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Living with the Himalayan Masters
Swami Rama
4.17
4,315 ratings256 reviews
"I will tell you how I grew up and how I was trained, about the great sages with whom I lived and what they taught me, not through lectures and books but through experiences."- Swami Rama
Reading it, you will discover the human side to this yogic master. He is a young boy, full of mischief. He is a teenager, full of curiosity and adventurous zeal. He is a seeker, with certain strengths and weaknesses. Just like us, he sometimes fails to distinguish the fake gurus from genuine masters, mistaking magic for spiritual achievement. Living with the Himalayan Masters is one of those rare books that contains the seeds of transformation within its pages―sowing those seeds in the heart of the reader, and creating the potential for true spiritual upliftment. These stories record Swami Rama's personal quest for truth and enlightenment―inspiring, illuminating, entertaining, mystifying, and often droll and humorous. This life-changing book will bring you face-to-face with some great twentieth-century masters, including Mataji of Assam, a ninety-six-year-old sage who never slept; Gudari Baba, who taught Swami Rama the value of direct experience; Yogi Sri Aurobindo, who integrated meditation with action; Uria Baba, who demonstrated that every human being has the potential for healing; and Mahatma Gandhi. Read the humbling story of the man who founded the Himalayan Institute, and the great teachers who molded him into a Himalayan Master.
GenresSpiritualityNonfictionPhilosophyReligionBiographyIndiaAutobiography
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486 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 1899
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Swami Rama139 books192 followers
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Swāmī Rāma was born Brij Kiśore Dhasmana or Brij Kiśore Kumar,to a northern Indian Brahmin family in a small village called Toli in the Garhwal Himalayas. From an early age he was raised in the Himalayas by his master Bengali Baba and, under the guidance of his master, traveled from temple to temple and studied with a variety of Himalayan saints and sages, including his grandmaster, who was living in a remote region of Tibet. From 1949 to 1952 he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham in South India. After returning to his master in 1952 and practising further for many years in the Himalayan caves, Swami Rama was encouraged by his teacher to go to the West, where he spent a considerable portion of his life teaching, specifically in the United States and Europe.
He is especially notable as one of the first yogis to allow himself to be studied by Western scientists.
Swami Rama authored several books in which he describes the path he took to becoming a yogi and lays out the philosophy and benefits behind practices such as meditation. One of the common themes expressed in such books as "Enlightenment Without God" and "Living with the Himalayan Masters" is the ability of any person to achieve peace without the need for a structured religion.
He was critical of the tendency for yogis to use supernatural feats to demonstrate their enlightenment, arguing that these only demonstrated the ability to perform a feat.
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Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill)
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March 15, 2023
This is an inspiring story of a person's quest for spiritual enlightenment. We can see how he shaped himself into a Himalayan master. There are also some other inspiring stories of great personalities like Yogi Sri Aurobindo and Mahatma Gandhi in this book.
—————————————————————————
You can also follow me on
Instagram ID - Dasfill | YouTube First Channel ID - Dasfill | YouTube Second Channel - Dasfill - Malayalam | Twitter ID - Dasfill1 | Snapchat ID - Dasfill | Facebook ID - Dasfill | TikTok ID - Dasfill1
Show more
134 likes
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Arvind Balasubramaniam
32 reviews10 followers
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May 31, 2020
Before I go into the review, I'd just like to point out that Swami Rama has more than 10 allegations of sexual misconduct against him. That should give a lot of insight upon the authenticity of this book. To be on the fair side, he does admit to having a lot of anger and egoic issues as a neophyte, but does subtly hint that his "moral character" was very pure in one of his anecdotes. I find this to be very hypocritical.
The book is written more as a series of anecdotes than a linear autobiography. The initial chapters on life in the himalayas are very interesting, and a fair amount of detail is given upon the lives of villagers and sadhus who live there. Anyone who wants to visit the mountain ranges would find his descriptions very interesting. There were a few other anecdotes based on his experiences with sages, but i felt he had made up a lot of them; probably just my bias. Several chapters are a description of various eastern philosophies which one could find anywhere else as well as a few chapters on famous sage-like personalities during this period, but again I felt that he was trying to boost his credibility by association with them.
My recommendation would be to just read the first few chapters that deal with life in the Himalayas and toss out the rest.
spirituality
14 likes
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Comment
Nishant Mishra
6 reviews16 followers
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May 14, 2012
I first read Swami Ram's encounters with great mystics and sages of 20th century India way back in 1991 and I was overwhelmed with all his detailed incidents of miracles and occult practices. At many pages in his very book he has criticised these miracles and those who perform them and has advocated spiritual practices which can get one liberated and enlightened, but the book has sort of become a collection of such events which people read with awe and disbelief.
I read this book again a few years back and have it with me. Over the years, I have been attracted more towards spiritual books and texts which do not discuss miracles and wonders of paranormal nature. It is useless spending time in reading things which can not be backed by proofs and you may not be sure if that really ever happened.
I have gone through other books of Swami Ram and would recommend them, however, this one is the most famous of his all. Thanx to this book, I came to know about many less-known mystics and swamis of India and later read about them in greater detail.
14 likes
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Comment
Sarath
3 reviews15 followers
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September 13, 2012
excellent book for those who have devotional fire in them..... came to know many things about himalayas....really good
13 likes
Like
Comment
Sarath Thampi
248 reviews13 followers
Follow
September 10, 2013
Living with Himalayan masters is a must read for anyone interested in learning about Indian philosophical thoughts. This book highlights the center of all the mystical teachings in India- The Himalayas. In this autobiographical account, swami Rama tells us about his journey through the Himalayan passes and meeting with various sages and yogis of different sects and branches. This book really make us wonder-"How far are we in the journey of self discovery?"
12 likes
Like
Comment
Sushantha Kurandwad
206 reviews12 followers
Follow
September 2, 2021
Analysis of the powerful Siddhi men met by Swami Rama in the Himalayas. Some of them were misusing their achievements while others were on the same path of achievement.
In this book, Swami Rama has revealed the obstacles he encountered on the path of his achievement, the lack of a stable guru and his experiences in the Himalayas.
7 likes
Like
Comment
Sanjay Manjunath
61 reviews4 followers
Follow
July 8, 2023
Spirituality is an experience for them. It is inexplicable.
Even in this work, nowhere is it taught to meditate like this, eat food like this, live in such a place, go to such and such person's ashram, do strict Vrata, do so and so.
Here Swami Ajay has narrated the full story of Swami Rama's upbringing, his Gurus, the Swamis and others he met in the Himalayas and the experiences Rama gained in their presence, and it has been equally well translated into Kannada by DK Shyamasundara Rao.
Some things are unbelievable, some are amazing. Crazy lords are found. Here is the spirituality of non-Vairagi common people and family members. Some chapters require going over and over again.
Rather than reading the chapters here at once, it is better to read them one day at a time. I think any work on spirituality should be read this way.
Briefly speaking about this work as a whole.. As it says in its preface,
"This work when studied as a student of literature, perused as a curious reader, examined from the point of view of searching for spiritual ideas, it unfolds as a unique work that can quench any class, vision-attitudes. An interesting narrative is found here. A beautiful travelogue." Here are the rich points. Here are the descriptions that soothe the beauty lovers. Here are the series of biographies, here is the rasaghati of the complete study of the mathematical theory of these people. This work is the Sanjeevini volume of universal humanism, which is necessary for every human being. All such things
have come out clearly in simple and beautiful language with scientific vision attitudes. This work is special."
Some of my questions related to spirituality were answered in this book. It is a work that is more than satisfying to read. Wonderful work. ♥️
6 likes
Like
Comment
Asha Mohun
9 reviews5 followers
Follow
January 6, 2016
This book narrates Swami Rama's mystical journey through the mountain passes in the Himalayan Range. He mastered the science of life...according to him, any person can achieve peace without the need for a structured religion. Any person interested in learning spirituality, philosophy of life, will surely love this book.
6 likes
Like
Comment
Frightful_elk
218 reviews
Follow
April 27, 2010
Perhaps I am too prejudiced to take seriously anyone who writes a book full of miraculous happenings presented as truth.
But this book seems the work of a hypocrite, he tries to tell us that magic and wonders are unimportant on a spiritual path, but other than a few confused platitudes, this is all he has for us.
Everywhere are hints of magic powers he has acquired quickly followed up with telling us how he is too noble to use them.
Further research shows that he is wrapped up in many allegations of sexual misconduct with his students.
Skip this one.
20-c asian eastern-ish
...more
5 likes
Like
Comment
Rui Delgado
Author 1 book141 followers
Follow
January 11, 2015
This book perfectly portrays what I believe is the spiritual and philosophical part of our existence. Also, I could've learned a little bit of the origins of our current religions, and the common roots of them. It should be a must for every human being.
favorite
5 likes
Like
Comment
Displaying 1 - 10 of 256 reviews
Show more
Readers also enjoyedPage 1 of 5
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Paramahansa Yogananda
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Aghora: At the Left Hand of God
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Aghora II: Kundalini
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Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill)
1,335 reviews3,142 followers
Follow
March 15, 2023
This is an inspiring story of a person's quest for spiritual enlightenment. We can see how he shaped himself into a Himalayan master. There are also some other inspiring stories of great personalities like Yogi Sri Aurobindo and Mahatma Gandhi in this book.
—————————————————————————
You can also follow me on
Instagram ID - Dasfill | YouTube First Channel ID - Dasfill | YouTube Second Channel - Dasfill - Malayalam | Twitter ID - Dasfill1 | Snapchat ID - Dasfill | Facebook ID - Dasfill | TikTok ID - Dasfill1
Show more
134 likes
Like
Comment
Arvind Balasubramaniam
32 reviews10 followers
Follow
May 31, 2020
Before I go into the review, I'd just like to point out that Swami Rama has more than 10 allegations of sexual misconduct against him. That should give a lot of insight upon the authenticity of this book. To be on the fair side, he does admit to having a lot of anger and egoic issues as a neophyte, but does subtly hint that his "moral character" was very pure in one of his anecdotes. I find this to be very hypocritical.
The book is written more as a series of anecdotes than a linear autobiography. The initial chapters on life in the himalayas are very interesting, and a fair amount of detail is given upon the lives of villagers and sadhus who live there. Anyone who wants to visit the mountain ranges would find his descriptions very interesting. There were a few other anecdotes based on his experiences with sages, but i felt he had made up a lot of them; probably just my bias. Several chapters are a description of various eastern philosophies which one could find anywhere else as well as a few chapters on famous sage-like personalities during this period, but again I felt that he was trying to boost his credibility by association with them.
My recommendation would be to just read the first few chapters that deal with life in the Himalayas and toss out the rest.
spirituality
14 likes
Like
Comment
Nishant Mishra
6 reviews16 followers
Follow
May 14, 2012
I first read Swami Ram's encounters with great mystics and sages of 20th century India way back in 1991 and I was overwhelmed with all his detailed incidents of miracles and occult practices. At many pages in his very book he has criticised these miracles and those who perform them and has advocated spiritual practices which can get one liberated and enlightened, but the book has sort of become a collection of such events which people read with awe and disbelief.
I read this book again a few years back and have it with me. Over the years, I have been attracted more towards spiritual books and texts which do not discuss miracles and wonders of paranormal nature. It is useless spending time in reading things which can not be backed by proofs and you may not be sure if that really ever happened.
I have gone through other books of Swami Ram and would recommend them, however, this one is the most famous of his all. Thanx to this book, I came to know about many less-known mystics and swamis of India and later read about them in greater detail.
14 likes
Like
Comment
Sarath
3 reviews15 followers
Follow
September 13, 2012
excellent book for those who have devotional fire in them..... came to know many things about himalayas....really good
13 likes
Like
Comment
Sarath Thampi
248 reviews13 followers
Follow
September 10, 2013
Living with Himalayan masters is a must read for anyone interested in learning about Indian philosophical thoughts. This book highlights the center of all the mystical teachings in India- The Himalayas. In this autobiographical account, swami Rama tells us about his journey through the Himalayan passes and meeting with various sages and yogis of different sects and branches. This book really make us wonder-"How far are we in the journey of self discovery?"
12 likes
Like
Comment
Sushantha Kurandwad
206 reviews12 followers
Follow
September 2, 2021
Analysis of the powerful Siddhi men met by Swami Rama in the Himalayas. Some of them were misusing their achievements while others were on the same path of achievement.
In this book, Swami Rama has revealed the obstacles he encountered on the path of his achievement, the lack of a stable guru and his experiences in the Himalayas.
7 likes
Like
Comment
Sanjay Manjunath
61 reviews4 followers
Follow
July 8, 2023
Spirituality is an experience for them. It is inexplicable.
Even in this work, nowhere is it taught to meditate like this, eat food like this, live in such a place, go to such and such person's ashram, do strict Vrata, do so and so.
Here Swami Ajay has narrated the full story of Swami Rama's upbringing, his Gurus, the Swamis and others he met in the Himalayas and the experiences Rama gained in their presence, and it has been equally well translated into Kannada by DK Shyamasundara Rao.
Some things are unbelievable, some are amazing. Crazy lords are found. Here is the spirituality of non-Vairagi common people and family members. Some chapters require going over and over again.
Rather than reading the chapters here at once, it is better to read them one day at a time. I think any work on spirituality should be read this way.
Briefly speaking about this work as a whole.. As it says in its preface,
"This work when studied as a student of literature, perused as a curious reader, examined from the point of view of searching for spiritual ideas, it unfolds as a unique work that can quench any class, vision-attitudes. An interesting narrative is found here. A beautiful travelogue." Here are the rich points. Here are the descriptions that soothe the beauty lovers. Here are the series of biographies, here is the rasaghati of the complete study of the mathematical theory of these people. This work is the Sanjeevini volume of universal humanism, which is necessary for every human being. All such things
have come out clearly in simple and beautiful language with scientific vision attitudes. This work is special."
Some of my questions related to spirituality were answered in this book. It is a work that is more than satisfying to read. Wonderful work. ♥️
6 likes
Like
Comment
Asha Mohun
9 reviews5 followers
Follow
January 6, 2016
This book narrates Swami Rama's mystical journey through the mountain passes in the Himalayan Range. He mastered the science of life...according to him, any person can achieve peace without the need for a structured religion. Any person interested in learning spirituality, philosophy of life, will surely love this book.
6 likes
Like
Comment
Frightful_elk
218 reviews
Follow
April 27, 2010
Perhaps I am too prejudiced to take seriously anyone who writes a book full of miraculous happenings presented as truth.
But this book seems the work of a hypocrite, he tries to tell us that magic and wonders are unimportant on a spiritual path, but other than a few confused platitudes, this is all he has for us.
Everywhere are hints of magic powers he has acquired quickly followed up with telling us how he is too noble to use them.
Further research shows that he is wrapped up in many allegations of sexual misconduct with his students.
Skip this one.
20-c asian eastern-ish
...more
5 likes
Like
Comment
Rui Delgado
Author 1 book141 followers
Follow
January 11, 2015
This book perfectly portrays what I believe is the spiritual and philosophical part of our existence. Also, I could've learned a little bit of the origins of our current religions, and the common roots of them. It should be a must for every human being.
favorite
5 likes
Like
Comment
Displaying 1 - 10 of 256 reviews
=====
Top reviews from other countries
Avinash Mangipudi
great book
Reviewed in India on 25 January 2022Verified Purchase
This book will take you to places and experiences that are just beyond.
Karine Shellshear
Excellent insights into spirituality
Reviewed in the United States on 31 May 2015Verified Purchase
I liked the analytical appraisal it provided- a self aware writing of the memoirs of spiritual discovery within the Himalayan tradition - reflecting very realistically human doubts and cynicism or the obstacle of a skeptical mind.These revelations of the life of the great sages can at times can be somewhat phantasmagoric and difficult to take in nevertheless the experiences become believable, plausible and small glimmers of inspiration on what must truly be the fifth dimension of understanding and far from our ordinary lives. It provides the crumbs to want to know much more - a persuasive gift of insight! It is purely descriptive however, and there is minimal guidance on how to - in what might well be described as occult practices. For good reason these are not imparted. Thank you Swami Rama despite the good and the not so good that has been said of you!
Amber j Taylor
Swami Rama.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 April 2014Verified Purchase
This is one the best books i have ever read , Swami Rama must have been one of the greatest spiritual teaches that ever lived. This book gave me a new out look on finding God within . I have looked at many ways to find the path to enlightenment for 30 years and read lots of books on this subject , but Swami Rama way of teaching will help anyone to find their God within whatever their faith.
Ashok Gyanchand
Excellent book to be read by all believers and non believers in spirituality of any religion even atheists
Reviewed in India on 30 November 2017Verified Purchase
Once start reading will like to continue reading as nowhere you will feel boring or difficult to understand. Number of stories full of knowledge and wisdom will make you aware about unknown mysteries of life and will motivate to explore further. To be read by all of any age.
Placeholder
Spiritual Classics of all times
Reviewed in the United States on 28 December 2014Verified Purchase
What can be said of this book ? Suffice to say that this is one of the greatest spiritual classic of all times delivered by swami Rama by the grace of his master ,eternal babaji of the Himalayas.It is true that the book speaks to each reader at the personal level and the reader may find the presence of Himalayan sages through its pages.This is a book which you may like to read again and again.swamiji has narrated his experiences and
Events of his life of 45 years I.e.his life before
He came to west. He tells us about ,how he was brought
Up in the Himalayan caves,and how he was taught by the
sages.The book is the record of some of these
experiences.
Events of his life of 45 years I.e.his life before
He came to west. He tells us about ,how he was brought
Up in the Himalayan caves,and how he was taught by the
sages.The book is the record of some of these
experiences.
