Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert in 1931, was an American spiritual teacher and author known for his influential work in the field of psychology and spirituality. He gained prominence in the 1960s after his collaboration with Timothy Leary in exploring the effects of psychedelics. His book, Be Here Now, published in 1971, became a classic in spiritual literature, emphasizing mindfulness and living in the present moment. Throughout his life, Ram Dass traveled extensively, sharing his teachings on love, compassion, and self-awareness. He was deeply influenced by his experiences in India and his relationship with his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. Ram Dass continued to inspire many until his passing in 2019, leaving a lasting legacy in the spiritual community.