Spiritual teacher and author to speak at UF

Ram Dass, a celebrated spiritual teacher and author, will speak at the University of Florida Sunday, Feb. 2.

“An Evening with Ram Dass,” presented by the UF Center for Spirituality and Health, is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Reitz Union ballroom on UF’s campus. Dass will speak about his encounters with Eastern religion, his dedication to compassionate service, and his experiences with conscious aging, illness and death.

Dass, aka Richard Alpert, Ph.D., is the author of “Be Here Now,” an account of his search for expanded consciousness through meditation and yoga. He cofounded the Hanuman and Seva foundations and has worked with environmental organizations and the socially conscious business community.

In February 1997, Dass had a stroke, which led him to write “Still Here,” a book aimed at baby boomers and their fears about aging, debilitating illness and death. Today he continues to explore spirituality.