Richard Alpert, commonly known as Ram Dass, is a clinical psychologist, contemporary spiritual teacher, former academic, and the author of the 1971 bestselling novel Be Here Now (amongst many others). He also founded several charitable organizations, such as Hanuman Foundation and Seva Foundation.
He is known for his professional and personal associations with Timothy Leary (American psychologist and writer), as well as for his travels to India and his relationship with Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba who also gave him the name “Ram Dass,” which means “servant of God.”
Although Ram Dass had a stroke in 1997 that left him with expressive aphasia, he continues to teach via his website and even produced a podcast to share his teachings. With his attitude about love, life, and relationships, he is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring people to have walked the earth.
Searching for some motivation? Here is a list of the best Ram Dass quotes about love, life, faith, and more.
Fun fact: Ram Dass once described himself as a “spiritual dope dealer,” helping people get high on awareness instead of substances!
Table of Contents
Ram Dass Quotes on Presence & Mindfulness
Be here now.
Source: Be Here Now, 1971
This is Ram Dass’s signature reminder to anchor ourselves in the present moment—where all transformation begins.
The quieter you become, the more you can hear.
Source: Be Here Now, 1971
True wisdom arises when we slow down, turn inward, and truly listen to our inner experience.
It’s only when caterpillarness is done that one becomes a butterfly. That again is part of this paradox. You cannot rip away caterpillarness. The whole trip occurs in an unfolding process of which we have no control.
Source: Be Here Now, 1971
He reminds us that growth and awakening cannot be forced—they unfold naturally when we are present.
Ram Dass Quotes on Love & Compassion
We’re all just walking each other home.
Source: Be Love Now, 2010
A gentle, unforgettable metaphor for our shared human journey and the deep bonds that connect us.
Treat everyone you meet like God in drag.
Source: Be Here Now, 1971
Ram Dass encourages us to see the divine in everyone, regardless of appearances.
When you know how to listen, everybody is the guru.
Source: Be Here Now, 1971
Every encounter, even the difficult ones, has something to teach us about love and understanding.
Ram Dass Quotes on Letting Go & Acceptance
If you think you’re free, there’s no escape possible.
Source: Be Here Now, 1971
Letting go of ego and certainty is the path to true liberation.
The heart surrenders everything to the moment. The mind judges and holds back.
Source: Be Here Now, 1971
Surrendering to the present can open us to love, forgiveness, and peace.
Suffering is part of our training program for becoming wise.
Source: Polishing the Mirror, 2013
He invites us to see suffering as a teacher, not an enemy.
Ram Dass Quotes on Spiritual Growth
We’re fascinated by the words, but where we meet is in the silence behind them.
Source: Polishing the Mirror, 2013
Growth is often found in the spaces between—through silence, stillness, and non-doing.
Everything changes once we identify with being the witness to the story, instead of the actor in it.
Source: Polishing the Mirror, 2013
Real transformation happens when we step back and witness our own thoughts and stories with compassion.
Ram Dass Quotes on Service & Community
The most important aspect of love is not in giving or the receiving: it’s in the being.
Source: Be Love Now, 2010
Ram Dass taught that service isn’t just action—it’s presence and “being with” others, especially in their suffering.
Compassion refers to the arising in the heart of the desire to relieve the suffering of all beings.
Source: Paths to God: Living the Bhagavad Gita, 2004
He reminds us that service begins with a compassionate heart.
Walking Each Other Home
Ram Dass’s wisdom reminds us that life’s greatest journey is not one of self-perfection, but of presence, love, and gentle acceptance of ourselves and each other. Whether you’re a long-time devotee or a newcomer to his teachings, may these quotes serve as guideposts to help you “be here now” and walk each other home.
