Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, was an American spiritual teacher and author who played a significant role in introducing Eastern spirituality to Western audiences. He gained widespread recognition with his 1971 book Be Here Now, which became influential in the counterculture movement and inspired many to explore yoga and meditation. Throughout his life, Ram Dass wrote several more books on spirituality and personal growth, including Grist for the Mill, How Can I Help?, and Polishing the Mirror. He was also known for his background in psychology and his efforts to bridge Western and Eastern philosophies through his teachings and public talks.