After writing his groundbreaking Be Here Now in 1971, Ram Dass became a spiritual icon for a generation that turned to eastern philosophies and practices for help in living a more meaningful life.

Working on one’s consciousness–through meditation, chanting, yoga, or other practices–was of great importance. But why should the state of our mind matter? Read Ram Dass’ words here:

“Remember, we are all affecting the world every moment, whether we mean to or not. Our actions and states of mind matter, because we’re so deeply interconnected with one another. Working on our own consciousness is the most important thing that we are doing at any moment, and being love is the supreme creative act.”