Living with the himalayan masters - A review

My friend told me about this book. He said that i will feel good and high about myself if i read this. All these didnt impress me to read. I was impressed and had a urge to read only when i came to know that this was the book presented by Superstar RajiniKant to the Ultimate Star Ajith. :)

Ajith, when talking about the big transformation in his life (from outspoken, over confident person to a calm and philosophical person) , the actor said Rajini was instrumental in doing that. For it was the superstar who presented him with a book titled "Living with the Himalayan Masters." According to Ajith, the book had a great impact in his life which helped him mellow down a lot. "I would have wondered if someone told me that a book had changed their lives, until I felt it myself," he stated.

'Cool!!' I thought, 'Why cant I try it myself and find out?'. I was presented this book by the very same friend i was talking about earlier, (thanks to him) when i was starting to America last year. I completed the book only last week.

So what's so special? My point of view.

Many people know that Himalayas are not merely the home of snow, but they have also been a stronghold of yogic wisdom and spirituality for millions of people, regardless of their religious beliefs. This ancient and rich tradition still exists there today as these unique mountains continue to whisper their spiritual glory to all who have an ear to hear (as i said in my first post)

'I will tell you how I grew up and how I was trained, about the great sages with whom I lived and what they taught me, not through lectures and books but through experiences', writes Sri Swami Rama, the author of this book, in the opening pages of this timeless saga. These stories record his personal quest for truth and enlightenment. Inspiring, illuminating, entertaining, mystifying, and frequently humorous, they bring you face-to-face with the great Himalayan Masters, including:
Mataji of Assam, a ninety-six-year-old lady sage who never slept
Gudari Baba, who taught Swami Rama the value of direct experience
Yogi Sri Aurobindo, who integrated meditation with action
Uria Baba, who teaches that every human being has a potential for healing

After reading the book, i felt that this book is inspirational and the book that has many good motivational lines. One of those rare books written about lives of great men and women who are powerful beyond all imagination yet very kind, gentle and down to earth.

First few pages talks about himalayas and its beauty and diviness. Then it starts telling about Swami Rama's childhood days. (Have you seen Rajini's movie Baba? The story line is taken from this :) Also, many little stories that Rajini tells in functions are taken from this book) I felt somewhat boring till this. Then it kickstarts with his daily life, his guru and how he gets enlightened.

What i liked very much in this book is that Swami Rama never conceded anything. He has frankly stated his mistakes, his greediness and his attachment to normal human life. He even explains about his relationship with a women and how he wanted to marry her. From all these mistakes, he had learnt his lessons and he shares it with us.

Although he has written many other books, this is his first one and most popular one. It is available in .net as PDF.

Few more reviews i got from net.

“One of the great spiritual classics of all time. An insider’s view of hidden adepts who live outside time and space as we know it, yogis and yoginis who can’t possibly exist-but do!” Linda Johnson, author of The Living Goddess: Reclaiming the Tradition of the Mother of the Universe

“Buy this book for yourself. Each page is filled with joy and cheer. What I like best is that Swami Rama’s message does not require us to transform ourselves, it teaches that we are already perfect”.- Judith Benn Hurley, author of The Good Herb Savoring the Day and Healing Secrets of the Seasons

The book is a compelling work that you cannot help but admire, whether you believe what the Swami says or not. Read it !!
--Dear! Jap Evans.