Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, transformed from a clinical psychologist constrained by Western expectations into a free, embodied spiritual teacher who guided others toward loving awareness. His concept of self evolved through three stages: from a psychological object of study, to a shared experience of co-discovery, and finally to a witnessing soul recognizing the self as continuous, moment-to-moment spiritual transformation. This account describes his spiritual journey and the shift in identity that allowed him to bring Eastern wisdom to Western audiences through books and dharma talks.
Among 21 adult North Americans working to address the ecological crisis, themes from heuristic inquiry and participatory action research included entheogenic and nature-based awe experiences, identifying the crisis's origins, both high and low political efficacy, nature-related wellbeing, and mutual stimulation between psychospiritual development and activism. Challenges to activism and the need for self-growth to overcome them emerged, along with individuation needs that both inspired and challenged activism. Many participants held negative attitudes toward sociopolitical activism, indicating a need for psychospiritual supports to foster collaborative sociopolitical change.
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy may help alleviate existential suffering in patients nearing the end of life, a form of distress often poorly addressed by existing interventions. The article reviews classic psychedelics and their use in psychotherapy, then explains how psychedelic-induced mystical states can facilitate self-transcendence, which in turn may reduce existential suffering. Practical and ethical considerations for safe application are discussed, including developmental factors for assessing therapist and patient suitability.