Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi's Autobiography Paperback – October 14, 2019

I have mixed feelings about this book. First of all, it is difficult not to compare it to Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi. There are differences which are to be expected. Sri M focused a lot of attention on his Guru Babaji. As a Westerner and also an initiate of Kryia, I understand the impact of the Guru on a developing mind, hence grace was extended during the read. In retrospect, the telepathic wifi sort communication between M and Babaji, plus Babaji appearing in multiple locations including emerging well-dressed from a limo does push that boundary of belief. Also pushing the boundary a bit is the very last part of the book where he meets four luminary’s, including Jesus Christ.Yet, within the pages do appear to be set down as a faithful retelling of the life of a man seeking Higher Truth. In the book, there is also certain wisdom coming from the Guru Babaji. So, is this a ploy of yet another knowledgeable fake spiritualist only in the pursuit of money? I tend to think this is not the case. The book is written from a humble perspective and the thanks he gives at the end are not the words of an egoist.After pondering this book for a few days, I would say I enjoyed reading it. It truly is a great story. Did it really happen? Well, as it is said in the book, “Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.”Reading it comes at an interesting time. A large part of what Sri M did was to “wait on signs.” As I ponder my personal course at this time, there is tension between “be happy and go forward” or to more aggressively push the boundaries (which would be more akin to sailing directly into the wind.) Thus, my personal message from this book was to “be happy and wait for a sign.” For that, I am most grateful.I do think Sri M missed one thing as an author. At the beginning of the book, he tells the story of a young monk who was approached by a Muslim man in search of truth. The young monk was impatient and thus had to pay a Karmic debt. I had anticipated this story would be brought full circle at the end of the book. It is not mentioned and thus only implied that this Karmic debt has been repaid. It is pointed out here in case other readers miss this point.

Wonderful book for those who are spiritually curious.... Excellent read for those who aren't. Written so well that you would feel that you are with Sri.M all the way through his journey... Can't wait to read his next volume

Inspiring

It is so rare to find a soul that has transcended all limitations. Limitations of caste, creed, religions, and identities. He understands everything, yet transcends everything. This is hard even for the greatest mystics, as they are often confined and slightly conditioned by tradition and orthodoxy. It is a testimony to his great lineage, where his gurus have shattered all limiting adjuncts and are genuinely enlightened and free. I wish he would come to the USA more often so I could meet him in person. What a blessing this would be.

It is an autobiography. There is also theory, but that is not the point of the book. Rather you are taken with on a glorious journey, and see theory in action. I am eager now to learn more basic, theoretical things, from videos, other books.

It has a strong pull as a story. Read it again as a diary and tried to reflect on it as a learner, researcher and enthusiast. It ended up as a smooth transition to the path of an experiential learner, at least to me.This is a book, an autobiography and more importantly a collection of experience of an elevated soul. Its a real opportunity to get a glimpse to a transparent life story of a yogi. It is a living example to us how a humble human being, a persistent seeker, a devoted disciple and moreover, a common man opened up to a special state of mind.There are few things which all of us may not be able to experience. The seeker and elevated, who ascends and descents from the common man’s life, occasionally plunging it to supreme intellectual discussions of heavenly souls. He takes us through the path one travelled chasing the inner calling, yet grounded to full fill his masters wish, taking the divine lamp to another million hearts. Experience, destiny and an infinite power of human mind. Indeed a rare combination.After a read, i come back and stand with a boy named Mumtaz Ali Khan, somewhere close to his backyard jack fruit tree, enjoying the charismatic smile on that young boy’s face. Everyone should begin somewhere! Mine is here.

This book, like Autobiography of a Yogi, is wild, wacky and even better, just might be true. Or it is the rantings of someone who took too many mushrooms. Read it and decide for yourself. Blessings.

Great book for anyone who is curious about the source of life. Amazing breath taking descriptions of the authors travels in beautiful places of nature. And great interesting dialogue between his guru while on these adventures. Dialogue filled with lessons of life and advice coming from words of the guru he travels with. Although the near end of the book becomes abstract with a lot of mundane activity he begins to do back into normal living, after leaving his spiritual experiences that took place with his guru in the wild, it ends in a great and fascinating treasure that any spiritual seeker would love.