Living with the Himalayan Masters

Swami Rama

In this inspirational collection of stories, Swami Rama relates his experiences with the great teachers who guided his life, including Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, and Ramana Maharshi. It documents Swami Rama's spiritual quest, which showed him that direct experience is the source of real knowledge. 

Reading it, you will discover the human side to this yogic master. He is a young boy, full of mischief. He is a teenager, full of curiosity and adventurous zeal. He is a seeker, with certain strengths and weaknesses. Just like us, he sometimes fails to distinguish the fake gurus from genuine masters, mistaking magic for spiritual achievement.

Living with the Himalayan Masters is one of those rare books that contains the seeds of transformation within its pages—sowing those seeds in the heart of the reader, and creating the potential for true spiritual upliftment. These stories record Swami Rama’s personal quest for truth and enlightenment—inspiring, illuminating, entertaining, mystifying, and often droll and humorous.

This life-changing book will bring you face-to-face with some great twentieth-century masters, including Mataji of Assam, a ninety-six-year-old 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 demonstrated that every human being has the potential for healing; and Mahatma Gandhi.

Read the humbling story of the man who founded the Himalayan Institute, and the great teachers who molded him into a Himalayan Master.

About the Author

Swami Rama, the founder of the Himalayan Institute, was one of the most remarkable figures of the twentieth century. His teachings, publications, and humanitarian efforts have rippled positive changes around the world, and have brought yoga into the lives of countless people. Swami Rama was born in northern India in 1925, and was raised from childhood by the Himalayan sage Bengali Baba. Swami Rama also received higher education in both India and Europe. From 1949 to 1952 he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya in South India. He then returned to his master to receive further training at his cave monastery. In 1969 he came to the United States and established the Himalayan Institute. Learn more about Swami Rama’s teachings in the Wisdom Library.

More on Living with the Himalayan Masters

From the forward by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

The stories in this book infuse our hearts with overwhelming gratitude for the sages who selflessly share their boundless love and yet remain unrecognized by the multitude. Swamiji is one of them. While he lived among us he lectured, wrote books, and established large charitable organizations, but very few of us perceived his spiritual stature. In the last phase of his life those who were near to him and had "eyes to see" came to know that Swamiji was master of every esoteric practice he mentions in this book, but they never knew how and when he practiced them.

Living with the Himalayan Masters has its own spirit. I have read and pondered over it countless times. And each time I have found something new, something that was just what I needed at that level of my development. The book speaks to each reader at the personal level. I must not try to tell you what I think it is about, because by doing so I might put a veil between you and its message. In these pages you will experience Swamiji's presence and the presence of other great masters. May you bask in their grace and receive just what you need.

Reviews

"One of the great spiritual classics of all time. An insider's view of hidden adepts who live outside tim and space as we know it, yogis and yoginis who can't possible exist--but do!"

-Linda Johnsen, 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

"This beautifully written book is about freedom in its ultimate sense, highly recommended for its ephemeral wisdom and endless depth."

-Napra Review

A complete and practical guide to the foundations of the spiritual journey ... The vividness of the stories is absorbing, allowing them to be read over and over again.

-New Age Book Review

Table of Contents:

Introduction by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

At Thy Lotus Feet- Sri Swami Rama

Map of Northern India

Map of Uttar Pradesh

I. Spiritual Education in the Himalayas

II. The Master Teaches

III. The Path of Direct Experience

IV. Learning Humility

V. Conquering Fear

VI. The Path of Renunciation

VII. Experiences on Various Paths

VIII. Beyond the Great Religions

IX. Divine Protection

X. Powers of the Mind

XI. Healing Power

XII. Grace of the Master

XIII. Mastery over Life and Death

XIV. Journey to the West

Glossary

Product Details

Publisher: Himalayan Institute
Copyright: 1978, Current printing 2012
ISBN: 978-0-89389-156-5
Paperback
456 pages, photos and captions
6" x 9"

Autobiography / Spirituality

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