There Is No Other: The Way to Harmony and Wholeness – The Final Teachings from Beloved Spiritual Leader Ram Dass on Unity and Love

by Ram Dass, Parvati Markus (introduction)

An essential balm for these tumultuous times, this thoughtful and inspiring guide features newly gathered teachings to abandon the idea there is an “other,” bridging differences and cherishing our lives in the world, from beloved spiritual leader Ram Dass.

With the world seeming to teeter between democracy and authoritarianism, between humanitarianism and individualism, Ram Dass’s teachings on wholeness and unity are more needed than ever.

There Is No Other is a groundbreaking work showcasing the late spiritual leader’s thoughts and insights on broaching the divide and bringing disparate souls together. In these profound, newly gathered writings, Ram Dass shows us how a house divided against itself—whether that “house” is our individual self or the society in which we live—can come together in wholeness. There is no “other,” he explains. It is all one.

Structured in three sections, There Is No Other teaches us to open ourselves, come together in community, and love one another—and ourselves—across all our seeming contradictions and divisions. Anne Lamott contributes a beautiful foreword and each section is followed by a short essay reflecting on the endurance of Ram Dass’s ideas penned by Sharon Salzberg, Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, and Mirabai Bush, as well as guided meditations to deepen each lesson.

As he leads us toward wholeness within our unique selves and as a human community, Ram Dass gives us the most precious hope. Only in seeing ourselves in our complexity can we come together and honor our incarnations on the sacred planet we inhabit.

Genres: Nonfiction

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Ram Dass (Richard Alpert), was one of America's most beloved spiritual figures, making his mark on the world giving teachings and promoting loving service, harmonious business practices, and conscious care for the dying. His spirit has been a guiding light for four generations, carrying millions along on the journey, helping free them from their bonds as he has worked his way through his own.

Reviews

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

A posthumous compilation type thing. It has some insightful sections as well as some funny ones. One anecdote stands out. The Great Guru is in line to watch the infamous porno movie Deep Throat and is recognized while he stands in line to buy a ticket. Read to find out how Ram Dass responds… I really liked his most famous and most strange book of drawings and text, Be Here Now, but this one is probably just for fans and/or acolytes.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

There Is No Other by Ram Dass is a beautiful, heart-opening read that I couldn’t put down. The book is full of gentle wisdom, reflections, and practical insights that feel deeply personal, like Ram Dass is speaking directly to you. I loved how it’s not just his voice throughout. Contributors like Jack Kornfield and others add thoughtful perspectives that complement Ram Dass’ teachings perfectly. Their passages feel like little conversations or moments of reflection that make the book feel even more alive and rich. I have read Ram Dass for many years and thoroughly enjoyed this

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

[Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of amalgamated Ram Dass teachings was one of my favorites- super approachable and not extra woo woo. Got to enjoy this during a long night up with my sick pup so might be a skewed interpretation but Ram kept me present and enjoying my awareness ha!

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up after hearing about it over a series of podcasts on the Be Here Now Network. I really liked Be Here Now, and other works written during the life time of Ram Dass. It's not "groundbreaking" but still very nice.

All in all, if you've followed the works and teachings of Ram Dass, this book is a nice little trip to keep you on the straight and narrow - a good little reminder to keep true to your voice and your path.

I think for first time followers of those in this network of spiritual teachers, I wouldn't recommend it as the first book - since it does have some terminology that harkens to other works. I don't think people who did pick this up as their first book would be harmed by it, but if you started with Be Here Now, and then The Miracle of Love, you would have a stronger connection to the work itself.

Great addition, and owning the book is a great way to support all the good work they are doing.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

There Is No Other is a beautiful collection of Ram Dass’s teachings centered on oneness, unity, and the interconnectedness of all beings. As with much of Dass’s work, the ideas here invite reflection rather than passive reading. I found it to be a meaningful book—though at times a little dry—but full of timeless wisdom.

I especially enjoyed the author’s reflections at the beginning of each chapter, which helped ground the deeper spiritual concepts. This is not a book to rush through; it’s best read in small doses, giving space for the insights to settle and resonate.

Overall, There Is No Other is a contemplative, worthwhile read for anyone interested in mindfulness, spiritual growth, and learning to see the divine in everyone.

Thank you to HarperOne and NetGalley for this ARC.

[ripley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closer to 3.5 rounded to 4. Everyone who knows me knows i adore Ram Dass, but this book to me was not one of his best by a long shot. Published years after his death, it was more of a “best of Ram Dass” book, with each central theme of every chapter introduced by someone new. the intros took me out of Ram’s voice and style and just felt a bit choppy.

While i do love what Ram Dass has to say, i feel like there are much better books of his out there that say it better than this one does. that being said, i do feel like i needed this gentle reminder in my life right now that there is no “i”, there is only “we”, there is only the one. one consciousness manifesting into different forms, each one god in drag.

[Michelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parvati Markus has compiled some of Ram Dass’s most powerful messages in this book and I found *There Is No Other* to be a title I read slowly, so as to be able to best take in the essence of each piece.

This was a title I enjoyed greatly, thinking so much about what I read in this particularly as times are yearning for these messages. I sincerely appreciated the opportunity from Harper One to read an early copy of this; this is one I will get for my own bookshelf.



Thank you to Harper One and NetGalley for the DRC

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parvati Markus has compiled several of Ram Dass' most powerful messages in a book accessing his teachings and reflections. Also included are essays from Jack Kornfield, Joseph Goldstein and Sharon Salzberg who taught alongside him at many retreats. this is a book to be read in small bites and savored, as the teachings are profound. It is a blessing to have it now, especially during these chaotic and frightening times. Thanks to Parvati and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Jonathan Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you give a book 100 stars out of 5? Or is this unnecessary because there is no other and we are all one, so reviews don’t matter? This book could change your outlook on the entirety of life and beyond if you just pay yourself open to it. It’s a must-read.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of talks and essays of Ram Dass are some of his best; Markus weaves them together in a lovely fashion. While I've heard these talks in various fashions (I've listened to tons of his lectures), it's still nice to read it. I'll reread this one for sure. Really lovely read.