to focus your mind on the point between your eyebrows, bringing the pran or life force to that area. Start with five of these breaths a day, then add another breath each day until you reach 50.
Simple breathing exercises like this provide a good foundation – something you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. With practice, you can calm and prepare your mind, making you ready for the next step on your spiritual journey.
Practical Guidance: Mantras
As we progress on the path to enlightenment, our thoughts can often feel like obstacles, constantly vying for our attention and distracting us from the present moment. However, Ram Dass teaches that some thoughts can be more useful than others. In fact, by repeating certain thoughts over and over again, we can come closer to transcending thought altogether.
This is where mantras come in. A mantra is a Sanskrit phrase that can be repeated as part of a spiritual practice. There are many different types of mantras, some designed for specific situations like cooking, showering, or even going to the toilet. Then there are general mantras that anyone can use at any moment.
One well-known mantra that Ram Dass often references is "Om namah shivaya." This mantra is composed of the sacred syllable "Om," followed by a phrase meaning "To Shiva I bow." Shiva, one of the most revered Hindu gods, is known as The Destroyer, who creates, protects, and transforms the universe.
But how does one actually "do" a mantra? According to Ram Dass, you don't – you let a mantra happen to you. For instance, if you feel drawn to using a particular mantra, like "Rama" (a spiritual figure representing light, love, wisdom, and compassion), here are some suggestions for how to work with it:
First, consider the meaning. Think about what Rama represents and what this mantra means to you.
Begin by pronouncing the name in your head, silently. Repeat it over and over again.
Next, let it come outside. Start saying the mantra aloud, as if you're speaking along with the inside voice that's whispering it.
As you keep repeating it, you'll notice the mantra moving. It's not just on your tongue, but in your brain... and eventually, in your heart.
Continue to repeat the mantra consciously, so the habit becomes ingrained – part of your daily routine. Say it when you wake up, when you're out for a walk, or during any other opportunity throughout your day.
Ram Dass emphasizes that the mantra isn't something you "do." Rather, the mantra is doing you. View yourself as a passive instrument, allowing the mantra to guide you on your path. He likens this process to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The caterpillar doesn't make a conscious decision to transform; it has no control. But it's an inevitable, unfolding process.
By incorporating mantras into your daily life, you create a constant reminder of your spiritual journey. The repetition helps to quiet the mind, focus your thoughts, and connect you with the divine energy that flows through all things. Over time, the mantra becomes more than just words – it becomes a vibration that resonates within you, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the universe.
The Power of Being Present
Throughout "Be Here Now," Ram Dass continually returns to the importance of being present in the moment. This concept is so central to his teachings that it became the title of the book. But what does it really mean to "be here now," and why is it so crucial to our spiritual growth?
Being present means fully engaging with the current moment, without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It's about experiencing life as it unfolds, moment by moment, with full awareness and acceptance. This state of presence allows us to see the world more clearly, free from the distortions of our ego and our conditioned responses.
Ram Dass teaches that the present moment is all we truly have. The past exists only in our memories, and the future is merely a projection of our thoughts. By focusing on the here and now, we can tap into the eternal present – the timeless state of being that transcends our limited perception of time.
Being present also allows us to experience life more fully. When we're caught up in thoughts about the past or future, we miss the richness of the current moment. We might be physically present, but our minds are elsewhere. By bringing our full attention to the present, we can appreciate the small details of life that we might otherwise overlook – the warmth of the sun on our skin, the taste of our food, the sound of a bird singing.
Moreover, being present is key to spiritual growth. It's in the present moment that we can observe our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. This practice of mindful observation is crucial for understanding our own nature and the nature of reality. It allows us to see the impermanence of our thoughts and feelings, and to recognize the unchanging awareness that lies beneath them.
Ram Dass suggests various practices to help cultivate presence:
Mindfulness meditation: Sit quietly and focus on your breath or bodily sensations. When thoughts arise, simply observe them without judgment and return your attention to your point of focus.
Mindful activities: Bring full awareness to everyday activities like eating, walking, or washing dishes. Pay attention to the sensations, movements, and experiences involved in these actions.
Body scans: Regularly check in with your body, noticing any tensions or sensations. This practice grounds you in the present moment and in your physical being.
Nature immersion: Spend time in nature, fully engaging with your surroundings. Notice the colors, sounds, smells, and textures around you.
Presence reminders: Use everyday cues (like a ringing phone or a red traffic light) as reminders to come back to the present moment.
By consistently practicing presence, we can gradually shift our default state from one of distraction and mental chatter to one of calm awareness. This shift not only enhances our spiritual journey but also improves our overall quality of life, allowing us to experience more joy, peace, and fulfillment in our daily experiences.
The Journey of Transformation
Ram Dass's teachings emphasize that spiritual growth is a journey of transformation. It's not about reaching a specific destination, but about the process of continual growth and awakening. This journey involves peeling away layers of conditioning, confronting our fears and attachments, and gradually expanding our consciousness.
One of the key aspects of this transformation is the shift from identifying with our ego – our limited sense of self – to recognizing our true nature as part of the universal consciousness. This shift doesn't happen overnight; it's a gradual process that unfolds as we continue our spiritual practices and deepen our understanding.
Ram Dass describes several stages or milestones in this journey:
Awakening: This is the initial realization that there's more to life than what we've been conditioned to believe. It often comes as a result of a profound experience or insight that shakes our worldview.
Purification: As we begin our spiritual practices, we start to confront and release old patterns, beliefs, and attachments that no longer serve us. This can be a challenging phase, as we face aspects of ourselves that we may have been avoiding.
Expansion: Through continued practice and insight, our consciousness begins to expand. We start to experience moments of unity and connection with all things.
Integration: As our spiritual insights deepen, we learn to integrate them into our daily lives. We begin to live from a place of greater awareness and compassion.
Service: As we progress on our path, we naturally feel called to be of service to others. This isn't out of obligation, but from a genuine sense of love and connection with all beings.
Throughout this journey, Ram Dass emphasizes the importance of compassion – both for ourselves and for others. The path of transformation can be challenging, and it's crucial to approach it with kindness and patience. We may encounter setbacks or periods of doubt, but these are all part of the process.
Moreover, as we progress on our spiritual path, it's important not to develop a sense of spiritual superiority. Ram Dass warns against the trap of "spiritual materialism" – using spiritual practices to inflate our ego rather than transcend it. True spiritual growth leads to greater humility and a deeper sense of connection with all beings.
Ram Dass also teaches that this journey of transformation doesn't require us to withdraw from the world. Instead, we can engage fully with life, but from a place of greater awareness and non-attachment. We can continue our work, our relationships, and our daily activities, but with a new perspective that sees the divine in all things.
Final Thoughts
Ram Dass's journey from Harvard psychologist to spiritual teacher is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual practice. His experiences and teachings, as shared in "Be Here Now," offer a roadmap for those seeking deeper meaning and fulfillment in life.
The core message of Ram Dass's teachings is that enlightenment and peace are within everyone's reach. By living in the moment, looking inward, and cultivating practices like mindful breathing and mantra repetition, we can embark on our own journey of spiritual transformation.
This transformation occurs when we overcome the ego, unite with the divine, and lead a life filled with service and compassion. While this may sound overwhelming, Ram Dass assures us that it's a gradual process, one that unfolds naturally as we continue our practices and deepen our awareness.
The beauty of Ram Dass's teachings lies in their simplicity and accessibility. We don't need to radically change our lives or retreat from the world to pursue spiritual growth. Instead, we can start by introducing simple spiritual practices into our day, like focusing on our breath or repeating a mantra.
These seemingly small practices can create profound changes over time. They quiet the mind, connect us with universal energy, and initiate deep, internal transformations. As we continue on this path, we may find ourselves experiencing more peace, joy, and a sense of connection with all things.
Remember, the journey to enlightenment is not about reaching a final destination, but about fully embracing each moment along the way. As Ram Dass famously said, "The journey itself is the destination." By being here now, fully present in each moment, we open ourselves to the infinite possibilities of spiritual growth and transformation.
So, whether you're just beginning your spiritual journey or you're well along the path, let Ram Dass's words inspire you to deepen your practice, to look within, and to embrace the present moment. For it's here, in the eternal now, that we find our true selves and our connection to all that is.