Sideways and UprightJanuary 17, 2007 1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Ram Dass blends art, vision, and word into one mantra. No person could have adverse affect from owning this book. From moral sense to diet and exercise, if you are looking, this is on the path. The middle section of this book will fascinate you as it carries a most unusual, yet pleasing format.
The gift of the Eternal Present.January 11, 2007 4 out of 5 found this review helpful
I've only read a few of the previous reviews of this book, and already I've noticed how some have said it changed their lives. Add my name to this list. I had my first encounter with the cosmic on an LSD trip in February of 1978, was terrified at first, and later (with the help of a fellow traveller who'd "been there before"), relaxed into it and felt joy at the realization that we are, indeed, dual beings. Another fellow traveller then mentioned the books of Ram Dass; I searched out my first copy of BE HERE NOW, and the rest is history.
As one wiser than me has stated, "Those who know don't speak...and those who speak, don't know." Words do indeed seem to fail me in expressing the importance and timelessness of this book; it put me on a path that I remain on to this day, and along with Neale Donald Walsch's CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD trilogy, I have found the way to knowing who and what God IS, and ISN'T. Whether you're a past or present user of psychedelics is immaterial...if the answers you seek through organized religion have evaded you, as they have millions of other seekers, then I recommend these writings with all my heart and soul. I wish you well on your journey. Namaste and Om Shanti.....Doug
TimelessDecember 26, 2006 3 out of 5 found this review helpful
This book has indeed stood the test of time. Das' "Be Here Now" philosophy was a spiritual gem which was planted for me in the 70's and is still growing today. The modern spritualist / philosopher Eckhart Tolle is a re-write of this timeless masterpiece of spiritual guidance - though Tolle is also an important must-read in itself. If you are interested in spritual enlightenment and you crave sanity in this insane world, then you curtainly need to BE HERE NOW.
An ExperienceOctober 3, 2006 2 out of 5 found this review helpful
This book guides you through Ram Dass' transformation from Harvard Professor to seeker of enlightenment. You will never read a book quite like this. You must experience it to appreciate its artistic quality and great wisdom. Highly recommended for any seeker of truth and awareness.
A Classic of Contemporary SpiritualityJune 1, 2006 7 out of 10 found this review helpful
This book launched a spiritual renaissance for an entire generation. It starts out as a personal memoir, a Western academic who travels to India and finds answers to questions he didn't realize his soul was asking. Then, in the middle, Ram Dass shares some of the higher teachings of India, but in a way that makes you feel you are listening to a really cool individual who is also your friend. It is impossible for Ram Dass to be preachy. He's too down-to-earth, too fun, too "us". (As someone who has heard him speak several times, I can assure you, he speaks and is just like he writes.) The last part of the book is a short list of source materials, books and such, for those who wish to delve further into the subject. This mini-tome is a good introduction for those investigating the spiritual path. For those already on such a path, Be Here Now reminds us what we're trying to do, and why. I highly recommend it.
Richard Salva--author of Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh [UNABRIDGED]
