Ram Dass, one of America's most beloved spiritual figures, made his mark on the world by teaching the path of the heart and promoting service in the areas of social consciousness and care for the dying. Ram Dass first went to India in 1967 when he was still Dr. Richard Alpert, an eminent Harvard psychologist and psychedelic pioneer with Dr. Timothy Leary. In India he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, who gave Ram Dass his name, which means "servant of God."

On his return from India, Ram Dass became a pivotal influence in our culture with the publication of Be Here Now--three words that have become a catchphrase. With the publication of Be Love Now in 2011, Ram Dass completed his trilogy, which began with Be Here Now in 1971 and continued with Still Here in 2004. In spring 2013 he released the book Polishing the Mirror: How to Live from Your Spiritual Heart with co-author Rameshwar Das.

Ram Dass's spirit has been a guiding light for four generations, carrying millions along the journey and helping to free them from their bonds as he worked his way through his own. Ram Dass passed away in 2019.