Richard Alpert was an eminent Harvard psychologist on the fast track to success when he fell in with fellow Harvard professor Timothy Leary who turned him on to LSD. Harvard University did not appreciate their ardent research on the psychological and spiritual potentials unleashed by LSD and other psychedelic drugs, and in 1963 Alpert and Leary were tossed out of academia. Leary continued to bask in his iconic status in the psychedelic counter-culture, but for Alpert, mind expansion via chemical substances became a catalyst for spiritual seeking. In 1967 he traveled to India, where he met his guru Neem Karoli Baba (affectionately known as Maharaj-ji), who gave him the name Ram Dass, which means "servant of God." Upon his return from India, Ram Dass became a pivotal cultural influence, forging a Western articulation of Eastern thought and spiritual practice that has resonated with millions of people in the West over the past forty years.
This week on Locus Focus we depart from our recent fare of environmental nightmares, to journey towards the spiritual core of what can inspire us to connect with and protect the earth, as well as our deepest selves. On the fortieth anniversary of the publication of Be Here Now, Ram Dass's monumental work about his own spiritual journey, we talk with Ram Dass's student and long-time friend Rameshwar Das, about the journey from Be Here Now to their current collaboration Be Love Now.
Upcoming events in Oregon with Rameshwar Das and Ram Dass:
Living Earth is hosting a
Bhakti Benefit Retreat & Celebration with Ram Dass and Friends
, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ram Dass's classic book,
Be Here Now
. Thurs - Sun., December 2 - 5, at Breitenbush Hot Springs
Ram Dass will beam in for live tele-satsangs, joining Rameshwar Das, Shantala, Betsy Toll, and others who will be at Breitenbush. Ramesh is co-author of Ram Dass's new book, Be Love Now, and will present a short film that's part of the new e-book version of Be Here Now. He and others will share guru stories and Be Here Now reflections, plus daily kirtan, dharma talks, a raga performance, yoga, and meditation. All retreat proceeds will benefit Love Serve Remember Foundation, to support Ram Dass's work today.
Space is limited. Full info and registration are at
. Or call Living Earth at 503.771.1940.
December 6, 7:00 pm
Rameshar Das (live) and Ram Dass (live via satellite) will discuss BE LOVE NOW at New Renaissance Bookshop, 1338 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
- KBOO