Ram Dass and Timothy Leary; A Friendship Beyond Space and Time
Friendships can be slippery things, often dependent on a particular time and place. But in the case of cultural icons Timothy Leary and Ram Dass, their friendship, while grounded very much in the times, also reached beyond them and influenced an entire generation of seekers.
“Dying to Know” explores Leary and Ram Dass’s long and complicated relationship, from their shared passion for pushing against societal norms to their ground-breaking work in understanding consciousness, and even how we approach our own death. Their friendship was one of the most influential and important, of our times.
From Very Different Beginnings
While both men were born in Massachusetts, their childhoods were very different. Leary, an only child, stemmed from a mix of Irish backgrounds with his mother being extremely conservative and his father, a wilder, drinking, roving type. As a child, Leary loved reading, drawn to stories of adventure and heroism.
Leary’s paternal grandfather advised him to follow his own path and to be “one of a kind.” This advice led him to challenge authority. In his college years, he would leave West Point after a dismissed court-martial charge for supplying alcohol to other cadets, then taking on the persona of the provocateur.
Ram Dass, aka Richard Alpert, was the son of a railroad president and founder of Brandeis University, growing up in a stable, middle-class Jewish family. Alpert graduated from Wesleyan University, then Stanford, where he served as faculty, as well as at the University of California, Berkeley. At 27 years old, he was appointed as an assistant professor to Harvard’s psychology department in 1958; Alpert was a rising success. But he was living a lie as a closeted homosexual. The cost of this secret, according to Alpert, “set the stage for feeling like an outcast.”
Leary also experienced early success in the academic world. His first book, The Interpersonal Diagnosis of Personality, was named “book of the year” in 1957 by the American Psychological Association and he was on the faculty at the University of California, Berkeley where he’d received his doctorate in psychology. Despite this academic success, his personal life was troubled. His first marriage ended tragically with his wife’s suicide, leaving Leary to raise their two children on his own.
Haunted by her death, Leary and his children moved to Florence, Italy, where he met David McClellan, the director of Harvard’s Center for Personality Research, who was so impressed by Leary’s original ideas on psychology, he offered him a three-year research project where Leary and Alpert’s paths would cosmically converge.
That same summer was also the first time Leary tried psychedelic mushrooms while traveling in Mexico, an experience in which Leary said he “learned more about his mind in four hours than he had in his 15 years as a psychologist.”
Kindred Consciousness
Leary focused his research efforts on the effects of psilocybin, at that time a legal substance obtained through Sandoz Pharmaceuticals. Trained staff members took the drug and acted as guides for the volunteers in an approach that became known as “set and setting.” When Leary arrived at Harvard, Alpert was drawn to Leary’s sense of personal and academic freedom, as well as his outlandish sense of humor.
Alpert saw his new friend as a visionary and believed Leary’s ability to “see outside the system” would allow Alpert to finally break free. With Leary’s guidance, Alpert tried synthetic psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic” mushrooms. It was a profound experience that stripped him of his false identities.
In 1962, Leary’s research headed in a new direction with the introduction of LSD. At first, Leary was reluctant to expand his research, but after he explored the drug on his own, he changed his mind and the course of the project. Leary, and his research team, felt that the controlled use of LSD could free people to release themselves from the strict confines of society’s norms into a fuller existence. At a time when outer space was being aggressively explored, Leary and Alpert thought of themselves as inner cosmic adventurers or psychonauts.
At the height of the project, Alpert broke the rule regarding only graduate students being used as subjects leading to him being fired from Harvard while bringing national attention to psychedelics. Leary’s contract with Harvard was not renewed, as he and Alpert found a new way to continue their work.
The two resettled in Millbrook, New York on the expansive property of one of their subjects where they set up a new research site and a communal living environment known as Millbrook, and a second home to many of that era’s artists, thinkers, beat poets, and activists.
Turn On, Tune In, Drop Out
At Millbrook, Alpert became “the support system for Timothy’s (revolutionary) vision,” efforts that ranged from raising money to housekeeping to substitute parenting — whatever was needed to keep the enterprise afloat. This came at a huge financial and psychological cost, as well as straining their friendship. Alpert found himself in the position of having to break free from Leary, leaving Millbrook in 1965 to embark on his own spiritual quest.
During this time, Leary married a second time and divorced, then got married for a third time to Rosemary Woodruff. Leary headed to Mexico with his children, and upon their return, Woodruff was found in possession of a small amount of cannabis. Taking responsibility, Leary was sentenced to more than 30 years in prison, which was later reduced to a charge of interstate transportation.
For a generation of youth yearning to break free from the strict social confines of the 1950s, LSD represented the keys to that freedom. Leary had been an early proponent of legalizing drugs for adults with stringent license requirements, even being called before Congress to testify on the subject. He believed the criminalization of these substances was directly in correlation to the availability of them. He was right — LSD became the drug of choice for the younger generation and Leary’s words, “Turn on, tune in, drop out,” its rallying cry.
Named by President Nixon as America’s “most dangerous man,” Leary was arrested again in 1970 and sentenced to a minimum-security facility for 10 years. He escaped jail and embarked on a fugitive’s life with his fourth wife, culminating in his capture in Afghanistan where he was then returned to prison for four years, including two in solitary confinement.
Desperate to get out of jail, Leary turned to state and federal evidence; he and his wife were put into the witness protection program under the names James and Nora Joyce and relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The relationship soon ended, already under intense strain due to drug abuse, alcoholism, and estrangement.
During this tumultuous period in Leary’s life, Alpert was on a very different journey. Traveling in India, he encountered Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji by his followers. He became Alpert’s guru and gave him the spiritual name, Ram Dass.
After an intensive period of studying yoga and meditation, Ram Dass returned to the United States a very changed man. He wrote about his experience in Be Here Now, one of the best-selling spiritual books of all time and considered many a spiritual seeker’s manual. Ram Dass emerged as a bridge between East and West, opening a new world of spiritual awakening to a generation hungry for ways to train and calm the mind.
A New Stage of Life and Friendship
The two men’s lives took very different paths, but it was through their personal encounter with their own mortality that a new connection was formed. For both, the illness became another opportunity to engage in the greatest mythical experience of all: death.
When Leary was diagnosed with advanced and inoperable prostate cancer in 1995, he turned to his old friend Ram Dass for support, wisdom, and guidance. Two decades before, Ram Dass established the Dying Project (with Stephen and Andrea Levine, and Dale Borglum) and was considered a pioneer in the field of conscious dying and hospice care. As with his life, Leary applied the same bravado to his cancer, which Ram Dass describes as a “theater piece, a poem, a dance…(it) was a celebratory moment.”
Leary died May 31, 1996. In speaking about Leary’s death, Ram Dass said, “Timothy and I are explorers, we’re beloveds, we’re deeply connected and I can’t imagine that will ever change.”
In 1997, Ram Dass experienced a stroke that left him with expressive aphasia and a massive cerebral hemorrhage, leaving him with what doctors predicted as a 10% chance of survival. He viewed this health challenge as an act of grace and spiritual practice, continuing to write, teach, and live with what Joan Halifax called a “delightful determination that is a model to us all.” Ram Dass died 23 years after his friend, also surrounded by loving friends and family.
From the spark that lit their friendship at Harvard, Dying to Know lovingly relates the story of a friendship that transcended time, space, culture, and for Leary and Ram Dass, their own physical realms. Their friendship did change the world, but it was also centered on the most important thing – love; a wild and crazy love that lasted a lifetime.
About the Author
What Are Light Beings? Understanding Their Meaning and What Types Exist
Light beings, often called beings of light, are spiritual entities believed to exist beyond the physical realm, formed of pure light and radiant energy. Many traditions describe them as luminous presences that carry unconditional love and wisdom, appearing as spirit guides, healers, ascended masters, angels, or even higher-dimensional or extraterrestrial intelligences. These beings are said to support human beings as they awaken to their true selves and move along their spiritual path.
Table of Contents
- Presence and Meaning of Light Beings
- What Types of Light Beings Exist?
- How Do Light Entities Manifest Themselves?
- How Can We Communicate With Light Beings?
- Differences Between Light Beings and Other Spiritual Entities
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Presence and Meaning of Light Beings
While light beings are often described using similar language across spiritual traditions, their presence is deeply personal and symbolic. Rather than appearing as fixed forms, beings of light are believed to reveal themselves through sensation, intuition, and heightened awareness, shaped by an individual’s beliefs, spiritual practice, and openness to subtle energy.
Some people experience light beings as waves of white light or bright light felt through the chakras, while others perceive them as glowing orbs, archetypal figures, or gentle shifts in energy during deep meditation or lucid dreaming. These encounters are often accompanied by feelings of unconditional love, clarity, and well-being, offering reassurance rather than definitive answers.
Across many belief systems, light beings are understood less as physical entities and more as expressions of higher consciousness, gently guiding human beings toward alignment along their spiritual journey. They may be recognized as spiritual guides, ascended masters, angels, or interdimensional intelligences whose presence supports awareness and spiritual growth.
These perspectives are explored more deeply in The Light System, available on Gaia, where researcher Jason Shurka explores an enigmatic organization called “The Light System” (TLS) and their obscure technique known as “transducing.” He gives a glimpse into its unique mission shaping our world with advanced technologies and connections to extraterrestrial life.
Types of Light Beings
Across spiritual traditions, many different kinds of light beings are described, each associated with a distinct role in guiding, protecting, or supporting human consciousness. These include spirit guides, guardian angels, power animals or totems, elemental guides, angels, archangels, and ascended masters. Together, they represent diverse expressions of spiritual guidance and protection believed to assist human beings along their spiritual path.
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Spiritual Guides
Spirit guides are entities that accompany people throughout their lives , offering guidance and support in their personal and spiritual development. These guides have been assigned to each individual before birth and remain with them throughout their lives, helping them to make important decisions and overcome challenges.
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Guardian Angels
Guardian angels are beings of light assigned to each person to protect and guide them. These angels are always present, watching over the safety and well-being of their protégés. They act as protectors in times of danger and as counselors in difficult situations, offering comfort and support.
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Spirit Animal or Totem
Spirit animals or totems are beings of light that manifest in the form of animals and act as spiritual guides and protectors . Each person has one or more power animals that represent aspects of their personality and lessons to be learned. These animals offer wisdom, strength, and protection, helping people connect with their inner nature and the spiritual world.
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Elemental Guides or Angels of Nature
Elemental guides, also known as nature angels, are beings of light associated with the natural elements: earth, water, air, and fire. These beings protect and care for the natural environment and help humans live in harmony with nature. They communicate through the energy of the elements and may manifest in forms associated with nature, such as fairies, elves, or tree spirits.
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Angels
Angels are beings of light who act as messengers between the divine and humans. They are always present to provide support, guidance, and protection in times of need. Angels are known for their unconditional love and their ability to intervene in critical situations, offering comfort and guidance to those who require it.
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Archangels
Archangels are a higher category of angels with broader roles and responsibilities. Each archangel has a specific purpose and is invoked for help in particular areas of life. For example, Archangel Michael is known for his protection and strength, while Archangel Raphael is recognized for his healing abilities. Archangels have great influence and can assist multiple people simultaneously.
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Ascended Masters
Ascended masters are beings of light who once lived as humans and have reached a high level of spiritual consciousness. These beings have transcended the limitations of earthly life and now work from higher planes to guide and assist humanity in its spiritual evolution. Some of the best-known ascended masters include Jesus, Buddha, and Saint Germain, who continue to offer their wisdom and support to those seeking spiritual growth.
How Do Light Entities Manifest Themselves?
Light entities are believed to manifest in subtle but meaningful ways, often shaped by an individual’s awareness and sensitivity. These experiences may arise during deep meditation, moments of heightened emotion, or lucid dreams and are commonly described as gentle signs rather than dramatic events.
- Orbs of light: Luminous spheres that may appear in photographs or be seen with the naked eye. Orbs are often interpreted as concentrated energy associated with beings of light and may vary in size, color, or intensity.
- Angelic figures: Some people report visions of angelic forms, often described as radiant figures or beings surrounded by bright light. These experiences are typically brief and symbolic rather than physical encounters.
- Dreams: Light beings are frequently said to communicate through vivid or meaningful dreams. These dreams may carry symbolic messages related to guidance, reassurance, or insight.
- Physical sensations: Sensations such as warmth, tingling, or a gentle pressure are sometimes reported during perceived encounters with light beings and are commonly described as calming or grounding.
- Signs and synchronicities: Repeating numbers, meaningful symbols, or timely coincidences are often interpreted as subtle forms of communication that draw attention or offer reassurance.
How Can We Communicate With Light Beings?
Communication with light beings is possible through spiritual practices that raise our vibration and open our consciousness. These practices include meditation, lucid dreaming and channeling , which allow us to tune into the higher frequencies of these beings and receive their guidance and support. These practices are not about control but about creating space for subtle insight and connection.
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Meditation
Meditation is a powerful tool for connecting with light beings. By calming the mind and opening the heart, meditation creates a receptive space for spiritual communication. Practicing meditation regularly helps to raise one’s personal vibration, facilitating contact with these beings and allowing one to receive their guidance clearly and effectively.
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Lucid Dreams
Lucid dreaming is a form of communication in which beings of light can interact directly with us while we dream. By being conscious within the dream, we can request the presence of these beings and receive important messages . Practicing lucid dream induction techniques can increase the frequency of these experiences and deepen the connection with light beings.
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Channeling
Channeling involves entering a deeply relaxed state and allowing thoughts, images, or impressions to surface intuitively, often understood as guidance rather than direct messages. Regular practice of channeling can facilitate smooth and enriching communication with light beings.
Differences Between Light Beings and Other Spiritual Entities
Light beings are generally understood as spiritual entities associated with guidance, protection, and higher awareness. They are often described as operating from elevated states of consciousness and expressing qualities such as unconditional love, clarity, and support for spiritual growth. Their role is typically seen as assisting human beings in aligning with their spiritual path and deeper sense of well-being.
In contrast, the spirits of deceased persons are commonly believed to remain connected to the physical world due to personal bonds, unresolved experiences, or the desire to communicate with loved ones. These spirits may reflect a wide range of emotions and energies shaped by their human lives, which can vary depending on their state of peace or understanding.
While light beings are often described as offering consistent, uplifting guidance, spirits of the deceased may still be in a process of integration or transition. This distinction highlights the importance of discernment, encouraging individuals to approach spiritual experiences with awareness, grounding, and respect for different forms of spiritual presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are humans light beings or lightworkers?
Some spiritual perspectives suggest that human beings carry an inner light or higher awareness and may act as lightworkers by expressing compassion, healing, and service in everyday life. Light beings themselves, however, are generally understood as non-physical spiritual entities rather than humans.
Are angels considered light beings?
Many spiritual and religious traditions describe angels as a form of light being, often portrayed as luminous messengers or protectors that offer guidance and support to humanity.
How do you know if you have encountered a light being?
Encounters are often described as deeply personal experiences marked by feelings of peace, clarity, or unconditional love. These moments may be accompanied by symbolic signs, vivid dreams, or meaningful synchronicities, though interpretations vary widely.
