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If Truth Be Told: A Monk's Memoir
In the 1990s, an eighteen-year-old headed to Australia to realize his worldly dreams. With little money or support, he struggled to survive there. Two years later, he was earning an annual income of $250,000; by the age of twenty-six, he was a multimillionaire. Yet, worldly success was merely a way station on a journey that began years ago. As an eight-year-old, he saw a vision of God in a dream, an experience that left him with a sense of deep joy and peace. The dream triggered off his desire to meet God, to see a manifestation of the Divine. He practiced astrology, intense meditation and tantra, yet God was nowhere in sight. Deeply frustrated, he dived into materialistic pursuits to distract himself from the restlessness within. After years of living the good life, he found he could no longer ignore the old restlessness; worldly pleasures just couldn't fill the void within. He moved back to India and finally did what he had always yearned to renounce the world and become a monk. In the Himalayas, in terrifying silence and solitude, Om Swami practised intense meditation. Death was always close as he confronted starvation, the fierce elements and wild animals. Finally, his sadhana brought him to the ultimate I am what I have been seeking. This is an astounding memoir of the making of a spiritual life in today's challenging and often confusing times. If Truth Be A Monk's Memoir will light up your path, wherever you are on your life's journey.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2014
270 people are currently reading
2679 people want to read
About the author
Om Swami
42 books574 followersOm Swami is a mystic who lives in the Himalayan foothills. Prior to renunciation, he founded and ran a multimillion-dollar software company with offices across the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 290 reviews
November 12, 2017
I first read one of Om Swami's blogs, which I found to be excellent. I subsequently read his - Kundalini & A million thoughts both of which are great books.
This is Om Swami's life and progress to spiritual excellence in a nutshell. A person who was very successful in his profession and went on to become a millionaire by the age of 30, but was drawn to spirituality since his young age.
The book shifts between his pursuit of spirituality by renouncing everything he had, and his childhood. The narration is crisp for the most part and his life quite obviously is fascinating. There are sections though which could have been shortened in the earlier parts of the book, and more space could have been devoted to his meditation and spiritual practices in the later sections. However, mindfulness methods are covered in his subsequent book "A million thoughts" which I would rate as among the best books on meditation.
Overall, an inspiring book you should read if spirituality as a genre is of interest!
This is Om Swami's life and progress to spiritual excellence in a nutshell. A person who was very successful in his profession and went on to become a millionaire by the age of 30, but was drawn to spirituality since his young age.
The book shifts between his pursuit of spirituality by renouncing everything he had, and his childhood. The narration is crisp for the most part and his life quite obviously is fascinating. There are sections though which could have been shortened in the earlier parts of the book, and more space could have been devoted to his meditation and spiritual practices in the later sections. However, mindfulness methods are covered in his subsequent book "A million thoughts" which I would rate as among the best books on meditation.
Overall, an inspiring book you should read if spirituality as a genre is of interest!
November 11, 2025
I enjoyed the first part of this book, which covers the author's Indian childhood and his journey to and life in Sydney, Australia. I particularly liked the author's comparisons between Indian cities and the crisp, orderly Sydney. When, after the halfway mark, the author returns to India after making his fortune in Australia, the story slows to a snail's pace. At that point, I lost engagement. I am glad I read this book. Despite the slow burn of the second part of the book, I developed deep admiration for the author and his principles.
November 27, 2019
May this book find the reader 'who is ready'.
August 20, 2015
A beautiful memoir. Several ideas and concepts resonated with what I have been learning about spirituality growing up. I have been a regular reader of his blog at Omswami.com. This is largely a memoir, a story, and not like a spiritual treatise. The style of writing is quite contemporary and flowing. I was engrossed with it from the moment I picked it up. I have finished reading it in less than 4 days.
I haven't rated it 4 simply because there are books that have made more impact on me with their style of writing and choice of words....
I haven't rated it 4 simply because there are books that have made more impact on me with their style of writing and choice of words....
January 12, 2016
Has a magnetic pull..once started you could possibly go on reading for N number of hours..might change your perception towards life and influence you to change your life goals in a way....i felt like travelling in a different world at times..!!
May 22, 2018
Less said the better about this amazing memoir. Even if you are not a spiritual seeker I recommend you read this book, if not the whole book at least the epilogue. Take my word you won’t regret it.
September 29, 2017
It would be difficult to comment on the autobiography of a monk who claims to have attained 'self-realization' after seeing the divine himself without appearing too unnecessarily judgmental and unqualifiedly condescending.
So I would refrain from writing a scathing review and instead, would just resort to - 'sadly the early life, the professional success, the "renunciation", the penance, the tantra sadhana, the "realization" of the monk could not impress or inspire me. The fault lies with me.'
So I would refrain from writing a scathing review and instead, would just resort to - 'sadly the early life, the professional success, the "renunciation", the penance, the tantra sadhana, the "realization" of the monk could not impress or inspire me. The fault lies with me.'
September 25, 2016
If Truth be told – A Monk’s Memoir is a book about a millionaire turned Monk, Om Swami. Honestly I don’t remember how I found about this book, but as far as I recollect I saw his video on YouTube and the way of his speaking, his overall personality had some kind of pull, which encouraged me to visit his blogging site and there I came to know about his different books which he has authored. The name of the book and the cover is simple yet attractive, it kind of encourages you to at least have a look at the sample.
The book is about the life of a man who is determined to find the truth about his Creator, He wants to know if God exists in reality or we are just the outcome of the evaluation process which is happening from billions of years and what is our purpose of existence. The books start with the author a CEO of a million-dollar company, an MBA graduate from the Australia goes to his work and never returns back home, instead he sends an email to his loved ones to tell them that, He is going away and doesn’t know when he would return and then he deletes his email account destroys his sim card and start his journey to find the truth about almighty the creator.
In the following chapters the author start revealing about his past from the point where his birth was foretold by a renowned & unusual saint, who tells his mother that one of us is coming after long wait. Books slowly uncover the different aspects of his life, how he was so keen about reading and almost read every book of the library, and how he kept on meeting different people who helped or influenced him to grow in one or the other way, he even learnt Astrology, Stock marketing at very young age.
His life takes new fold when young author decides to go to Australia for higher studies and then the books progresses with his struggle to find accommodation a job to collect money to pay his semester fees. He talks about his tough time and compromises he made and how he gets his first job and how he managed both his college and work together. Author describes his struggle with utmost honesty in such way that you can visualize it is happening before your eyes while you read it. In following chapters’ authors tells how he accumulated all the material wealth a man can dream of and how he rose from $15 to $250,000, and at one point of time he even owned a silver Porsche, but all this material wealth did not excite him so at the young age of 30 he decided to leave all his material wealth and take the path of renunciation. And then his search begins to find a Guru/Master who can initiate him to the world of renunciation. Author talk about his life with Naga Baba {Author’s Guru}, how he was tested to his limits, both physically and mentally but still he did not complain, when I read this chapter I was thinking all the time how can a man be so patient to tolerate everything which he had undergone. I felt engrossed while reading it that I always thought what would happen in the coming chapters slowly and steadily author tells us about his sadhna/mediation in Himalayan woods and how he had the realization of the god, the author has described minute details of what he saw and how he felt at the time of realization and I would leave it to you to decide if you want to believe it or not.
One thing I can say for sure, whatever perception you had about the Om Swami earlier, after you finish reading this book, it will definitely change your perception about him and your heart would force you to respect him if not believe all the incident which this books talks about. In the end I would say I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend everyone to read it.
The book is about the life of a man who is determined to find the truth about his Creator, He wants to know if God exists in reality or we are just the outcome of the evaluation process which is happening from billions of years and what is our purpose of existence. The books start with the author a CEO of a million-dollar company, an MBA graduate from the Australia goes to his work and never returns back home, instead he sends an email to his loved ones to tell them that, He is going away and doesn’t know when he would return and then he deletes his email account destroys his sim card and start his journey to find the truth about almighty the creator.
In the following chapters the author start revealing about his past from the point where his birth was foretold by a renowned & unusual saint, who tells his mother that one of us is coming after long wait. Books slowly uncover the different aspects of his life, how he was so keen about reading and almost read every book of the library, and how he kept on meeting different people who helped or influenced him to grow in one or the other way, he even learnt Astrology, Stock marketing at very young age.
His life takes new fold when young author decides to go to Australia for higher studies and then the books progresses with his struggle to find accommodation a job to collect money to pay his semester fees. He talks about his tough time and compromises he made and how he gets his first job and how he managed both his college and work together. Author describes his struggle with utmost honesty in such way that you can visualize it is happening before your eyes while you read it. In following chapters’ authors tells how he accumulated all the material wealth a man can dream of and how he rose from $15 to $250,000, and at one point of time he even owned a silver Porsche, but all this material wealth did not excite him so at the young age of 30 he decided to leave all his material wealth and take the path of renunciation. And then his search begins to find a Guru/Master who can initiate him to the world of renunciation. Author talk about his life with Naga Baba {Author’s Guru}, how he was tested to his limits, both physically and mentally but still he did not complain, when I read this chapter I was thinking all the time how can a man be so patient to tolerate everything which he had undergone. I felt engrossed while reading it that I always thought what would happen in the coming chapters slowly and steadily author tells us about his sadhna/mediation in Himalayan woods and how he had the realization of the god, the author has described minute details of what he saw and how he felt at the time of realization and I would leave it to you to decide if you want to believe it or not.
One thing I can say for sure, whatever perception you had about the Om Swami earlier, after you finish reading this book, it will definitely change your perception about him and your heart would force you to respect him if not believe all the incident which this books talks about. In the end I would say I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend everyone to read it.
March 12, 2019
I found this most interesting. It helps me understand his other writings. This is a rare book that I will probably read again and again. I am now reading his book The Wellness Sense.
This man is totally authentic. Nothing artificial.
He does not try to impress.
Oh! But he does.
This man is totally authentic. Nothing artificial.
He does not try to impress.
Oh! But he does.
January 4, 2024
A bit dense to read through, but it ends on a high note
Not a very interesting book to read for someone who is not familiar with the spiritual concepts described, but it provides some nice insights. The Epilogue is very much worthwhile, probably the best part of the book
Not a very interesting book to read for someone who is not familiar with the spiritual concepts described, but it provides some nice insights. The Epilogue is very much worthwhile, probably the best part of the book
May 9, 2025
Om Swamiji’s books have always stolen whole of my heart, if I may say. And this one is no different. His honesty about his first hand intimate experiences is salutable. He has opened himself truthfully to all of us, the humanity, in general. This sort of generosity is very different and respectable about him.
This is a very inspiring life journey. It inspired me to work hard for my life goal and first of all, find a life goal! I feel that he is a living example for human race. At least he is, to me.
Salutations to the Multitalented, hardworking modern guru who is so relevant for present age ❤️. He will keep inspiring us for generations to come. Thankful to read the memoir.
This is a very inspiring life journey. It inspired me to work hard for my life goal and first of all, find a life goal! I feel that he is a living example for human race. At least he is, to me.
Salutations to the Multitalented, hardworking modern guru who is so relevant for present age ❤️. He will keep inspiring us for generations to come. Thankful to read the memoir.
December 24, 2018
If Truth be told: A Monk’s Memoir by Om Swami- The memoir is an inspiring Book. It begins with life of a middle class working family in Patiala, Punjab. Both husband and wife are working and there are two brothers and one sister is the family. At the age of eight, the younger child saw a vision of God in a dream. From then on, a desire to meet God triggered in his conscience. He was initially interested in reading comics. For some time, his parents purchased comics for him and later he subscribed to a library and was able to read about 2000 books. A tutor taught him astrology and how to prepare a horoscope, to read and predict. The child is guided by R K Maudgil his maternal uncle about meditation. At the age of 14, he met Prof A P Sharma, an intellectual who had a personal collection of Books. He discussed, guided and encouraged him to become a better person. He practiced tantra sadhana also. He completed his studies and headed for Australia for higher education. He faced the normal difficulties- no one came to receive him at the airport. He contacted the travel agent’s son who provided him help. Later he studied and worked to earn a living and pay for his education. He specialized in computer software programming. He completed his graduation and Degree in Business Management. He developed a independent computer software business, established branches at New York and India. At the age of 30, he grew restless. He found that luxury will not help him achieve the pursuit to God, so planned his future life and came to Varanasi. Here he found his Guru, renounced the world, took sanyas and became a Sanyasi. Later, as his Guru did not forward him in Tantra Sadhana, he left him for Badri Nath where he met a Sadhvi guided him to path of Tantra. Later on his own, He practiced intense meditation in the solitude of the Himalayas and had Darshan of the Divine. Thus his sadhana brought his ultimate God realization. He is available to guide aspirants at omswami blog.
August 15, 2017
In this age of spurious godmen and spiritual frauds it is not easy to believe a man in his mid-30s who claims to have realized god after intense sadhana.
But Swami’s credentials are impeccable.
Born in 1980 in a middle class family in Patiala, he claims to have a spiritual yearning from childhood. At 18 he flew out to Australia, did an MBA there in the face of numerous odds and built a multi-million dollar business.
At the call of his heart he renounced everything and went to the Himalayas. After arduous sadhana for years he finally realized god and had the vision of the Divine Mother.
The significant thing about the book is that it has a ring of honesty and sincerity about t which make it an enjoyable read.
Is it possible that in the maddening world of 21st century, in a country where religion is a political coin – Hindutva and Islamism as opposed to Hinduism and Islam – the soul of eternal India still thrives somewhere?
I was left wondering.
I will follow the career of Om Swami with avid interest.
But Swami’s credentials are impeccable.
Born in 1980 in a middle class family in Patiala, he claims to have a spiritual yearning from childhood. At 18 he flew out to Australia, did an MBA there in the face of numerous odds and built a multi-million dollar business.
At the call of his heart he renounced everything and went to the Himalayas. After arduous sadhana for years he finally realized god and had the vision of the Divine Mother.
The significant thing about the book is that it has a ring of honesty and sincerity about t which make it an enjoyable read.
Is it possible that in the maddening world of 21st century, in a country where religion is a political coin – Hindutva and Islamism as opposed to Hinduism and Islam – the soul of eternal India still thrives somewhere?
I was left wondering.
I will follow the career of Om Swami with avid interest.
February 7, 2016
Excellent. Resonates with my personal experiences and realizations as well. Also great to hear a monk speak like this.
A realization while reading this book was how much we r tainted wid our preconceived notions, thrust upon us since childhood by 'society'. Result is that when we use the word 'monk' we usually think in terms of those who live n work in 'institutions'. We don't use it to mean a naga sadhu or a monk who might be a practitioner of tantra. After all the term 'monk' basically means isolating one's self from the world, to focus on spiritual pursuits. :)
Like the Bhairavi says in the book : "The differentiation between a sanyasi and a tantrik that you speak of is merely bookish". After all, all systems of kundalini awakening are tantra.
A realization while reading this book was how much we r tainted wid our preconceived notions, thrust upon us since childhood by 'society'. Result is that when we use the word 'monk' we usually think in terms of those who live n work in 'institutions'. We don't use it to mean a naga sadhu or a monk who might be a practitioner of tantra. After all the term 'monk' basically means isolating one's self from the world, to focus on spiritual pursuits. :)
Like the Bhairavi says in the book : "The differentiation between a sanyasi and a tantrik that you speak of is merely bookish". After all, all systems of kundalini awakening are tantra.
September 4, 2019
A life of renunciation is not that many can live. If Truth Be Told: A Monk’s Memoir written by Om Swami is an honest and straightforward account of Om Swami’s life who renounces the world at the age of 30 to live a life of an ascetic after reaching the peak of material desires.
This astounding memoir is a must-read for those of you who are interested in the teachings of life. The beauty of this book and the grandiose style in which it is written makes it too good for a few words to express and will leave you craving for more.
This astounding memoir is a must-read for those of you who are interested in the teachings of life. The beauty of this book and the grandiose style in which it is written makes it too good for a few words to express and will leave you craving for more.
April 18, 2015
if you have read autobiography of a yogi and liked it then you will really like this book also. This book is the proof that even today human beings living in this very material world can search and experience the truth, their self , the only condition being that there should be a true yearning for the same. Awe inspiring and honest tale to the core, must for spiritual seekers.
January 3, 2015
An intriguing read. Gripping from start to finish. Hindustan Times book review seems to say the same thing.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lifesty...
http://www.hindustantimes.com/lifesty...
December 27, 2014
i was struck by the honesty of the account. no mumbo jumbo one usually finds in such biographies i finished the book in 2 sittings. absolute must for spiritual seekers
March 6, 2017
Blissful read. The Epilogue is the essence of life .
August 18, 2021
I started doing guided meditation two months back on the voice of Om Swami. His peculiar life journey compelled me to read this book. It is more of a memoir or an autobiography than any spritual book. Om Swamy narrates his own life story starting from childhood where he had spritual inclinations but also had varied intrests. He did programming at multiple companies as part time jobs in Australia. Later got an MBA and then started multiple software consulting businesses and becomes a multi-millionaire before 30. He then renounced to do sadhnas and meditation in Himalayas and Himalayan Forests. He narrates all these enterprise in the book.
The stiching of multiple stories from his life is very good. I found the Book to be full with self praises. At multiple places he had given simplest spritual anologies to the daily activities of life. In the final chapter he suggests on finding our truth on our own conditions meaning his truth was found by meditation, your truth needs to be find by your way. Truth is not a one size all fit.
The stiching of multiple stories from his life is very good. I found the Book to be full with self praises. At multiple places he had given simplest spritual anologies to the daily activities of life. In the final chapter he suggests on finding our truth on our own conditions meaning his truth was found by meditation, your truth needs to be find by your way. Truth is not a one size all fit.
September 19, 2020
Om Swami's life is nothing but a journey to being mystical. I started reading If truth be told a few days back and I was overwhelmed with the way Amit was as a child. I never found myself so engraved into any book recently, me being an apathetic reader. The book continues to get so interesting as Amit sets on to his journey towards making his career, it just doesn't fails to inspire you. It's only after you have read the whole journey that one realises that this is indeed someone's life story, so beautiful and so real, just like the ones we all hear about great saints from the past. Highly recommend this to anyone who has a spiritual inclination and yet are living a 'regular' life.
October 13, 2024
Two learnings from the book - complete ownership of life, and living to the fullest; and I should inculcate meditation in my daily schedule.
The writing was a letdown, and could've been crisper and focused more on the author's experiences in the Himalayas.
The writing was a letdown, and could've been crisper and focused more on the author's experiences in the Himalayas.
September 23, 2017
Yesterday I finished reading an engrossing book by Om Swami (Swami Sivananda) - "If truth be told". It was third in the series of the books on spirituality, the first and second being "An Autobiography of a Yogi" by Shri Yogananda and "Apprentice to the Himalayan Masters" by Shri M. All three books have a common thread that runs into the essence of meditation and bhakti and the realization that often isfollowed by the visualization of the Supreme esoteric form in some manner. As a commoner, it is very hard to believe these visualizations that occur in the path of meditation and contemplation of these great seers. Is it something sort of a feeling that these visuals appear, I would dare not call hallucinations as that would carry a certain negative connotation of an mental affliction. But if these realizations are to be believed, then there is a stark proof of the existence of God which so often is questioned especially in our modern science.
The book as such is a sort of an autobiography of a boy Amit who has big dreams and realizes his material wealth as a successful software entrepreneur. He, from his young days has a spiritual disposition. As an anybody's story he first is all gong ho climbing the ladder of material success. Once attained he renounces his wealth and return to the Indian heartlands of spiritualism - the Gangetic plains (Varanasi) and the Himalayas. He is looking for a Guru to guide him to the supreme path. He spends sometime in a village near the Benaras city. The city is known for its saints and the Ghats (the river banks). Each bank has its own significance. After finding a guru, Amit is ordained into sainthood with a new name of Sivananda. But the Guru-disciple relationship doesn't last long. So Amit decides to wander the rugged Himalayas looking for the elusive spiritual break.
He finally find his track after meeting some saints in Badrinath - a Hindu religion shrine. The rest is his travails of meditation, hardship and how he overcomes all odds for attaining the Siddhi.
A good book that sometimes look so magical to be believed to be true.
The book as such is a sort of an autobiography of a boy Amit who has big dreams and realizes his material wealth as a successful software entrepreneur. He, from his young days has a spiritual disposition. As an anybody's story he first is all gong ho climbing the ladder of material success. Once attained he renounces his wealth and return to the Indian heartlands of spiritualism - the Gangetic plains (Varanasi) and the Himalayas. He is looking for a Guru to guide him to the supreme path. He spends sometime in a village near the Benaras city. The city is known for its saints and the Ghats (the river banks). Each bank has its own significance. After finding a guru, Amit is ordained into sainthood with a new name of Sivananda. But the Guru-disciple relationship doesn't last long. So Amit decides to wander the rugged Himalayas looking for the elusive spiritual break.
He finally find his track after meeting some saints in Badrinath - a Hindu religion shrine. The rest is his travails of meditation, hardship and how he overcomes all odds for attaining the Siddhi.
A good book that sometimes look so magical to be believed to be true.
November 11, 2016
Following one's heart is not easy even if one has nothing to lose ... so what is it when one renounces after working to achieve so much that life has to offer...
This book is a compelling read for those on the path of finding themselves. So simply written, even if one takes it with a pinch of salt, it literally feels like the bared stripped truth of the author's journey.
It's the choices we make... It's not a story of renunciation for someone who anyway has not much but the author achieves what most people strive for and it's not at all easy for him to get their either and his achievements are not minor. So he understands the value of every bit he's renouncing in terms of career, wealth, lifestyle, relationships and it's not like he's old either.. this is at thirty... it's worth a read how, why and what he gets from becoming a nobody..
It comes across as a justification for his actions at some points, trying to convince the readers or whoever concerned and give explanations for his life decisions especially around his assets which I feel weren't required and takes away from the crux of what his story has to offer.
Other than that.. read it if you are on your own spiritual journey.. one can feel the reality of the story in the simple understandings like .. if one hasn't conquered his/her anger.. if there is no compassion for every being.. if one is not free from attachment.... what's the meaning of meditation, being religious, praying for hours... there are no rules, no boundaries.. it's ones own values, understanding and humanity..
life is not a problem or a challenge, not a suffering, nor your enemy... if you are alive, it means nature wants you and there is no bigger truth at this point.. as simple as that. Just live to the fullest, to your best potential and go with the flow.
LIVE. LOVE. LAUGH. GIVE
This book is a compelling read for those on the path of finding themselves. So simply written, even if one takes it with a pinch of salt, it literally feels like the bared stripped truth of the author's journey.
It's the choices we make... It's not a story of renunciation for someone who anyway has not much but the author achieves what most people strive for and it's not at all easy for him to get their either and his achievements are not minor. So he understands the value of every bit he's renouncing in terms of career, wealth, lifestyle, relationships and it's not like he's old either.. this is at thirty... it's worth a read how, why and what he gets from becoming a nobody..
It comes across as a justification for his actions at some points, trying to convince the readers or whoever concerned and give explanations for his life decisions especially around his assets which I feel weren't required and takes away from the crux of what his story has to offer.
Other than that.. read it if you are on your own spiritual journey.. one can feel the reality of the story in the simple understandings like .. if one hasn't conquered his/her anger.. if there is no compassion for every being.. if one is not free from attachment.... what's the meaning of meditation, being religious, praying for hours... there are no rules, no boundaries.. it's ones own values, understanding and humanity..
life is not a problem or a challenge, not a suffering, nor your enemy... if you are alive, it means nature wants you and there is no bigger truth at this point.. as simple as that. Just live to the fullest, to your best potential and go with the flow.
LIVE. LOVE. LAUGH. GIVE
September 23, 2018
I came across the writings of Om Swami while searching for literature on ancient wisdom on food. After finding such a book, The wellness sense by Om Swami, I decided to first know the author.
A few youtube videos were enough to kindle my interest in his journey of renunciation and becoming a monk. I started this book as soon as I learned about the existence of it.
If Truth be Told is a very well written, fast-paced book. It traces his journey from the innocent childhood to entering in the material world and subsequently giving it all up in order to become a monk. The book also touches upon the obstacles one might face during his/her spiritual journey. The prominent one being the commercialization of religion/spirituality in India.
The books per se doesn't delve deep into the yogic practices of mindfulness, meditation, and mantra sadhna. Thus, it might not be useful for people looking for information on how to do meditation or other yogic practices. However, it gives just enough information so as to sparkle our interest in these topics. The rest is upto us to search our own truth and carve out our unique path.
A few youtube videos were enough to kindle my interest in his journey of renunciation and becoming a monk. I started this book as soon as I learned about the existence of it.
If Truth be Told is a very well written, fast-paced book. It traces his journey from the innocent childhood to entering in the material world and subsequently giving it all up in order to become a monk. The book also touches upon the obstacles one might face during his/her spiritual journey. The prominent one being the commercialization of religion/spirituality in India.
The books per se doesn't delve deep into the yogic practices of mindfulness, meditation, and mantra sadhna. Thus, it might not be useful for people looking for information on how to do meditation or other yogic practices. However, it gives just enough information so as to sparkle our interest in these topics. The rest is upto us to search our own truth and carve out our unique path.
June 3, 2019
An autobiography of a guy who renounced the world after being extremely successful at business. The writing is very simple and direct.
While reading the chapters where he is with his guru and is taken full advantage of, it was really hard to believe, how anyone can be so naive. I liked the epilogue especially the following lines.-
I fully agree with the above. Moreover, after reading this book, I have also started reading his blog.
While reading the chapters where he is with his guru and is taken full advantage of, it was really hard to believe, how anyone can be so naive. I liked the epilogue especially the following lines.-
...The eternal truth is that you have the right to live your life to the fullest. Every moment.
This is the least you deserve. The fact that you are breathing and living means nature wants you,
life wants you. As long as you have a compassionate view and you are not hurting others,
everything—well, almost everything—is okay. Listen to your inner voice. This voice is the
purest voice you will ever know. Your truth is also the greatest religion, the highest God. A sense
of fulfilment comes from walking your own path. For some it may be meditation, for others it
may be music, dancing, painting, writing or reading. Find what makes you happy and pursue it
I fully agree with the above. Moreover, after reading this book, I have also started reading his blog.
February 5, 2021
If you are any way interested in reading spiritual biographies, you probably have read or heard of "Autobiography of a Yogi " by Paramahansa Yogananda which is filled with divine tales and the magical life of the great Indian yogi. But this book on your shelf will be completely different because this book not about the glories of the destination of enlightenment but of the path and struggles involved. It a very rare indeed because very few enlightened ones are there who chose to write their memoir. If truth be told we get superficial about the various attainments and to the goal of meditation but the truth is that 1 in a million is ready for the hard work, resolve and discipline it requires. This book will blow your mind as Swamiji will touch your heart and make you feel like a protagonist in his breathtaking journey towards self-realization. This book will motivate find your own truth and ignite you to walk a path less traveled by. THIS BOOK WILL ALWAYS BE A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION TO ME, HOPE YOU READING FIND THE SAME.
June 24, 2017
I picked this one through sheer luck, I chanced upon this on Amazon and bought it for my Kindle. This is a really impressive book- and I say this with a caveat- Do not try and mix reason with instruments of faith that the book largely is based on. If you have faith, if you believe in a life beyond what we live, if you believe in the superunknown divine entity, then read on and the memoir will not let you down.
I could absolutely relate to so many of the life instances that the Swami mentions about, so many of them whose account seem to be written without an iota of populism, they are straight from the heart- and you will appreciate the honesty as you go through them.
I think for a monk turned author, its a brilliant effort and the book doe seem unputdownable- again- with a fine print that you should not try to tackle the subject with your reasoning- Have faith- the book will be a very immersive and satisfying read
I could absolutely relate to so many of the life instances that the Swami mentions about, so many of them whose account seem to be written without an iota of populism, they are straight from the heart- and you will appreciate the honesty as you go through them.
I think for a monk turned author, its a brilliant effort and the book doe seem unputdownable- again- with a fine print that you should not try to tackle the subject with your reasoning- Have faith- the book will be a very immersive and satisfying read
February 2, 2020
This book is about the journey of a guy who isn't satisfied with the material gains or pleasures of worldly life and sets on to find the truth for himself through the path of meditation.
Swami Ji (in his discourses on YouTube) often says that the path of meditation (Dhyana Yoga) is one of the hardest ways, and it requires will power, diligence, and immense patience. This book is in tune with his teachings, and you see how he had practiced what he now preaches.
Swami Ji also says that it contains only about 10% of events from his whole life. Still, it is very enriching to see the glimpses of his life.
You will learn lots of useful lessons about life, patience, persistence, discipline, etc. Being on the spiritual path myself, I could genuinely feel (a part of) what the author was going through and the insights that dawned upon him on the way.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to read an inspiring book on the journey of a seeker.
Swami Ji (in his discourses on YouTube) often says that the path of meditation (Dhyana Yoga) is one of the hardest ways, and it requires will power, diligence, and immense patience. This book is in tune with his teachings, and you see how he had practiced what he now preaches.
Swami Ji also says that it contains only about 10% of events from his whole life. Still, it is very enriching to see the glimpses of his life.
You will learn lots of useful lessons about life, patience, persistence, discipline, etc. Being on the spiritual path myself, I could genuinely feel (a part of) what the author was going through and the insights that dawned upon him on the way.
I recommend this to anyone who wants to read an inspiring book on the journey of a seeker.
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