Hollywood to the Himalayas

by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

Hollywood to the Himalayas is the enlightening memoir of a reluctant spiritual seeker who finds much more than she bargained for when she travels to India.As a Stanford grad, in the midst of getting a PhD in psychology, Sadhvi Saraswati was comfortable with her life. Despite years of grappling with an eating disorder and trauma from her early childhood, she felt as if she was successfully navigating her way through early adulthood. When she agreed to travel to India to appease her husband—and because she loved the food—Sadhvi would have never imagined that she would be embarking on a journey of healing and awakening. Hollywood to the Himalayas describes Sadhvi’s odyssey towards divine enlightenment and inspiration through her extraordinary connection with her guru and renewed confidence in the pleasure and joy that life can bring. Now one of the preeminent female spiritual teachers in the world, Sadhvi recounts her journey with wit, honesty, and clarity and, along the way, offers teachings to help us all step onto our own path of awakening and discover the truth of who we really are—embodiments of the Divine.   “Sadhviji models for us, at the deepest level, that in the true teaching of the spiritual traditions, healing and grace are always possible.” —Prince Ea, in the foreword to Hollywood to the Himalayas “Vivid and poetic…her journey is a river of love, compelling in its authenticity and unflinching honesty. …a must for anyone who is interested in exploring different paths to fulfilment and to the Creator.” —Jane Goodall    “Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is a great teacher of spirituality and consciousness. Her inspiring wisdom illuminates the path to healing, happiness, and inner peace.” —Deepak Chopra “For so many of us, the road to the Divine sometimes begins with deep trauma. And, then Grace is bestowed upon us and we blossom in the holiness of love. Hollywood to the Himalayas is filled with wisdom and truth about the powerful revelations that unfold on the path to a deeper relationship to the divine. This is a beautiful book.” —Rev. Iyanla Vanzant, executive producer, Iyanla, Fix My Life

Genres: Spirituality, Memoir, Nonfiction, India

337 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2021

Reviews

[Ishan Agrawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from Rishikesh I can recall many incidents during my schooling days where I came across various foreigners who visited the holy city just for some YOGA and to rejuvenate themselves from the usual chores and ended up staying in Teerthnagri forever, never returning to their land. They were totally gripped by the beautiful city's vibes and spirituality in addition to its soothing landscape.

This book is penned by a well renowned spiritual leader and motivational speaker Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati who has been living at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh for the past twenty-five years . Originally from Los Angeles and a graduate of Stanford University, Sadhviji has been ordained into the sacred order of Sanyas by her guru Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji.

In the book the revered writer talks about how despite having a privileged upbringing she had to deal with some eating disorders and had a traumatic childhood. But she came out of that rut, did her PhD from one of the IVY league universities and navigated into a settled and progressive adulthood. After marrying , she decided to travel to Bharat without knowing what future has in store for her and what a journey it will turn out to be transforming her life forever.

Author has done a great job encapsulating her experiences of trudging onto the divine enlightening path quite honestly. She mentions a deep sense of connection that she feela with Maa Ganga. Her portrayal of events and happenings is as true as it can be and as a Sanyasi the best thing she has done is not to highlight only the greatness that she has acheived but also mentions the struggles that had to be overcome to reach where she is now and how difficult it is to lead such a life which comes up with its own set of challenges. Most people believe that donning the role of a hermit or becoming someone who achieve renunciation is only to run away from his or her responsibilities but only after reading this book one can realize how it is such an uphill battle to reach there and assume the role that Sadhavi ji has with utmost clarity

A must read for anyone who is seeking spirituality and belong to the true Heaven on Earth-RISHIKESH ❤️

[winifer skattebol · Rating 2 out of 5]

This woman is a complete and total nutjob. Nevertheless, she is charming, intelligent, and the book is well-written. But she didn't overcome her childhood traumas, she just traded them in for spiritual delusions. And I can't approve of her abandonment of her husband for a pseudo-sagacious guru, despite the good she may now be doing in the world. She just found a way to cop out of managing her own life. So what she calls a spiritual awakening into selfless service is really quite self-serving. And the whole having-to-go-to-India-to-find-yourself thing is a big cliche, and wearing thin.

[Victoria Ward · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting memoir of an American woman 'touched by God'. She went on to dedicate her life to worshiping a guru and many good causes. However, while she questions her privilege and the role of women, her unquestioning devotion to the patriarchal system and her ego beg some skepticism.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a wonderful book; it took me a while to find a rhythm to the writing. In the beginning, It was difficult to get into the rhythm of the shorter chapters; however, I'm grateful I finished the book—a story of overcoming adversity and finding Spirituality. Beautifully written with many beautiful insights.

[Kangkana Chakravarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with serene vibes that makes you feel rejuvenated with each word that you read, and if you are searching for such a book then Hollywood to Himalayas will be a perfect read for you. A PhD student from Los Angeles who came to India with her husband with an open mindset to witness and learn the culture of India without forming any prejudice, who would have thought that years later this woman will end up becoming a renowned spiritual leader herself. 'Hollywood to Himalayas' is a memoir where Sadhvi Bhagwati Ji starts by sharing her life in Los Angeles being a Standford student and PhD research scholar. Admist everything which seemed fine from a strangers eye Sadhvi Ji was struggling with herself where the past haunting experiences of her life that she had to face as a young girl were strangling her in a deep corner of her heart. To forgive and to forget is the most strangest emotion. Even if we try to forgive someone for their mistakes but to erase all the memories is hardly possible. Because our stupid mind keeps us taking back to those memory lane. Sadhvi Ji's visit to India wasn't to adopt any change in her life, nor to start practicing spiritualism. But it just happened. As soon as she saw the magnanimous and majestic River Ganga she was overwhelmed with emotions,  and that was the turning point in her life. Immediate to her beautiful encounter with the beautiful River Ganga, she felt a divine pull towards Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji's ashram Parmarth Niketan. Sadhvi Ji's attraction towards material acclamation started to decline from then on and she felt herself drawn towards the pious land of Hrishikesh.

There are many things in this book that I found attractive and honest. And firstly it's her impression of India. She didn't try to pretend that she fell in love with India in first impression or so as many foreigners do. But she wrote how gradually this place attracted her. She referred to the culture shocks that she had and how welcoming and simple mindset people too exists.

The writing format of this book is engaging and language is lucid. To sum up this book felt like I'm watching another person's journey of introspection and reaching a stage of peaceful mindset. Highly recommend this book.

[Dawne Zetterstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood to the Himalayas written by Pujya Sadhviji Bhagawati Saraswati is a wonderful exploration of the relationship that every human being, if not all sentient beings can access with the Divine. It is a love story, full of grace and reverence. I have enjoyed reading it and it continues to inspire me and touches my soul. The title Hollywood to the Himalayas, as I perceive it, appears to be a journey from the deception of Maya, which is ignorance and darkness to the eternal Truth, which is freedom and enlightenment. Hollywood, which is metaphorically the birthplace of drama, fiction, deception, if you like is the start of the journey which then leads us to the birthplace of truth and the seat of the Gods- the Himalayas. So, if you are interested in the themes of Love and Truth, this is a beautiful book for you to explore those thoughts, ideas, and feelings.

Sadhviji’s autobiography begins with a young woman in terrible pain and distress who on a journey to India encounters Mother Ganga and is literally washed clean of her entrapments and the burdens that she has carried in her heart from a young age. Through Mother Ganga’s intervention, her base elements are turned into gold. Like the alchemists of old, her life is transformed, but please note that the job of the alchemist is not an easy one and Sadhviji’s journey, although blest and a sacred dharma is also real and reflects the challenges faced by many modern women. In choosing peace, better and a community and purpose, which is a heaven in my estimation, she attempts to create Heaven for others beside her Guru Pujya Swamiji Chidanand Saraswatij. Sadhviji is a unique and devout person, whose inner joy and complete surrender to the Divine leaps off the pages of this book. If you want to be reminded of the possibilities of Love in the Universe, then these pages hold the key.

We encounter her guru, the Blessed Guru Pujya Swamiji Chidanand Saraswatij throughout this book and their interaction generates wisdom that is not only part of Sadhviji’s life but a deep mediation for the reader. In Chapter 41, entitled Satsang, Sadhviji writes about Swamiji’s responses to one of her questions- he responds with another question to her- “Do you want to be in peace, or in pieces? Do you want to be better or bitter? The choice is yours. You can make your life heaven or hell.” I believe this is the heart of this book, the possibility of choice or free will as we move towards the Divine. This is a book of how to surrender to the Divine, and so create Heaven for yourself, here on Earth, in this consciousness. I highly recommend this read as it is unique, uplifting and enlightening.

[Jaituni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a journey of transformation, it’s a journey of healing, it’s a journey that began from an inner calling, it’s a journey that made her meet HER!

When everything else that so ardently matters to you begins to fade in the background, when the noise in your head suddenly changes to a melodic and calm wave-like sound, when after restlessly bouncing here and there you finally know what the purpose of your life is, the higher purpose, the purpose that makes you meet YOU, that is the time when you know that a breakthrough has taken place; a breakthrough that will eventually break you free from the shackles of the never-ending and vicious cycle of Sansar(the material world).

This is exactly what happened to Sadhviji when she arrived rather aimlessly to India along with her husband Jim, who wanted to come to India to find himself a Guru, but as it turned, Sadhviji found her Guru instead in the embodiment of Pujya Swamiji Chidanand Saraswati.

This story is about Sadhviji’s complete 180 degree turnaround in life, about how everything happened rather miraculously, beginning at the banks of river Ganga, as if it were meant to happen and how as the time went by, and how as she stayed in the close proximity of Pujya Swamiji, accompanying Him in His Dharmayatras or offering Seva or being enlightened with some wonderful words of wisdom at regular and random intervals, it changed her step-by-step, like a disciple being moulded into a worthy and wonderful idol.

The most beautiful thing that I totally adored in this book was how Sadhviji was so very raw and open to growth. There’s no filter, and thus no fakeness and since she was so open, it was possible for her Guru to the Work.

Because it’s in my personal experience and observation that I’ve come to believe, that individuals spend years of their lives staying a prisoner of their rigid mindsets and beliefs and thus no matter how much of spiritual talks they listen to, none of it seeps within, because their minds are closed.

Whereas Sadhviji here, in her very nature was like water, she flowed as and how her Guru wanted her to because she loves Him so much, which is evident all through the book and thus the result is what we all can see.

I absolutely connected and loved this book and I definitely would suggest everyone to read it!

[Kiranmayi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on my blog:
https://blog.medhaapps.com/2022/11/bo...

Hollywood to the Himalayas is memoir of Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, who came from California to Rishikesh upon insistence of her husband Jim. The reason she would like to call herself a reluctant spiritual seeker, as her arrival in India was not her calling. However, the first sight of the mighty Ganga changed things forever — she entered a trance like out-of-the-world experience the first time she stepped into the water.

Meeting her future Guru, guide and mentor also happened in a similar fashion when she was pulled by an invisible power to the Ashram. Thus started Sadhviji’s spiritual journey that she recounts in this memoir — her dark days of struggling to forget the childhood abuse to being treated for Bulimia as a young adult, to healing of all her troubles by the mere touch of her Guru and by soaking in Ganga.

The book is a comprehensive retelling of her journey over the decades from 1996 to present time. There are a total of forty-eight chapters coupled with multiple pictures of Sadhviji with international dignitaries. The book is easy to read even by novice readers as the language is simple and the chapters are short and concise.

While the happenings are from late nineties and the next couple of years and India in those days is much different as a country from what it is today, I felt uncomfortable reading few portions that highlighted how India is different from the developed countries, not in a good way. Though few of these characteristics of the country are true, when seen through the eyes of someone who arrived here for the first time from the West, I did flinch reading it, especially in the initial chapters.

If you can overlook this one aspect of the book and would not mind it, then this memoir will make for an interesting read.

[Gaurika Gandhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Saw him looking at me – or, rather, into me – with a love that seemed to penetrate every cell of my body and every corner of my psyche.”
He said, “you fear because you don’t trust.”

It is a love story but not a love story that you know to be a love story. It is the love of “self” first and then for the rest of the world. (I say rest of the world because you need to make peace with yourself first and everything, everyone else can be set aside for that.)

Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati in her book “Hollywood to the Himalayas” recites, for it is nothing less than a melodious journey, her transformation from being us to her. Meaning to say, from being completely lost in the materialistic world, confused in the ways of life just like the most of our planet’s population; to getting healed and becoming liberated from any kind of worldly problems and questions. By looking deep inside yourself, as she says it, you will find that you are to busy living on the surface that the ocean is getting neglected. Her book of the compilation of events that tuned her life and brought this broad smile and peace in her life. She had to face a lot of problems of course, both emotional and cultural. But her faith and how she felt drawn to her pursuit made her not drift. Lessons that she learned, she still cherished and impounds them on those seeking her guidance.

“I came to India at the age of twenty-five with just a bag pack with no idea but promising myself to keep my heart open. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone,” says Sadhviji.

[Avidd_Readerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, a well-known spiritual figure and motivational speaker who has spent the past 25 years residing at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh. Originally from Los Angeles and a Stanford University graduate, Sadhviji was initiated into the revered Sanyas order by her guru Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji. Her journey wasn't without challenges; it was laced with uncertainty and difficult choices. It involved giving up her psychology Ph.D., persuading her parents to remain in India, divorcing her husband who could no longer connect with her, and, most importantly, it involved putting her childhood trauma behind her in order to live a calm life that truly belonged to her. I was hoping for a novel on spirituality but got a gripping coming-of-age tale that is both heartbreaking and optimistic. This is the memoir you want if you want to learn something new! Anyone who is considering visiting India should read this book. It is a first-person account of the author's encounters and her travels across India in search of spirituality. For individuals who are having difficulty finding their own road to the holy and encountering some difficulties along the way, this book comes highly recommended. The book is written in a very thorough manner and is easy to read. Once you start reading it, you won't want to stop because it's a fascinating and insightful book.

[Anjali Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood to the Himalayas is the memoir of Sadhvi Bhagvati Saraswati, which depicts her life story. Sadhvi Bhagvati Saraswati is originally from California. She had a privileged childhood, filled with comfort, but unfortunately, she had an eating disorder and trauma from her early childhood. She graduated from Stanford University with a PhD in psychology. Later, she got married, and when her husband pushed her to travel to India, she agreed to it to appease him. But little did she know that this trip would change her entire life. 

The book describes how Sadhvi Bhagvati Saraswati's life changed from a materialistic life to a spiritual life. The book describes how she had to give up everything materialistic that was dear to her in order to move forward on the divine path she has agreed to walk upon. The book describes how she became a spiritual leader and motivational speaker. 

This book is highly recommended for those who are struggling on their own path towards the divine and facing some obstacles along the way. The book is written in a very comprehensive way and is an accessible read. It is an interesting and insightful read that you won't want to put down once you start reading it.

[Suyogaya Awasthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When light is produced, we no longer worry about getting rid of darkness, nor do we wonder where the darkness has gone. We just know that there is light”.

The title of the book gives to an extent the underlying theme of the book as the relevance and spiritual prominence of the Himalayas remains to be a vital part of the discussion. Being 368 pages long the author’s life and her transformational journey remains the cynosure of the book as her life as a perfect American citizen to a spiritual devout who dedicated her life to simplicity and became one with the essence of the Himalayas. Further, the book has been divided into 48 Chapters. The first chapter of the book comes as the perfect start to the book as it sheds light on the previous life of the author which had a sense of regression in it and as the chapters progress further the transcendence has been well explained by the author throughout the book with required succinct.

The writing style of the book has been kept simple, and easy to understand and the language used by the author is honest and thus complements the underlying context of the book. Thus, this book is a must-read for anyone willing to go for a good read.

[SMA REVIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood to the Himalayas is the memoir of Sadhvi Bhagvati Saraswati. In this book, the author takes us on her excursion from being a trauma-ridden girl with an awful munching disorder to an enlightened woman who's now tallied as one of the most distinguished female spiritual teachers in the world.

The story of Sadhvi's voyage from the privileged daughter of the Hollywood elite to Stanford PhD to renowned Indian Holy Woman is energizing and she is so apparently letting out the story for a greater objective - to share her excursion and lead the way to how we can have our own.

This memoir is unusual and influential!
I loved this book, it flows so well even though the writer vaults through diverse periods. I cherish her profound understanding and how she can articulate that.

An incredible story of an ordinary woman who has to follow her heart and live life in service. Truth replenishes the pages, garnished with so much love and devotion.

Composed in extremely apparent language. The author has explained the deep secrets with so much ease.

An inspiring read showing great insight into the human character.

[Huda Shadab · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Transformation" into a new world, the world of spirituality this is what we will read in this book.
The journey of the author from a difficult childhood to finding herself in the arms of the Ganga.
This book is a self help as it narrates what actually self satisfaction is, the author is the protagonist of the book.
All the way from Los Angeles to the Ganga it is an adventurous one to read and explore.
The life of a student to a life of a Sanyasi the book not only elaborates spiritual reading but also exploration of the beautiful Rishikesh.
The cover and the title of the book are attractive and goes hand in hand with the plot of the book.

Narration:
The book is narrated in a simple manner and covers all the topics of spiritual satisfaction from this world and the life of a Sanyasi.

Plot:
It covers the life of the author her bad childhood, her life in Los Angeles and then coming to India and becoming a Sanyasi.

Overall an interesting read!

[Thebookbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood to Himalayas is a book written by very renowned spiritual teacher and motivation speaker Sadhvi Bhagwati Prasad. The book is about her life transformation from material to spiritual life.

Author has shared her magical journey of findings the real peace and path of spiritual life. Sadhvi ji Visit to India from USA changed her life, Having a tragic past to finding the peace in the lap of river Ganga. Meeting her guru Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati ji and there started her real journey of Sanyas.

Sadhvi ji has done very great job in writing her whole experience in such a simple way. Her life ups and downs and then choosing to take sanyas was not very easy for her. she had to sacrifice lot for that, she had mentioned everything in here.

This book is One of the best memoir I have read till now. I felt so much connected with sadhvi ji through this book. I would like to thank her for sharing her experience with us.

Great book!

[Ruchika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A journey of healing and transformation through the eyes of an ordinary Girl who hails from Hollywood and reached to the shore of Ganges in Rishikesh. Her complexities and journey of pain & trauma made the decision to choose the path of spiritual life.

After endless of mountain cliffs, she had succeeded in the divine of power by controlling the exercise of embodiments. Her experience that hold teaching’s from the wisdom life has manifested in the presence of God and her followers. The destination of finding from us to inner self were unstoppable.

This book describes holistic meaning in the healing process in respect of improvement, re-orientation, happiness and inner peace. It’s provides different perspectives to the readers as memoir and self-help book. It contains the couple of photos with national and international Celebrities. A glossary part has also been added to understand the depth of real meaning of book.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. It is the story of the authors life from past troubles, with eating disorders, abuse and issues of abandonment. She was a Stanford graduate and about to get he PhD in psychology, and from a well to do Jewish family.
This memoir starts with her, reluctantly following her husband to India. Once there finds herself so drawn to the river Ganga where she felt a strong healing, and she finally felt like she was safe and at home.
She and her husband had different needs and they parted, but Sadhvi stayed on in Rishikesh, India at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram being taught by her guru HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji for the last 25 years.
The book not only shows you what it takes to be so dedicated to a group and cause, but it also shows us the struggles it presented her as well.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Mandala Publishing for a copy of this book.

[Winnowing Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollywood to the Himalayas is the memoir of Sadhvi Bhagvati Saraswati. In this book, the author takes us on her journey from being a truma ridden girl with a horrific eating disorder to an enlightened woman who's now recounted as one of the prominent female spiritual teachers in the world.

Her journey was not without obstacles, it was full of doubts and hard decisions. It consisted of leaving her Ph.D. in psychology, convincing her parents to stay in India, leaving her husband who couldn't identify with her any longer, and most of all, it consisted of letting go her childhood trauma behind to lead a peaceful life that genuinely belonged to her.

Overall, it's a good book that talks about things such as Indian traditions, Ayurveda, mantras, the importance of forgiveness, the need for letting go, and peace that comes from the service of others.

[SIDDA RAVITEJA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember picking up Hollywood to the Himalayas as a way to escape from the daily grind. I had no idea what I was in for. This memoir is one of those rare gems that stays with you long after you finish reading it. The story and writing is refreshing for its honesty and tone-setting ability, and the surprises that come with the plot leaves you with a sense.

I was expecting a book about spirituality and ended up with a riveting coming-of-age story that is both harrowing and yet full of hope. If you're looking for an enlightening memoir, this is it! This book would be a great read for anyone who is thinking of traveling to India. It's a first-hand account of the author's experience and her journey to travel and explore spirituality in India.

[Ismailandbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hollywood to the Himalayas describes Sadhvi’s odyssey towards divine enlightenment and inspiration through her extraordinary connection with her guru and renewed confidence in the pleasure and joy that life can bring. It's an enlightening memoir of a reluctant spiritual seeker who finds much more, than she bargained for, when she travels to India.

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati is a great teacher of spirituality and consciousness.Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation is a classic spiritual memoir. The memoir has good writing style and a cover-page that perfectly suits the writing.

.

[Paperback_reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollywood to the Himalayas is a memoir of Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, who came from California to Rishikesh. This book details her journey from 1996 to present time. This is a motivational and spiritual journey account in which she heals through the transformation.
The writing style is moderate and thought provoking. Her journey will be inspiration for readers or a guide to the spiritual journey.
When it comes to the book cover I loved it, it's such a beautiful, vibrant and eye-catching title. The way she has mentioned her honest opinions and thoughts is impactful. Some incidents in book compared India to developed countries, this would be a con of sensitive readers.

[Indra · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1996, a Stanford University PhD student embarked on a journey to India. She discovers profound joy, serenity, and a sense of purpose along the sacred banks of the scared Ganga River in Rishikesh. It is here that she encounters the Swamiji at Parmarth Niketan, leaving an indelible mark on her soul.

Sadhvi Bhagvati Saraswati narrates back and forth, her story of renunciation and what goes on in her mind and life. It’s a story of her healing, liberation, grace, and transformation. A part of the memoir resonates with authenticity, as she narrates her own story of letting go, forgiveness and her spiritual practices.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for my honest opinion. This is not a book I'd normally be drawn to, but one night sat down and read the first 100 pages. It is so interesting and I finished the book within a week. It tells the story of a woman who grew up Jewish, had an eating disorder growing up, and was sexual abused. She is married to Jim, who convinces her to travel to India for three months. While she is there, she falls in love with the country, the river Ganga, and Hinduism. It describes her journey to convert to Hinduism and to accept a peaceful life.

[Arielle Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati was a student at Stanford seeking science-based solutions to her emotional wounds and childhood trauma, hoping to heal herself and then others. On a trip to India, in an unexpected twist of fate, she experienced a remarkable, divine healing, on the banks of the Ganges River. Jewish born and raised in Los Angeles, today she is one of the leading hindu holy women in India For those on a spiritual path, this book is a rare glimpse into connecting with the divine. It is the feminine equivalent of Autobiography of a Yogi.

[Priyanka Dagar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes you on a vivid journey to the Himalayas and into the spiritual experience of meeting the Ganga. Sadhvi’s story — from Hollywood to India — is inspiring, and the beginning is especially engaging and well-written.

However, the pace slows down in the middle, and by the end, the story feels a bit disconnected from how it started. Despite that, it’s a meaningful one-time read for anyone interested in spirituality and personal growth.

[Mihaela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Inspiring and helpful on one’s journey to self.
Something is missing for me in this book, or o was not able to find between lines.

[Alina Biberi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. It takes you to deep introspection and open your eyes to the “truth”.

[Patricia Cushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute reading this book, I've listened to it 2 times already. A fantastic read!

[Malcolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a life! Also loved the background to Parmarth Niketan, read in preparation for my yoga training there.

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda forgot that I was reading this, but I finally finished it. Pretty inspiring ngl makes me want to an ashram.