Tripping in the Moment: The Spiritual Journey of Baba Ram Dass
The International Journal of Transpersonal Studies October 31, 2022 Charles S. Hamilton
Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, transformed from a clinical psychologist constrained by Western expectations into a free, embodied spiritual teacher who guided others toward loving awareness. His concept of self evolved through three stages: from a psychological object of study, to a shared experience of co-discovery, and finally to a witnessing soul recognizing the self as continuous, moment-to-moment spiritual transformation. This account describes his spiritual journey and the shift in identity that allowed him to bring Eastern wisdom to Western audiences through books and dharma talks.