140

(1969-1974)

Ram Dass Spiritual Guru Archive with Signed Letters [Counter Culture - Harvard - Timothy Leary]

Collection of material related to Baba Ram Dass (1931-2019), American spiritual teacher, author, and central figure in the countercultural and New Age movements, drawn from the archive of his friend and follower Gladys Nalbandian Manyan (1911-2003), author of The Country Season Cookbook (1974).

The archive includes three photographs of Ram Dass; three handwritten postcards, and two autograph letters signed by him to Manyan, 1969-1972, referencing his early spiritual teachings, experiments with psychedelic drugs, and work in progress, presumably on his landmark book Be Here Now (1971), which would go on to popularize Eastern spirituality and yoga in the West. Also included is a typed manuscript by Manyan describing Ram Dass's life, lectures, and growing influence, likely based on his workshops and gatherings in New Hampshire, returned by Ram Dass with suggested edits and a complimentary note.

Together with a group of scarce early Lama Foundation publications associated with Ram Dass and his circle, including From Bindu to Ojas (New Mexico: Lama Foundation, 1970), first edition, square 4to, 108 leaves, in the original box with cover label (detached); a rare precursor to Be Here Now and a seminal work of the 1970s spiritual and countercultural movement. Additional titles include His-Story, Our-Story, My-Story, Your-Story (1970); Cook Book for a Sacred Life (1970); Painted Cakes Do Not Satisfy (1970); and It's an Honor to be Asked To Help by Suzie Gomez.

Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, was a Harvard psychologist who, with Timothy Leary, conducted pioneering research into psychedelic substances before their dismissal in 1963. Following his travels to India in 1967 and spiritual training under Neem Karoli Baba, he returned to the United States as Ram Dass, becoming a leading voice in the transmission of Eastern spirituality to Western audiences.

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April 25, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
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