Ram Dass (Richard Alpert)

Psychedelics to spirituality

Contemporary weird famous 95 sayings

Sayings by Ram Dass (Richard Alpert)

The mind is a monkey, hopping from branch to branch, from thought to thought.

1970s-1980s — A common analogy for the restless nature of the mind, and the need for meditation.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The spiritual path is not a career choice. It's a way of being.

1980s-1990s — Distinguishing genuine spiritual practice from a mere profession or hobby.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Only when you are no longer afraid to die can you truly begin to live.

1980s-1990s — A powerful statement on overcoming the fear of death as a key to full engagement with life.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The journey isn't about becoming anything. It's about unbecoming everything that isn't you.

1980s-1990s — A variation on his 'unbecoming' theme, focused on shedding false self-perceptions.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You are loved. You are not alone. You are connected.

1990s-2000s — A comforting and affirming message he often shared with his audience.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The ego is a structure of the mind that is designed to protect you from the truth.

1970s-1980s — Defining the ego's role in obscuring deeper spiritual reality.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

When you let go of 'me' and 'mine,' you are free.

1970s-1980s — A teaching on transcending possessiveness and ego-identification.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The void is not empty. It is full of potential.

1980s-1990s — A teaching on the positive and generative nature of emptiness in spiritual terms.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The hardest spiritual work in the world is to love the one in front of you.

1980s-1990s — Highlighting the challenge of unconditional love in immediate relationships.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

You are loved just for being who you are, just for existing. You don't have to do anything to earn it. Your shortcomings, your lack of self-esteem, physical perfection, or social and economic success - none of that matters. No one can take your truth away from you. Just be, and the love will flow.

1977 — Grist for the Mill (book)
Controversial Unverifiable

The resistance to the unpleasant situation is the root of suffering.

1970s — Lecture
Controversial Unverifiable

When you're with an enlightened being, they don't see your personality. They see your soul.

1990s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The way to freedom is through the forest, not around it.

1970s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

Suffering is part of our training program for becoming wise.

2000 — Still Here (book)
Controversial Unverifiable

The spiritual path is not a straight line. It's a spiral.

1990s — Lecture
Controversial Unverifiable

Compassion isn't a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's between equals.

2000 — Still Here (book)
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.

1970s — Lecture
Controversial Unverifiable

When you open your heart to love, it is like opening your heart to a universe of infinite possibilities.

1980s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable

The mind is a magnificent servant, but a terrible master.

1971 — Be Here Now (book)
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to get out of the trap is to realize you're in it.

1970s — Interview
Controversial Unverifiable