Sadhguru: More Than A Life
by Arundhathi Subramaniam
4.48 · Rating details · 783 ratings · 71 reviews
Hardcover, 256 pages
Published December 1st 2010 by Penguin Books
Apr 04, 2013Kalpana rated it it was amazing
Arundhati Subramaniam, what a book you have written? It’s like reading a beautiful poem from the start to the end. Especially the first and last chapter was like reading my own mind. I'm not into Isha Program or attended any Satsang but have read a lot of books about him. I have been in search of truth as far as I can remember, have read a lot of works of other gurus and religions but no one gave me an answer like he does. However, my egoistic mind hasn't decided if I'm going to take this path but the last paragraph you have written has made me too emotional and the moment I think those words, am in tears. The friend who referred this book said this book is not for everyone to read, not sure what it means but this is definitely meant for me. Thanks for the great work. (less)
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Feb 05, 2011Mini rated it it was amazing
Shelves: all-time-fav-reads
After about eight years of searching for my “live” Guru, I have finally come to believe I have found him. It wasn’t an easy journey, more difficult is the one that awaits me. But Sadhguru makes me believe and want to believe that the answers to my questions are all there within him, waiting to be answered. He came into my life about five years ago, but the sceptic I am, I saw his picture, read the write-up on the brochure, heard the “call” and then ignored it. But some things are inevitable. And sure enough, he came back, this time when my husband became an Isha meditator, as we like to call ourselves. Eventually, I found myself sucked into the Isha vortex, watching Sadhguru DVDs, listening to his humourous, yet sensible take on life, spirituality and the Divine. And then the Dhyanalinga temple happened. Sadhguru was yet to happen then. I knew I could trust him, but there were many questions that played in my head.
While reading Ms.Subramanian’s book, I felt I was reliving the last few months of uncertainty. Once I stepped into the whirlpool, I knew I’d probably never step-out., wouldn’t want to, that is. Her questions were the same ones that have plagued my thoughts till a couple of months ago (A few Isha meditators I spoke with while I was reading this book shared a similar experience). With excerpts from his discourses and personal conversations she had with this Mystic Guru, she tells us the story about this Man that has lived ‘more than a life’. She keeps her language simple throughout the biography although you get a glimpse of her extraordinary mastery over the English language only in the introduction and closer to the conclusion. Interesting and captivating, I’d say that this compelling book is a must-read for all Isha Meditators…as for the non-Meditators, I’d definitely recommend it to them as well.
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Jun 19, 2015Kalyani rated it it was amazing
Never knew Mystics can be made like this ! So charmed by this mystic who appears more real than anything I have experienced ! Challenge to traditional belief but not disruptive.
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Sep 05, 2014Wendy rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spiritual-in-nature, non-fiction
Beautifully written. Fascinating. Having been around Sadhguru, this book seems to have captured much of his playfulness and fire.
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Dec 26, 2012Prakash Swamy rated it it was amazing
Shelves: spiritual
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, my spiritual Guru, is a contemporary Yogi, Mystic and Enlightened Master, who created Isha Foundation and works tirelessly to revive our once great culture and long forgotten spiritual science through Isha Yoga programs, creation of Consecrated spaces and multiple initiatives for rural poor and environment to uplift Human beings and their way of Life. The Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple consecrated by Sadhguru at the Isha Yoga Center in the Velliangiri foothills near Coimbatore is well known worldwide.
Sadhguru More Than A Life is an enchanting book by a Trapezium about an Ellipsoid and its Creator! Written by Arundhathi Subramaniam – an Isha meditator and writer (she might get offended if I don’t mention Poet) – tells the fascinating fairy tale like story of how the Dhyanalinga came into being and the being that took more than one birth to create it, finally in this lifetime – our lifetime! This book offers a near biographical account of Sadhguru’s lives (yes, you read that right, Lives, not Life) along with a few core members of the Isha Yoga phenomenon that led to the creation and consecration of the only-one-of-the-kind-in-this-planet Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple, offering the possibility of self-realization to millions worldwide, including this self (my journey started in 2009 and it is fair to say I’m still at the starting point).
Naturally, like any book by or about my Master, this book too isn't for the faint-hearted. Nor is it for the pious ones who're tied up in their religious beliefs (which they automatically assume are unquestionable as they've been told to abide by them by their revered mutt head, grandmother, family priest or astrologer). If you're one of those occasional nut cases (the author certainly seems to be one and self belongs to that category as well) who dares to question long held beliefs, let go of the old ways and willing to tread a new path, this book is right up your alley. But beware; it won't be an easy journey, for my Master is like no other. He isn’t into Scriptures, doesn’t expound on Vedanta or quote from Gita. He basically doesn't give a damn about anyone or anything – revered or not, unless he has experienced and understood that by himself. And when he speaks incisively and decisively about those first hand experiences, you'll either faint and fall over or will end up picking your jaw that has just dropped, for the nth time.
Mostly a faithful retelling of the various beings’ factual account (which unwittingly reads like fiction) – include the Master himself – of who, what and how, this fast paced book starts from Sadhguru’s exceptionally curious childhood, moves on to his extremely vibrant youth and then to his extraordinary transformation to Yogi and Mystic with a singular focus to accomplish his mission over three lifetimes and culminates with his present form and future possibilities.
The 250 pages long book is divided into 9 chapters, apart from an Introduction and Postscript by the author (we’ll come to that later). Sadhguru’s extraordinary lives (and of those whose lives intertwined with his, many times over) can make you either drink the events that occur in one go and get intoxicated with his grace or go breathless every now and then and take a deep breath at the end of each chapter to contemplate on what hit you or how silly your long held beliefs appear all of a sudden. Sadhguru's unique views and scientific explanations help in lifting the veil of our ignorance about things that we think we knew. A word of caution for Isha meditators and beings that walk the spiritual path – keep a handkerchief at hand and the book slightly away from your face as it’s quite possible that tears (Swamy calls them Joy Drops) will flow on to the book time and again. I lost count of how many times!
‘Pure Awareness and Madness’ The Beginning of the Journey
The endless beginning of the story introduces the reader to Sadhguru’s creation (that incidentally makes him the Creator, which he indeed is) – the Dhyanalinga – a formless form that’ll last forever, even if this planet ceases to exist in its present form. While reading the line “You make your way to one of the shadowy alcoves and sit down to receive the Dhyanalinga” (which incidentally I’ve done more than once), I felt the same impact of “And then came the dance” from Amish’s Shiva Trilogy. Both books naturally have a Shiva connection!
‘Falling Upwards’ Lifetimes Three
Sadhguru’s three lifetimes (four, if one counts how this extraordinary game of life started) unravel before the reader’s eyes vividly in this chapter. From the Bilva’s unknown realization to ShivaYogi’s unexpected initiation by the Guru’s Guru Sri Palani Swamy to Sadhguru Sri Brahma’s unnerving fiery but failed attempt to accomplish the mission, resulting in him leaving his physical form through all 7 chakras as Chakreshwara after declaring “I will be back”, the reader is left with palpable excitement to meet Jaggi, aka Sadhguru in this Life.
‘This One Will Graze Human Beings’ The Black Sheep Who Turned Shepherd
A fascinating account of Sadhguru’s birth (he isn’t named Jagadish, aka ‘The Lord of the Universe’ for nothing), curious childhood and energetic youth, this chapter offers the reader a glimpse of the Master’s prowess early on in his eventful Life. From his ability to see all beings in energy form to getting into meditative state on top of a tree while skipping classes to catching and keeping snakes (without realizing his close association with them from another lifetime) to creating his own Xanadu like private lair in his home terrace to interactions with his (in all probability) realized great grandmother to his death experiment (or experience – a possible parallel to Bhagawan Ramana Maharishi’s) to initiation into Yoga by Sri Malladihally Swamy (“He was almost superhuman”) to dabbling in politics to an early fascination for automobiles (that continues till date) to his sister’s ascetic journey to his failed attempt to join the armed services to his voracious reading (at the library, daily, for an year) to his uneventful college classes to very eventful counseling to fellow students to his animal encounters to his first romance to his successful farming business (and long meditations, deep understanding of snakes and poetry writing while at the farm) to an attempt to start a commune and ending up running a successful construction business, readers will quickly pace through pages of history in the making.
The Man Who ‘Went Up and Never Came Down’ From Motorcyclist to Mystic
Starting with an emphatic account of Sadhguru’s enlightenment (“I went up and didn’t come down”), this chapter offers a glimpse of the enormity of what is to unravel in the remaining part of the story. The transformation of the motorcycling youngster to the Mystic who’ll rev up the lives of millions is mind boggling, to say the least. Yet it also offers solace in the fact that self-realization isn’t something that happened only millennia ago (with Gautama the Buddha being the shining beacon of knowing and teaching) but is a possibility even in this day and age. His whirlwind romance and wedding to Vijji akka (at Isha, everyone is referred to as either Akka – sister – or Anna – brother, unless they’re Brahmachari(ni)s or Sanyasis) follows. Sadhguru also starts teaching Yoga like a true Master, but with a difference – his is the ancient form of Yoga taught by none other than Adi Yogi Shiva himself (that Sahaja Sthithi program has now transformed into multiple programs including Inner Engineering and Shoonya Meditation), dabbles with farming one more time and realizes his final destination – Coimbatore, where his dream of 3 lifetimes will come to fruition.
‘Compassion as Conspiracy’ Preparing for Harvest
Bharathi (wow, what a blessed soul and being), Raja, Indira, Somu, Srinivas, Suman, Kiran… One by one, the core group of Isha meditators start coming to their Master like bees to a fragrant flower and willingly get intoxicated with the divine nectar he offers. The Jaggi that scores of meditators naturally gravitated to was also transforming into an altogether different being already during this time. Sadhguru offers a glimpse of who he truly is at times to them to remove any cobweb of doubts lingering in their minds. The powerful Bhava Spandana (BSP) and Samyama programs happen for the first time (this self too has participated in BSP and longs to be part of Samyama soon) with volatile results and an energy explosion among participants.
Some like Bharathi akka get to know who they were in their past lives (her life has been intertwined with Sadhguru’s for more than 2 lifetimes). Teachers’ Training program and formation of Isha Foundation also happened during this eventful period. Sadhguru finally finds the Mountains that has been in his eyes from childhood at Velliangiri near Poondi and the seed of Mystic’s Isha Yoga Center are sown in the misty wilderness at the foothills of the southern Kailash (where Adi Yogi Shiva is said to have spent time and Sadhguru Sri Brahma attained Mahasamadhi).
The stage was set for the mission of three lifetimes and Sadhguru announces the 90 day Wholeness program, that’ll prepare the core group for the magnificent event. The participants endure dire living conditions and a grueling Sadhana schedule during which their Master ‘Unleashed the Guru’ within him. Many incredible events happen during the entire tenure of the program, culminating with Jaggi making the final transformation to Sadhguru. Reading “I am not your Jaggi anymore, I am Sadhguru” sent shivers down my spine (it should be ‘up’ – spiritually speaking), which I’m sure must be what they too should’ve felt at that time (except Bharathi akka, may be)!
‘When the Divine Descends, You Just Accommodate’ The Deepening Pilgrimage, the Darkening Night
A poignant account of the phenomenal accomplishment of Mahasamadhi by Vijji akka – someone who probably wasn’t expected to achieve that exalted state by any of the Isha core group members, this chapter lets the reader travel through a turbulent time of preparation for the once-in-many-millennia creation and consecration of Dhyanalinga (“A concoction of pure awareness and madness”, which incidentally is how Lord Shiva’s nature is also described), while offering fleeting glimpses at the persona of Sadhguru – an eclectic mix of all consuming passion and all encompassing compassion, who was the glue that was holding all the pieces of the puzzle together from falling apart.
Sadhguru recalls meeting the silent sage Swami Nirmalananda (where the seed for Vijji’s deep desire for attaining Samadhi was inadvertently sown), the Swami’s attainment of Samadhi and puts Vijji akka and Bharathi akka through the paces to establish the triangle of energy necessary for the (lost science of) Prána Pratishtha ready. Getting two women who are the polar opposites to seamlessly merge into oneness wasn’t an easy task for even that accomplished Master! He also takes them on a Karma Yatra to the places of their previous births to clear the remaining karmic barriers. This chapter also takes the reader deep into the esoteric energy space that most humans bound by physical limitations of the five senses will find hard to comprehend.
‘If You Drop Your Fruit Willingly, Stones Can Be Minimized’ Countdown, Crisis, Denouement
With one part of the triangle gone as Vijji akka attained Samadhi (“She left through her Anahata”), Sadhguru contemplates the alternatives to complete the consecration of Dhyanalinga (whose creation has historically been plagued by insurmountable challenges to whoever attempted, invariably resulting in failure to complete when they’re so close to completion) and decides to take it upon himself to ensure no further delay. While Sadhguru performing both his and Vijji akka’s roles helped move the process forward, it also started depleting his energy reserves, resulting in fast deterioration of his physical health. It eerily reminded every participants about his prediction (declaration rather) that he’ll leave this body at the age of 42. They feared the worst as the day of consecration got closer.
There were other social hindrances too (a natural result of the ignorant arrogance of suspicious idiots, which incidentally thwarted the historical attempts earlier too), which the Isha meditators endured with quiet dignity and came out unscathed through their perseverance and unwavering faith in their Guru (he did play a part too in removing the last remaining obstacles). When the Dhyanalinga consecration finally concludes on 24th of June 1999 (and Sadhguru falls like an uprooted tree, with whatever life left in his physical form flickering), all readers will invariably be left overwhelmed by the enormity of the energy consecration process, enchanted by the unwavering focus of the Master towards attaining the goal across many lifetimes and the unshakable faith his followers had in him all through and enamored by the Guru who practically revived a long lost sacred science (propagated first by none other than Agasthya muni, one of Adi Yogi Shiva’s seven disciples, several thousand years ago) single handedly and spirituality as a way of living that’s independent of religion!
And his zest for Life as it is (“He’s probably the most alive human being I’ve known” – Arundhathi) brings him back from the brink (“My body was broken beyond repair” - Sadhguru), when Bharathi akka desparately said – hoping against hope that the wanderlust in him is the only thing that could keep him alive – “Shall we hit the road?”
‘Time to Graze the Valleys of Life’ The Master, the Man and his Message
Whether you're spiritual or not (most humans are incapable of differentiating being religious and spiritual), you'll relish Sadhguru's precise and decisive responses to the seekers' many questions (mostly by the author) in this chapter. From his uncanny ability to swiftly switch from one thing or person to other with equal attention to each to his capability to be present with or initiate the spiritual process for people not physically present to his unassuming ways of enabling ailing seekers do extraordinary things (such as climbing the Himalayas despite being critically ill) and unnerving candor in refusing to acknowledge such acts as miracles, many things that Sadhguru says or does (such as his own miraculous recovery from multiple ailments with the help of the eternal knowledge repository called Kailash) are beyond comprehension for normal readers. But the fact that all these acts were witnessed by people first hand exemplifies how lightly he wears his divinity or Gurudom.
His absolute clarity shines through when he explains what is Brahmacharya, how knowledge of the inner science can cure and prevent ailments, why he’s creating a monastic order with many strict regulations, how to avoid fake Gurus (real Guru happens when your longing deepens), what Enlightenment means, why he cries during processes (such as Linga Bhairavi consecration) or at the end of Sathsangs, why teaching meditation to political leader and entertainers is important, why transmission is more important than teaching and many more profound things.
‘The Ball Game’ and Beyond The Master Plan
Now that Isha – Yoga of the Divine, is already a global phenomenon, what remains in the Master Plan of the Master? This short chapter tries to answer that question. It’s a very interesting answer to a very profound question with Sadhguru declaring “Never again”, when asked if he’ll consider taking the physical form again!
Oh, about the Introduction and Postscript – it may be prudent to read them later, if you’re someone who might just drop a book if the first chapter isn’t fascinating enough (one of my colleagues did that with Asura – Tale of the Vanquished recently, to my surprise, but I relished the book, completed reading it in 4 days and also published a review). They do offer an important perspective - that of a not-so-spiritual seeker’s agony of having to live Life as we know it (resulting from our ignorance of Life as it is), innate inability to trust anyone as Guru, intolerance to conform (to defined process or practices) and an almost endless search for answers to perennial questions and the eventual cleansing of the cobwebs in her mind, to this grand tale of shock and awe, but Arundhathi’s propensity for liberal use of the flowery language of poetry (she’s a poet after all, but I haven't read her poems yet, to comment), ends up tying the narration into complex Asana like knots – not just in the Introduction and Postscript, thereby exasperating the reader enough to let him or her exclaim and almost howl “Why?”
One thing that’s missing in this book is Sadhguru’s sharp that will enthrall even the most doubtful among the hordes that make a beeline for his MahaSathsangs. It’s possible that the author either wanted to ensure the readers get the gravity of this grand story right or she’s such a serious person that wit and humor are dismissed with a ‘huh’! The “I” too is so pronounced in her narration that the readers may end up throwing their hands up and wonder if this is Sadhguru’s story or hers (thankfully, she ensures it is Sadhguru’s, starting from Page 17)! While she’s undoubtedly blessed to have been drenched in my Master’s grace, my respect for his patience and boundless compassion went several notches up when I realized how he must’ve felt while “I”nteracting with (many a character like) the author, for a substantial amount of time, to enable the writing and publication of (t)his extraordinary Life story ("A biography? I'm not done with Life yet!"). Strange are his ways and stranger is the company he keeps (just like his 50% partner Shiva). Shambho!
There are two possible outcomes while reading or on completing this book – an overwhelming sense of awe on what he has accomplished in this lifetime and a longing to be immersed in his boundless grace, in this lifetime and beyond! To be in the presence of a living Master in this lifetime itself is a blessing. “I’m available to all who’re willing!”, says my Master and he’ll only be glad to bless one more being with the possibility of eternal bliss! Availing that possibility to know ‘Life as it is’ will be a goal worth pursuing for the remaining part of our lives. Needless to say, as a seeker, I’m thankful to Arundhathi for letting me learn about my Master’s vibrant Life, which I’ve known only in bits and pieces so far.
I bow before my Master with deep reverence for creating the eternal energy form of Dhyanalinga, a living Guru in the primordial Linga form, who’ll sow the seed of spirituality into whoever enters his sphere, forever. And I bow once again for blessing us – irrespective of whether we deserve it or not – in this lifetime to have not one but two Gurus (the Creator and his Creation – whichever way you look at it) at the same time. Shambo!
And one more thing. I would love to write a sequel to this book (either by myself or collaborating with Arundhathi), starting from where this one concludes – the Dhyanalinga consecration – and walk the readers through the even more fascinating story of the mesmerizing growth of the Sadhguru and Isha phenomenon, the metamorphosis that they’ve brought into millions of seekers worldwide and the consecrations that he continues to perform (Linga Bhairavi, Adi Yogi aalayam, Mahima and Suryakund). If the Tamil translation of this book hasn’t already been picked up by SuBa or Muthiah, I would love to take up that too. my Master willing, of course!
Sadhguru More Than A Life is Highly recommended by Swamy for all – seekers or not.
Happy reading & a joyful Life to all seekers :-)
Love + Gratitude = @PrakashSwamy
Swamy’s first Sadhguru Sathsang experience | http://bit.ly/Vr2
SwamyView of Himalayan Lust by Sadhguru | http://bit.ly/WeYJ39 (less)
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Jul 10, 2015Richa Kashelkar rated it it was amazing
This book has spoiled reading for me forever. Never again will I be able to find something that grips my actual breath so much; this book has iron claws. Not just because it is probably the best thriller I've read as yet, or because it is true or so recent, but because knowing what happens in it means so much to your very own life. If you assume it to be true (which, it is very difficult to NOT do), it alters the meaning of everything you've known so far. And if it doesn't leave you absolutely shaken and broken at the end, you've not understood it.
Thankfully I read it when I was alone because someone bawling their eyes out with a book in their hands would've been a confounding sight to behold for most people. (less)
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Jul 01, 2013Sindhu Nair rated it it was amazing
The portrait of a contemporary mystic and guru, so well explained in a unique way, which grips you to read the book till the last page.
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Jun 19, 2014Nikhil Nehriya rated it it was amazing
This book describes a truly extraordinary life replete with fascinating unfathomable events from the life of the subject. It provides that rare insight into the world of a spiritual person. Most events described in the book are either completely bizarre or too fairytale-ish to believe. But never the less, they don’t cease to amaze.
The man himself says about these events, “It would be foolish to believe it, but it would be even more foolish to disbelieve it”. That pretty much sums it up.
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May 24, 2017Pavan Reddy rated it really liked it
The prose is lucid, the read though is enigmatic just like the central character Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. As someone, who had no knowledge about the guru or his Isha foundation, I am fascinated by the way his personality and work is protrayed in the book. My next stop, Isha Ashram (Coaimbatore).
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Aug 16, 2019Nitesh Kumar Aggarwal rated it it was amazing
Most inspiring book I've ever read. Sadhguru is a spectrum beyond comprehension.
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Jan 05, 2019Divya Garg rated it it was amazing
A book to know, A book to understand..This is so brilliantly written... Absolutely wonderful.
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Oct 04, 2019Ajay rated it really liked it
Finally i got to read book on Sadhguru. I really admired him.
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Jul 22, 2019Logan Streondj rated it it was amazing
Really a wonderful read, his early life was quite amusing, and I was starting to get concerned until he achieved enlightenment on a hill, then things got really interesting.
I have to say it's a great blueprint based on what has worked for Sadhguru. Though I do believe it could be worthwhile for him to read some on spiritual matters, I guess he would say he doesn't have time, as he is practically animating a corpse through spirit at this point (his brain waves could not be detected).
There are some pretty intense retreats described in it. It reminds me of those initiation ceremonies where the more arduous and pointless something they undergo is the more devoted they become. Though it seems he doesn't know how to express enlightenment in stages, likely as a side-effect of not having read much on the topic. I'm sure nevertheless that all the people had legitimate great experiences with all the meditation and ecstatic experiences that occurred.
Also a rather dangerous concept which I've considered even taking a star off for is his belief that (mahasamadhi) wilful release of the body achieves moksha, when it does nothing of the sort, as all it does is release the body. I know this may be a difficult truth for him as it has caused so much pain to him and his organization, but the only way to stop such pain in future is to realize it for what it is.
moksha is a separate phenomena that can only be achieved in the soul world post-mortem, and does not depend upon the manner in which the body died. The exit method is really mostly spectacle, like some gurus and lamas like to turn into light, much as Jesus did. But that doesn't mean they achieved nirvana, merely that they transformed their bodies to light. These events are meant as a reminder of our divine power, which can be used in many ways even while alive and full of life.
I do like how he mentioned that wearing metal can help prevent accidental mahasamadhi, I have concluded much the same from my experience, that it is necessary to have grounding objects to stay in this world. I usually keep some jewellery on at all times.
In terms of the Dhyanalinga that's an interesting story as well, and may very well be worth visiting. (less)
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Mar 27, 2018Bhakta Kishor rated it really liked it
Shelves: biographies, guru
He baffles me and continues to do so. He is a mystic but still a mystery. He is referred to as Sadhguru. In his own words “When someone comes from their scholarship, they are referred to in different ways. If someone comes from an inner experience, they are referred to as Sadhguru. The word “Sadhguru” is not a title. It is a description. Sadhguru means “uneducated Guru.” I am almost hundred percent spiritually uneducated. I don’t know any scriptures, I have not read the Vedas and I didn’t bother to read the Bhagavad Gita. I come only from my inner experience and the only thing I know for sure is this piece of life from its origin to its ultimate.”
For many of us brought up on a diet of the archetypal saffron clad sloka chanting Gurus, Jaggi Vasudev remains an enigma – the jeans-clad motorcyclist mystic, the snake handling charmer, a fakir dressed in long flowing robes, a turban on his head, an overgrown white beard or a modern-day Moses.
All this aside, he is a charmer. He seems to have the answers to all the questions thrown at him by the media and the likes of Barkha Dutt or the retorts of die-hard atheists like Javed Akhtar. What captivates is his erudition and his slightly nasal but deep voice which holds the listeners' attention. Whether I believe all that he says or not, I like to listen to him. Arundhathi Subramaniam in her brilliant Introduction to ‘More than a life – SADHGURU’ says that “the book is an attempt to share some of that sense of wonder that these years of knowing Sadhguru have been about. More fundamentally it is an attempt to tell the story of an exceptional man.”
The blurb on the back cover says ‘This is the extraordinary story of Jaggi Vasudev or Sadhguru – a young agnostic who turned yogi, a wild motorcyclist who turned mystic, a skeptic, who turned spiritual guide. It seeks to recreate the life journey of a man who combines rationality with mysticism, irreverence with compassion and deep self- knowledge with a contagious love of life. Pulsating with his razor-sharp intelligence and modern-day vocabulary, the book empowers you to explore your spiritual self and could well change your life’. (less)
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Sep 26, 2015Jyoti rated it it was ok
From the little I had heard or seen of Sadhguru Jaggi, I'd found charming and curious. I didn't like his mannerisms in Q&A videos where he'd trivialise the questions asked by people but I liked knowing him somewhat as I felt there was more to him than met the eye. Reading of the book was my attempt to know him some more.
The book is well-written and the author tries her best to see herself as an unbiased observer of her guru. But she tries so hard to portray that stand that the whole text reads pretentious and sponsored. Her main point that resounds through her oration: Sadhguru is different from the rest and everything he does is mystifying so even her skepticism about him is to be accepted simply because he is worth everyone's acceptance! He enjoys being what he is and asks for no forgiveness for what he leads people to believe. His flamboyance may be carefully constructed, however strange he may be, he does make his disciples see kindness in his methods and will liberate them all.
I'm happy for her and others who've found their liberator in him. I'll just have to keep searching for mine. (less)
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Oct 31, 2016Harmeet Singh rated it it was amazing
I bow down in gratitude of having the priveledge of reading this book and thank Sadhguru for revealing the journey of his life and Arundhathi of beautifully capturing it in the form of this book. I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt that not writing my experience of this book would be unjust.
This book on the life (or should I say, lives) of Sadhguru written by Arundhathi hasn’t just been a phenomenonally, mind-blowing read, but considering the fact that I am a slow reader- it has been an experience, an adventurous experience of unravelling the depths of what is possible for this human life.
I'm not left with much to speak as I only bought this book to know more about the Guru who seemed to be trending on YouTube, nowadays. After watching most of his videos, I felt curious to know how he got to where he is now. So like me, if you are also intrigued by this man, buy yourself this book. Every penny and every second spent with this book is worth it!
Pranaam (less)
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Satheesh A. Donthy
5.0 out of 5 stars Take your life on a better trajectory. Start by reading this book.
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
If you are planning to learn from a Siddha (a very special category of Indian Gurus) through Isha Foundation, I strongly recommend that you read this book before taking any Inner Engineering classes online or in-person. Your ability to understand Sadhguru will improve and your questioning / swirling mind will slow down a bit. Your receptivity to the initiation process and to receive the instructions to learn the sacred Kriyas will improve beyond your imagination. Do not get confused with brain-washing. You don't need to change your religion or an existing relationship with a Guru. Isha Programs are very agnostic to religion. Sadhguru is least interested in your belief system. He does not want to give you any new ideas. He only wants to share tools that you yourself can apply and see the results on your own. Read this book and learn following from Isha Foundation. Your health and life will improve so much, I don't care to waste words on what you are going to see for yourself.
- Surya Kriya
- Inner Engineering Online
- Shambhavi Maha Mudra One Day
- Hatha Yoga (for the courageous)
- Upa Yoga (for beginners)
- Anga Mardana (for body builders)
50 people found this helpful
storyteller312
4.0 out of 5 stars Clouds & Shadows
Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2018
Sadhguru posses all the definition of a shadow. This book brought no more insight into the man or his mission than before I read it.
The author goes into great detail about herself and personal beliefs. At first that seemed to present an impartial perspective on the subject. But as the book nears its conclusion she admits that Sadhguru is in fact her guru. Wouldn't that cancel an impartial point of view?
This does not imply her writing isn't truthful but it has a bias.
Personally I find Sadhguru a fascinating individual on a mission. I had hoped to know more about both thorough this book but was disappointed.
4 people found this helpful
ozshiva
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018
My 3rd book of Sadhguru - undoubtedly the most amazing one!! I started with the Inner Engineering book, followed by Adiyogi (source of Yoga) and now this. This book takes you into a different world, would make you want to live that experience. I may be re-reading this one few times....
7 people found this helpful
I Love Books
5.0 out of 5 stars Want a life of BLISS? START HERE
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2019
Love this book, written by Sadhguru, I met him 25 years ago when I attended his 13 day program in Nashville Tennessee, my dear Jaggi Vasudev. His program was amazing, did wonders for my life, and 20 years later he is world-wide famous. But still the same. No religion necessary, no cult here either, just a true path to inner happiness and peace, and along the way you may find health improvements as I did. I recommend this book highly and all the others he has written as well. More info about Jaggi on his Isha website.
2 people found this helpful
Dr. A. Karin Wettig
5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Biography of a passionate Master - inspiring for more
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2014
When I got this book in my hands, I couldn't stop reading, because every chapter was exciting and written with the passion of a person who truly dedicates her emotional approach to understand her guru and write a picture of him that would really touch the hearts and inflame the spirit of people around the world. I was following his video series on youtube since a longer time before I bought this book, but it is indeed worthwhile. There are details not mentioned ever in his videos, there is much about his youth, his moneymaking, his personal life with his wife and daughter. The chapter about the unplanned Samadhi of his wife really made me cry and long I would have met her too in person. The story of the Dhyanalinga and many more experiences are reported in a really magic way, I liked this book more than any criminal story as it is criminally inspiring and also provoking the question - which path do I like to walk in this life and where is the final goal. ...
12 people found this helpful
Jack Bauer
5.0 out of 5 stars Simply great. Provides a larger perspective of human's life through his lifes journeys.....
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2018
Wow, the book is simply great! An eye-opening book. It could be regarded as one of the initial books into one's spiritual journey ....... Sadhguru has mentioned the depth and dimension of human's life which is general people like me are ignorant about. He tries to provide perspective to this life which people has generally lost it.
Helpful
Christina Carlini
5.0 out of 5 stars Most mind-bending book I have ever read
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2018
By page 153 I had to put the book down. I just shook my head in disbelief. "Did this... really happen?" I thought. This book pushed my skeptical mind to it's outer limits. I found myself in constant astonishment or plain disbelief. By the of book, I felt genuinely convinced that it is indeed the life work a true master. Whether I was fooled or not, I still benefited greatly from the pure mental exercise. Read this book if you want to expand your mind. Period.
3 people found this helpful
Whizkid
5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Chronicle
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2013
A captivating chronicle of Sadhguru's life. Its rare to get the true biography of a mystic but the author (Arundhathi Subramaniam) has carefully penned words from a neutral stance. This is to get the reader not thrown off by the unbelievable events that have taken place in his life. Yes a mystic life is supposed to be magical or else why would anyone look at mystics in reverence. The important part is its true.
The book takes you to a point where a lot of us can't comprehend, as spirituality and mysticism takes you beyond the logical dimensions. The struggle that Sadhguru took and is still taking just to get people to the next level from wherever they currently are is far bigger than what you would term as an "herculean task". But he does it as a breeze.
A very interesting read for those who want to understand why its very important to get to the next step from where they are, however small it may be.
An excellent attempt by the author to bring to light a mystical life in the hands of a common man.
7 people found this helpful
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Top international reviews
Mrs. M. L. Scurfield
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great true story, that possibly can, encourage us to find our true path.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This is a stunning book! I couldn't put it down! What an amazing life Sadhguru has had! It has left me with deep respect for this man, and a stronger yearning to follow my own path.
Mrs. Gillian Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2019
Really fascinating and beautifully written book. Great read if you are as interested as I am in Sadhguru’s spiritual teachings. I loved it.
Audible book: Available 
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