Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, was a prominent American spiritual teacher and author renowned for his influence on the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Initially an academic, he shifted to spirituality after his experience with psychedelics and travels to India. There, he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, who profoundly shaped his worldview and approach to spirituality. He later adopted the name Ram Dass, which means "servant of God," signifying his new life dedicated to serving others through love and compassion. Throughout his life, Ram Dass focused on promoting mindfulness, love, and spiritual awakening. His seminal book, "Be Here Now," published in 1971, has become a classic in spiritual literature, blending Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. The text encourages readers to live in the present moment and offers insights into meditation, consciousness, and the nature of reality. In addition to his writing, Ram Dass was also known for his lectures and workshops. He emphasized the importance of community and service, often stating that love is the essence of spiritual growth. Despite facing personal challenges including a stroke later in life, he continued to share his teachings and inspire countless individuals until his passing in 2019. Ram Dass, originally named Richard Alpert, was an influential spiritual teacher and author who significantly impacted the counterculture movement of the 1960s. He transformed his life through experiences with psychedelics and spiritual teachings in India, where he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. This encounter inspired him to dedicate his life to service and love, adopting the name Ram Dass, meaning "servant of God." His book "Be Here Now," published in 1971, combines Eastern philosophy with Western psychology, encouraging readers to embrace the present moment. Through his work, he provided a guide to meditation, consciousness, and spiritual awakening, making a lasting contribution to spiritual literature. Beyond writing, Ram Dass was a sought-after speaker who held workshops emphasizing community, love, and compassion as critical components of spiritual growth. His teachings remained impactful even after a stroke shaped his later years, demonstrating his commitment to inspiring others until his death in 2019.