The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami Kindle Edition

Immediately, much of this book did not ring true to me. At many points, my inner "BS-radar" kept going off. Then, suddenly, I stumbled on a passage on page 114 that knocked the wind out of me. He directly and unambiguously takes a scene from the novel Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, plops it in, and inserts himself as the central character.Consider this:On pages 114 to 115 of the current edition, he describes how he is meditating on the rock in the Ganges. Quote: "I meditated on the song of the river … From the river’s song emerged thousands of celestial voices, all chanting in unison the sacred syllable Om …. Closing my eyes, I merged again in the endless chant of Om, the river’s song."In Siddhartha, Modern Library Classics paperback, translated by Susan Bernofsky, also, ironically, on page 114, the narrator says, "And when Siddhartha listened attentively to this river, to this thousand-voiced song, when he listened … then the great song of the thousand voices consisted only of a single word: Om."So in both passages:-the river sings a song-the song consists of a thousand voices-all those voices unify into a chorus of OmIf he is not "plagiarizing" in the strictest legal sense of the term, he is clearly appropriating--without giving credit.He then adds this kicker: As he listens more closely, deeper into the heart of the Ganges, the river starts singing the “Hare Krishna” mantra, which he calls the song of the Ganges.So in other words, he lifts a passage from Siddhartha, inserts himself as the protagonist, then uses it as a polemic to plug the Hare Krishna movement. In the epilogue he describes this book as "this simple story of mine." I suspect it's really not that. Rather, he's editing his life story to write a polemic demonstrating that this particular Bhakti school supersedes all other forms of spiritual expression.

I saw one or two skeptical reviews before I bought the book and thought they were just being cynical. After reading through the book, which I did enjoy, I was left with the feeling that he had greatly embellished his tale, if not outright fabricated certain parts. Not a great thing in a so-called spiritual memoir.

This book was recommended by one of the East Indian doctors I work with. He and I frequently get into spiritual conversations and I had read The Autobiography of A Yogi, and he said to read this one as well. I was blown away by this intriguing story of one man's spiritual journey from Jewish college student in America to a great spiritual leader of our time. I was trying to tell a friend about the story, it had so many wonderful and frightening moments, and she said it sounded like I was telling her about a movie. From flying to Europe sitting next to a Rock star as a poor student, or traveling penniless across the Middle East, to meeting Mother Theresa and the Dalai Llama, to living in caves and sleeping on the banks of the Ganges, this journey through India and back is mesmerizing. I am rereading it, just to experience the adventure again and to remember that perseverance and inner longing and drive can propel you to greater awareness and peace. You won't be able to put it down. Someone, please make this into a movie!

Upon searching for God within myself, I came upon this book and was totally amazed how much his journey of searching for God, had answered a lot of my own quest for the same. I also have a love of India and not having the chance to visit India, he had shown me just how Spiritual and wonderful the people are of India.This book is outstanding and I could not put it down. I found him to be my friend traveling for God, and his travels made them my travels....His way and expertise in his writings, just put you right there with him throughout all of his adventures in his life of searching.I highly recommend this book to you and especially one who searches for God, to read this wonderful Journey Home! You will want to finish it, but will be sad when you do. But, his story will remain in your own heart forever, for sure!Many wonderful Blessings given to you.

I lived with Radhanath Swami in West Virginia for many years. I remember one day in December when it was freezing outside and we were all gathered around the fire in the bathhouse. He cqme in all wet and stated that he had to give up bathing outside because the water froze the boards he was on, and he couldn't stand up. That's a good example of his determination which is shown over and over again in this lovely book.

This book is deeply charismatic and ingenuously personal. Radhanath Swami (aka Richard Slavin) takes you into his heart and invites you along to find your true self, even as he has done. His traditional spiritual initiation takes place during an arduous (and joyful) pilgrimage throughout India. The needs of his human body are many, but he learns to transcend them all, one by one, in a most dramatic and mind-bending fashion. The journey lasts about two years and is filled with descriptions of countless tests of personal self-mastery, most all involving life-threatening dangers of some sort, such as homelessness, sickness, near-starvation, violence, extreme weather, rabid and venomous animals, quicksand, dysentery, lack of sanitary services, etc -- all borne with supreme self-effacement and deep humility. For each extreme trial or test, there is also a blessing in the form of instant connection with Source.The love he expresses for himself and his fellow man is clearly what sustains his body and heart. Gradually his inner will to commit to lifelong service as a devotee of Krishna becomes stronger until he is able to surrender totally to his Path and ultimate Guru, Sri Pradhupad, the founder of the modern Hare Krishna sect. It is the story of a man who leaves his family and friends behind and sets off on an unplanned and arduous international search to find God in imitation of countless saints of the past. It is richly told, a magnetic tale with special appeal that only comes from a genuine spiritual intention to reveal one's truest self. It is a gift to the heart. I was deeply touched by this book.

Absolutely loved this book and it was such an enjoyable read. Not only was it a fascinating story, I learned so much from it. Like many on the planet, since the Covid crisis, I have taken advantage of solitude and spent alot of time meditating and going within. I found myself seeing visions of a blue man playing a flute with a yellow crown. I just thought I had a great imagination that could conjure up some colourful Indian art until I finally Googled! I am of course not a great spiritual master like Radhanath Swami but I was very intrigued with his own story of Krishna showing up in his life. This book gave me a lot of insights into Krishna consciousness and Bhakti yoga which is a path I am naturally being drawn to. Radhanath Swami’s story itself is truly breath taking. It would make a great movie! I also loved learning about the Indian culture and the Himalayas mountains. I really hope one day to make it to India. It is thanks to Gaur Gopal das, the smiling bubbley monk who led me to this amazing book in one of his Instagram videos.

Every now and then I read a book I know I will read again and again. This is one. I found it so touching and moving. Many of the experiences he describes I have had myself but not followed through. I feel I learnt so much from his experiences I am utterly grateful that he was made to promise to tell his story. For what a story it is! I couldn’t put it down and I didn’t want it to end. Thank you Radhanath Swami for sharing your story.

Due to my upbringing In Ramakrishna Mission I always thought the path of Karma yoga is the greatest and most respectful one to follow. This book has transformed my ideals and ideology and shown me the world of devotion and ‘bhakti yoga’.My realization after reading the book, like the Gita told us - all the rivers mingle to the sea, likewise all the paths lead to Thee.A very enjoyable read which can transform lives.

This is a beautiful book. Truly inspiring. It's written from a sincere, uncompromising heart that follows the truth no matter what. Couldn't stop reading it. Already got a waiting list for others wanting to read it as a result of my high recommendation. Just started reading the second one. What an amazing human being.

The incredible spiritual journey taken by the author has inspired me find my own way home. It has ignited something within my heart that I can’t yet put into words, but for which I know I am grateful.