Be Here Now (book)

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For other uses, see Be Here Now (disambiguation).

Be Here Now

Author	Ram Dass
Subject(s)	Spirituality
Publisher	Lama Foundation, San Cristobal, New Mexico
Publication date	1971
ISBN	ISBN 0-517-54305-2

Be Here Now is the title of a 1971 book on spirituality by Ram Dass. The title derives from a repeated teaching of his guide and companion, Bhagavan Das.

The book is broken up into four sections: Journey: The Transformation, From Bindu to Ojas, Cookbook for a Sacred Life, and Painted Cakes. The first is a short biography of Ram Dass' life focusing on his transition from Dr. Richard Alpert to Baba Ram Dass. The second, making up the core of the book, is a freeform explosion of metaphysical aphorisms accompanied by beautiful and poetic illustrations. The third is a manual or 'cookbook' for enacting this change in one's own life and, among a wealth of information, includes various techniques for yoga, pranayama, and meditation, as well as powerful quotations from great teachers of all religions and traditions. Finally, the last section contains an extensive list of recommended spiritual books, including books we should "hang out with."

Be Here Now is considered by many a manual to make the transition from a psychedelic lifestyle to a yogic lifestyle. It continues to be an influential spiritual catalyst, and has inspired many to follow their own path with renewed faith and passion. Although it is currently in its 37th reprinting and has sold over one million copies, Be Here Now was originally distributed in pamphlet form by Lama Foundation. In the summer of 1977, Lama Foundation gave the copyright and half the proceeds from the book to Hanuman Foundation to further distribute the energy generated by the book through the projects of Hanuman Foundation.

Now, though I am a beginner on the path, I have returned to the West for a time to work out karma or unfulfilled commitment. Part of this commitment is to share what I have learned with those of you who are on a similar journey. One can share a message through telling 'our-story' as I have just done, or through the teaching methods of yoga, or singing, or making love. Each of us finds his unique vehicle for sharing with others his bit of wisdom. For me, this story is but a vehicle for sharing with you the true message... the living faith in what is possible.^[1]