Classic Ram Dass! - Rated 
This four-set CD is an excellent introduction to the enlightened teachings of Ram Dass (servant of God), a former Harvard professor (Dr Richard Alpert Ph.D), who was involved in testing the psychodelic drug LSD, together with Tim Leary.
After being sacked from Harvard, (for actually taking the drug - LSD - he was supposed to be experimenting on others with, as part of a legitimate university programme), he travelled to India in the mid-1960's, where he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba. This encounter, with this extraordinary being, transformed Richard Alpert into 'Ram Dass', a name given to him by his guru. The experience opened his Mind and his soul, and Ram Dass became a 'Sadhu', or practicing yogi. Living a through strict daily regime, Ram Dass wore the robe of an Indian ascetic, and followed the teachings of Ashtanga yoga.
When he returned to the United State in the late 1960's, he continued to live as a yogi, and share his transformative experience with the world. To this end, he began lecturing, and the lectures he delivered from 1968-1970, are among some of his strongest, committed and profound offerings. His voice conveys a certain 'inner' light, and a pure zeal, motivated to help offers, literally eminates through his being.
Practically speaking, this box-set is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes long. Excluding the bonus fourth CD, which contains various chanting sessions from Ram Dass, during his teaching activities.
The box cover explains that the lectures are between 1968-1970, however, this might well be a generalisation. In March 1969, Ram Dass gave a three week lecture course that has become known as the Sculpture Studio Lectures. These nightly lectures explain fully, from beginning to end, the yogic path. During this lecture, Ram Dass explains that he had just previously given a lecture at his former university, Harvard. Research suggests that 'Here We All Are', is primarily drawn from the Harvard Lecture of 1968.
He explains at the beginning, that he is now lecturing at the Temple of the Intellect (i.e. Harvard), but that there is much more to consciousness than the intellect. This is an a truly wonderful recording, that was unavailable for decades. I would thoroughly recommend it.
Thank you.
Adrian Chan-Wyles
Interesting historic document - Rated 
This audio-CD contains a more than 2 h. long lecture from Ram Dass (aka dr. Richard Albert), just returned from India and sharing his newfound enthusiasm for meditation and service with an appreciative audience. And telling the story of his life from succesful young professor over his psychedelic days with Timothy Leary and others to his meeting with his guru Neem Karoli Baba.
Unlike many others from the sixties Ram Dass has stayed true his whole life to his insights and his guru, standing like George Harrison or Stanislav Grof as symbols of the enduring influence of the East and of a succesful combination of meditation and psychedelics.
As always Ram Dass' lecture is both witty and profound, but there's not really much new here, nothing he hasn't told somewhere else in his varied work as writer.
The bonus-CD contains mantras and songs (kirtan) from his "Be Here Now"-tour, obviously directly transfered from a rather worn-out LP-copy. But it's moving and beautiful, complete with coughing, campfire guitar and crying babies, and touching the heart. But a very far cry indeed from todays musically challenging kirtan and mantrapop releases, by artists like Krishna Das, Jai Uttal (both also Neem karoli-disciples), Deva Premal, Rasa, Snatam Kaur to name just a few of the more artistically and commercially succesful.
I'm grateful this release came my way, and can recommend it to everyone interested in eastern spirituality and in psychedelics, and as an introduction to the beautiful world of Ram Dass. But I doubt it's something I will hear very often.
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