Customer Reviews

Be Here Now

5 star:		(50)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Like Undoing Yourself, by Hyatt, this one is a classic that redefines what a book should look like and do for the reader. Its structure and design are created to magically imprint the book's message in a way that is striking and memorable. The content proves refreshing and cutting edge.

With so many forces of brainwashing all around us, it is invigorating to encounter a truly revolutionary work that transforms its readers so profoundly.

This fun-loving but challenging enlightenment is delivered in a highly unique form.

Enjoy!

This book changed my life. I have read tons and tons of spiritual books, but this one really changed me. I have read this book over and over and the message seems to change as the readers development changes. If I could only have one book to choose it would be this one. It explores the writer's path first, then gives a great illustrated tale that lingers in the mind...,goes on with spiritual quotes from all spiritual leaders that we have ever known, gives some info on stretching,and etc. This book calls for those who are ready. How much do you want to let the ego go, is the real question here...now...

I first read this book in the 70's and have since re-read it many times. The book is a timeless compendium of information to be treasured by anyone on a spiritual path. It really did change my life.

I first picked up this book about two years ago. Since that time, the tale of how Richard Alpert Ph.D. became Ram Dass has become one of my favorite works. Is it on the fringe? Well, that depends on your perspective. Your enjoyment of this book will be proportional to your acceptance of different viewpoints on life. If you don't want your ideas about life challenged, then don't read this book. However, if you believe that the purpose of reading is to get you thinking, then there is perhaps no better book then "Be Here Now". If you are up for a good internal debate, pick it up and read on.

Insecurity is a part of many of us. Loneliness, uneasiness, and constant questions about our significance, bring inner turmoil that continuously acts as an acid on our inner Self. Comfort comes to us when we feel that someone can understand these constraints. Be Here Now by Ram Baba Dass gave me hope in a time when hopelessness clung to me. The ideas presented in this art-filled bubble of joyful laughter told me that there was more to life than the terrors I had already seen.

I picked up this book about 8 years ago for the first time and as I was reading it I felt as if my mind was being [pulled] in the pages. I have bought it 3 separate times but always feel compelled to give it away to someone who I feel could benefit from the wisdom inside.
This book comes in 3 parts...the first part is an account of the author's pre "Ram Dass" life as a PhD and scholar....then to make a long story short, he did some psychedelic drugs, and discovered that he actually liked what was inside his mind and wanted to try to find a way to live in "the now" without the drug experience attached. His journey took him to finding a guru..interesting stuff but then to my favorite part of the book:
the middle....this is a brown paper rambling section full of rich artwork, roughly drawn cartoons, biblical and buddhist references, and what I found to be great truths....all about what it means to "be here now."
While some of it is overly simplistic, and some of it is gratuitous reference to organized religion, most of it is just an alternative way of thinking about yourself, your problems, lifestyle, and family issues. What I took away from this book was a renewed sense of self awareness and it even made me realize that different is not bad, its just different. I guess I was at the point in time in my life where I needed that insight into my own behaviors and thought processing capabilities. In any event, it OPENED MY EYES!!! It made me look at everything differently, and almost instantaneously changed my perception of the world and others in it.
The third part, which is called something like "cookbook for a sacred life" really gets into the practice of buddhism and meditation, which was not the route I chose to go with my life...but in any case, a great and interesting read for anyone interestied in gaining valuable insight into the mystery of their life and life in general.

Read it...There is always something to learn. Something powerful in everything. Not only in this book but in any perceived object.

Although this book is probably a testament to why LSD is illegal,this book remains a spiritual classic. It's funky, thought provoking, real, honest and just plain fun. What is says is meaningful and it's about people, and more specifically Ram Dass, who took risks. He didn't accept the "norm" and searched for more. This book is about what he found out. Thinking outside the box and living it. I found it more enjoying to read the book in sittings as it's text is not presented traditionally and is interspersed with drawings. But the simple presentation makes it message stay with you. A must read for any person on a spiritual journey.

One of the greatest books to come out of America, EVER. This is not just a counter-culture hippie book; it is a legitimate work of profoundly life-improving philosophy. There are many tedious works of philosophy out there that seem to ask questions just for the sake of asking questions, and leave you with the feeling that you've only been playing fruitless mind-games. _Be Here Now_ is not like that at all. It addresses issues that really are important to us humans, and gives advice that can truly help you to improve your quality of life. ... _Be Here Now_, on the other hand, shows you time-honored eastern philosophical methods which will solve your illusory problems - not just cover them up. It also has a good moral theme to it, showing you ways to be happy without having to do so at other people's expense.

I really enjoyed it. The Eastern path is not really where I am at, but found this book inspiring nevertheless. I really enjoyed the initial autobiographic part, as Ram dass is such an interesting man and has had such an interesting life. The journey of transformation of Richard Alpert into Ram Dass, the psychedelic experiences, the frienship with Timothy Leary and the encounter with the guru had me spellbound.

Also, the next part of the book is so original in presentation, a real experiment in writing and art and of communication through the sensory experinece. It has that whole seventies feel about it. A classic. And much ageless wisdom in here.