cover image Walking with a Himalayan Master: An American's Odyssey

Walking with a Himalayan Master: An American's Odyssey

Justin O'Brien, Justin O'Brian, Justin C'Brien. Yes International Publishers, $24 (300pp) ISBN 978-0-936663-19-7

What must it be like to live in the entourage of a great spiritual teacher? What must it be like to be a disciple of this teacher? This splendid spiritual memoir addresses just such questions as O'Brien narrates his own travels and study with Swami Rama, a Yogi, scientist, philosopher, humanitarian and mystic poet who founded and heads the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, whose headquarters are located in Honesdale, Penn. Through this institute, Swami Rama has worked to synthesize the ancient teachings of Eastern religions with the modern scientific theories of the West. Swami Rama has played a major role in bringing the insights of yoga psychology and philosophy to the attention of Western psychologists and physicists. As a student, O'Brien lived and traveled with Swami Rama as Rama journeyed through the world teaching his yogic principles. O'Brien's narrative is an admiring look at the human side of his revered teacher, and his book is a delightful experience for anyone longing for a glimpse into the life of a spiritual master. (Jan.)