*Publisher: Jaico Publishing House *ISBN: 978-81-8495-417-3 Publication Year: 2014 *No of Pages: 350 *Cover: Paperback *Language: English *Genre: Biography (Non-Fiction) *Price: 250 *Rating: 5/5
My Review:
Wow exceptionally, this is the mind-blowing book I have read in 2014. Hooked up from the very first page, every Indian should read this book. Today our culture is diverting from spirituality, the base of our Country India.
At the age of 19 in 1970’s, Richard Slavin now Radhanath Swami, born in Jewish family travels to Europe with his School friends, an overseas summer trip. In his teens, Richard grows his hair long, smokes pot and takes LSD, lives with hippies, on the very first night their money is stolen, so the journey begins with hitchhiking. Richard begins his spiritual journey with his friend Gary; in Europe they visit many places like cathedrals, religious sites and spiritual places. While in meditation at Isle of Crete in Greece, Richard decides he must go to India for spirituality, while his friend Gary heads to Israel.
Alone in a journey (mostly hitchhike) Richard travels through one of the dangerous countries of the world: Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. After facing near death experience in Iran and Afghanistan Richard enters India for spiritual Quest. Richard roams in India as a mendicant without any particular schedule, sleeping at the bank of river, living in a cave, deep in forest, under trees to find the true meaning of spirituality, in a search of a mentor.
While his journey in Indian, Richard meet with many well known spiritual personalities like Mother Teresa, Dalai Lama, Anand Mai Ma, Muktanana Swami, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Neem Karoli Baba, J. Krishnamurty, and many others. It is difficult to think at the time of 1970’s without any money in a foreign land to find the true meaning of life.
The Journey home is an amazing and truly inspirational story. This book taught me the importance of humility, serving humanity, one’s own spiritual path, listening and helping others. I highly recommend this book regardless of any religion, and any person who truly seeking solitary in life. The Journey home is power pack book with lots of adventure, spirituality, hitchhiking, hippie, travel, friendship. A must read book.
Blurb:
Within this extraordinary memoir, Radhanath Swami weaves a colourful tapestry of adventure, mysticism and love. Readers follow the former Richard Slavin from the suburbs of Chicago to the caves of the Himalayas as he transforms from young seeker to renowned spiritual guide. The journey home is an intimate account of the steps to self-awareness and also a penetrating glimpse into the heart of mystic traditions and the challenges that all souls must face on the road to inner harmony and a union with the Divine.
Through near-death encounters, apprenticeships with advanced yogis, and years of travel along the pilgrim’s path. Radhanath Swami eventually reaches the inner sanctum of India’s mystic culture and finds the love he has been seeking. It is a tale told with rare candor, immersing the readers in a journey that is at once engaging, humorous and heart warming.
About Author:
RADHANATH SWAMI was born in Chicago in 1950. In his teens, he set out to wander the world on a spiritual quest where he eventually discovered the yoga path of devotion. He presently travels in Asia, Europe, and America teaching devotional wisdom, but can often be found with his community in Mumbai.
People who know Radhanath Swami speak of his dedication to bringing others closer to God. Almost in the same breath they speak of his lightness, simplicity, and sense of humor. Visitors and friends are inspired by his unassuming nature and natural unwillingness to take credit for the works he inspires - developing communities, massive food distribution to indigent children, missionary hospitals, eco-friendly farms, schools, ashrams, and emergency relief programs. “He seems to see life as a continuous blessing of God’s grace,” one admirer said, “and yet he never loses his humanness. His accessibility leaves people feeling that with a little sincere effort, they too will find the path to inner peace and God realization.”
Visit: www.radhanathswami.com
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