This book is a sequel to Sri M’s much appreciated and loved book “Apprenticed to Himalayan Master”. Like the previous book, this is a collection of Sri M’s spiritual journey, his interactions with Babaji laden with multiple spiritual discourses, his journey across the world and more importantly, his recollections of his previous births. For readers, this book could come across multiple hues based on their perspectives.
Human mind’s perception is shaped by its experiences and sensory perception. However, what remains unknown beyond the realms of human understanding is usually termed as extra-terrestrial or too fantastic to be true. Bharatha has a rich heritage of Rsis, Munis, Yogis who have explored and explained these dimensions typically unknown to the mankind. In this book, one would come across many such instances which would appear outlandish to the human thought, but could be a reality in the dominions of the unknown.
Though there are many chapters of interest, I would particularly like to highlight the chapter on Guruvayoorappan with references to Narayaneeyam and Jnanappana. The experience of Swami Satchidananda of Kanhangad is another experience of interest. There are some profound quotes stemming from the conversations of the author with Babaji. Quoting one such interesting one, “World is real only in relative sense, but it can’t be real in absolute sense”. The explanation of this concept through Colours, Shape, Mass is very education and informative.
For me, the highlight of the book is the portion on the explanation of the Upanishadic shanti mantra पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं . This is one definite must read portion of the book. In the last chapter of the book, there are some additional books referred for reading only with a caution included that any practice should be performed under strict supervision of a guru. There are some speeches of Sri M included as an epilogue to the book which make for equally invigorating reading.
While the vedantic and spiritual concepts will pique the interest of many, some of the previous life experiences may not appeal to all. However, as the age old wisdom says, one needs to let go and be ready to accept the unthinkable, unacceptable for the reality may be quite different than what we think.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, specially to those who would like delve deeper into spirituality and mysticism and learn a little more about our Himalayan masters.