6th out of 82 books
—
97 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami” as Want to Read:
The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami
by
Radhanath Swami
(Goodreads Author)
Within this extraordinary memoir, Radhanath Swami weaves a colorful tapestry of adventure, mysticism, and love. Readers follow Richard Slavin from the suburbs of Chicago to the caves of the Himalayas as he transforms from young seeker to renowned spiritual guide.
The Journey Home
is an intimate account of the steps to self awareness and a penetrating glimpse into the heart
...more
Hardcover
,
356 pages
Published
January 21st 2010
by Mandala Publishing
(first published 2008)
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
The Journey Home
,
please sign up
.
Be the first to ask a question about The Journey Home
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,345)
I started reading this book somewhat grudgingly and after a tumultuous ride on a journey with the author, I came to this. It describes the author's confusion about whether God is personal or impersonal and how one day Srila Prabhupada removed his confusion. I had the same confusion regarding the nature of the divine and this removed my confusion as well. But unlike the author, I lean towards striving to attain the divine as impersonal through meditation. I will always remember this book for this
...more
view 1 comment
Dec 18, 2009
Ryan
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Indiaphiles, religious people and lovers of a great story
I don't know how widely available this book is (published in 2008 in India by an Indian publisher), but I think it may explode in popularity! The author was a Jewish-American kid from the Chicago area that that was immersed in the hippy counter culture of the time. Then at the age of 19 decided to go on a quest to find spiritual and personal truth. The adventures that follow are NEARLY beyond belief! He flies to Europe with friends, hitchhikes from London hitchhikes through some of Europe's most
...more
I was totally loving this book but then I got pregnant and stopped reading it when I was about 2/3 of the way finished (with the book, not the pregnancy). The reason is probably because it was pulling me in the direction of a more solitary spiritual journey and motherhood will be the opposite of that--just the wrong energy for the moment. Maybe I'll finish this book when my kid starts kindergarten. :) I still give the book 5 stars and I think it's going to be a great read for any serious student
...more
A very nicely written book that will motivate you and will make you witness the bitter realities of life.
Its a common story of a common man as you and me go through in our daily life. We meet impostors, quacks, charlatans .. etc etc. Some of us becomes a part of this society of black heart people , some accepts it as the only truth and exceptionally few fights back. Those exceptional souls don't let anyone to dilute their soul and corrupt their heart.
Some of the incidents from this book are a g ...more
Its a common story of a common man as you and me go through in our daily life. We meet impostors, quacks, charlatans .. etc etc. Some of us becomes a part of this society of black heart people , some accepts it as the only truth and exceptionally few fights back. Those exceptional souls don't let anyone to dilute their soul and corrupt their heart.
Some of the incidents from this book are a g ...more
Truly amazing and inspiring story of the spiritual journey of Radanath Swami as he explores many spiritual traditions across Europe, through the Middle East and India to find his heart's calling as a Vaishnava monk.
My first autobiography read. It was gifted by a spiritual uncle at the time I lost my mother, as an attempt to help settle me...
The book took many weeks to finish because of distractions and preoccupations but I did seek it out despite much mental and physical confusion. It offered a fluid and believable read. Radhanath Swami's journey from a 19 year old American Jew boy to become Srila Prabhupada's follower 2 years later was full of tough travels, conflicting experiences and much exploration. I ...more
The book took many weeks to finish because of distractions and preoccupations but I did seek it out despite much mental and physical confusion. It offered a fluid and believable read. Radhanath Swami's journey from a 19 year old American Jew boy to become Srila Prabhupada's follower 2 years later was full of tough travels, conflicting experiences and much exploration. I ...more
Truly marvelous book. I had been a interested in the book reading since childhood, and have read various books but this book is just a different one. Extreme adventures (and yet true!! these are not the incidences from fictional life but rather a real living person’s story!!), the unshakable determination of Radhanath Swami to undergo anything and everything to reach his goal of life and the style of the writing of author is so simple and humorous that one never finds the book tiring but always
...more
A fascinatingnstory of an American young man who was searching for his spiritual path. The book is so well-written and inspiring that you feel blessed while reading it. It was very interesting to read about his meetings with such great people as Mother Theresa, Dalai Lama and others. It doesn't matter what religion you are in (or if you're not religious at all), the adventures and spiritual discoveries of this American Swami will not leave you indifferent. After this book I found a lot of inform
...more
Wow exceptionally, this is the mind-blowing book I have read in 2014. Hooked up from the very first page, every Indian should read this book. Today our culture is diverting from spirituality, the base of our Country India.
At the age of 19 in 1970’s, Richard Slavin now Radhanath Swami, born in Jewish family travels to Europe with his School friends, an overseas summer trip. In his teens, Richard grows his hair long, smokes pot and takes LSD, lives with hippies, on the very first night their money ...more
At the age of 19 in 1970’s, Richard Slavin now Radhanath Swami, born in Jewish family travels to Europe with his School friends, an overseas summer trip. In his teens, Richard grows his hair long, smokes pot and takes LSD, lives with hippies, on the very first night their money ...more
A well paced book that every traveller will revel in.
This book reinforces the fact that all travellers travel to discover themselves and that every place that is visited leaves an imprint on the soul of the traveller.
No traveller returns with an untouched soul from any trip.
In this autobiography Radhanath Swami (nee Richard) talks about his travels in search of a Guru who will assist him in discovering his self and ultimately that spot which will resolve every conflict in the mind.
Richard a Jew ...more
This book reinforces the fact that all travellers travel to discover themselves and that every place that is visited leaves an imprint on the soul of the traveller.
No traveller returns with an untouched soul from any trip.
In this autobiography Radhanath Swami (nee Richard) talks about his travels in search of a Guru who will assist him in discovering his self and ultimately that spot which will resolve every conflict in the mind.
Richard a Jew ...more
An incredible adventure
This is an outstanding story of a young American man who travels to India seeking God and truth about life. This is an incredible adventure described in touching detail, which mesmerizes the reader. It is simply one man against the nature who continues in his pursuit fighting all odds; hunger, disease, hostile people, loneliness, poverty, and living under dangerous conditions in forests. He visits many sacred places in India and Nepal that includes; Vrindaban, Dharmashala, ...more
This is an outstanding story of a young American man who travels to India seeking God and truth about life. This is an incredible adventure described in touching detail, which mesmerizes the reader. It is simply one man against the nature who continues in his pursuit fighting all odds; hunger, disease, hostile people, loneliness, poverty, and living under dangerous conditions in forests. He visits many sacred places in India and Nepal that includes; Vrindaban, Dharmashala, ...more
Radanath Swami's memoir reminded me a lot of President Obama's memoir Dreams of My Father in that it was an honest portrayal of a young person's confusion of their 20s and finding their path in life. In the case of Radanath Swami, all the possible things that a mother would worry about her teenage son hitchhiking around Europe with little money and no contacts actually happened. I relate more at this point with a parent and the stories were difficult to read sometimes. Also similar to the Obama
...more
The book starts off as a simple writing but as the author pens down his experiences while travellimg in search of answers to his spiritual quest, it gets interesting.
Many incidences made my jaw drop. The meetings with various spiritual personalities are interesting, more interesting is the author's learnings from each of it. Author's focus on God is inspiring and so is his meeting his Guru. The account of travel through India is interesting
Many incidences made my jaw drop. The meetings with various spiritual personalities are interesting, more interesting is the author's learnings from each of it. Author's focus on God is inspiring and so is his meeting his Guru. The account of travel through India is interesting
Westerners especially those who have an Indian heritage can relate to the stories of great individuals like Radhanath Swami. He is a living saint, master and it has been my great fortune to have his darshan on two occasions.
This is an excellent book, and there is a wonderful insight into his meeting with Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba, my copy is covered with copius notes, and I have read this from cover to cover twice.
This is an excellent book, and there is a wonderful insight into his meeting with Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba, my copy is covered with copius notes, and I have read this from cover to cover twice.
Reads like an action-adventure film. You'll be able to visualize the amazing adventure with great ease. Written beautifully and in its own way, this book is an epic love story of Guru and disciple. Those unfamiliar with the strong bond between a Master and disciple will slowly be able to perceive the magnitude and awesome nature of this superbly unique relationship.
So entertaining and elevating!
So entertaining and elevating!
Anyone seriously or even casually looking for answers in life, this is the book. What should be "MY" role in this vast world, how can "I" help myself and others also, these questions were cleared when i read this book. Really a VERY GOOD one, positively inspiration and practical.
And definitely clears the concepts related to God and His-will, different religions.
And definitely clears the concepts related to God and His-will, different religions.
Though I know the Himalayas is full of mysteries, it was nice to know it from the pen of an American. We Indians, from childhood, hear so much about people having super natural powers living peacefully in the high mountain range of Himalayas, beyond the reach of common people. It was like getting one more evidence in favour of all the legends.
One day after yoga, two men were standing outside of the studio. Normally I avoid people who seem like they are trying to sell something but I was drawn into a conversation about one of the men. He was excited to briefly tell me the story of his teacher and how he had left everything he knew to make a fascinating journey toward his life's calling. I found this story to be amazing, enlightening, inspiring and entertaining. Of most interest were the insights drawn from each experience. When the ma
...more
The greatness of this book is that it reaffirms the ancient truth that a human being must find the truth himself/herself. Buddha said, "No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path." This life of Radhanath Swami proves that once again. The book stunningly describes the deep personal journey of a seeker and the determination he had to sustain his spiritual thirst. Radhanath Swami's spiritual journey from US to India is full of ups and downs. He faced s
...more
Mind-blowing! Heart touching! Spiritually challenging!
A spiritual journey of an american teenager back in early 1970. Great first half of the book where he travels the world but second half of the book gets too slow, becomes a bit too exalted and starts to proselytize.
This book would be great for young people/teens because the author has a lot of "profound" revelations that most thinking educated adults would have already experience by the age of 27 (I hope).
This book made me remember the main commandment of George Carlin: "Thy shall keep thy reli ...more
This book would be great for young people/teens because the author has a lot of "profound" revelations that most thinking educated adults would have already experience by the age of 27 (I hope).
This book made me remember the main commandment of George Carlin: "Thy shall keep thy reli ...more
I am a frequent visitor to the ISKCON temple in Juhu, Mumbai and I love the vibes in the air in the temple premises. I love the simplicity in the affairs of the temple, and at the same time, the quest to achieve the inner most peace of the body and the mind.
I must have read most of the books available in the book store attached to the temple, and insist to all to compulsorily read “BHAGWAD GITA.. As it is”. With this lineage, I was very excited to lay my hands on “The Journey Home”.
photo Journe ...more
I must have read most of the books available in the book store attached to the temple, and insist to all to compulsorily read “BHAGWAD GITA.. As it is”. With this lineage, I was very excited to lay my hands on “The Journey Home”.
photo Journe ...more
The book is about an American from the hippy culture who wanted to break away from convention. He is into Rock and Roll and Acid and everything that epitomized his generation. He left for Europe against the wishes of his parents and during his travels in Europe he got his calling came. He was only 19 years old, he left all of that and left India on foot, traveling across the European and Asian continent to reach India via Pakistan.
He gets into India after much pleading because of the kindness of ...more
He gets into India after much pleading because of the kindness of ...more
Its a journey from ordinary boy to an extraordinary man. Each chapter has been crafted very well and gives lots of enthusiasm . If you truly want to achieve something in your life , you will get lot many difficulties and distraction . But strong determination will lead you to success .
Its a journey to spiritual achievement but principal and struggle of His Holiness Radhanath swami give us strength to lead in each area of life .
Go , get Inspired .
Its a journey to spiritual achievement but principal and struggle of His Holiness Radhanath swami give us strength to lead in each area of life .
Go , get Inspired .
I am totally in love with this most amazing book which is the true and remarkable story of how a teenager from the United States found his identity and "home" in India. Taking place in the 1970's, the author journeys us physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally through his realization with such vivid recall, one can imagine themselves being right there. A book that will not only entertain but inspire.
Am I alone, then, in finding this a little tedious? Good adventures and the narrator is earnest and likable enough to stay with, but about a third in it felt like a long list of feats preformed by yogis and near run ins with death and enlightenment. I enjoyed this book but it felt a little removed. Or rehearsed, something. I'll likely remember it.
This book was read in one week and am on my third read through. The timing of the book entering my world was kismet as I just dedicated myself to Bhakti Yoga the previous month. Radhanath Swami is a graceful writer, inspirational human being and truly a saintly person. A must read for anyone interested in India, spirituality and those on a quest.
Some tall tales here, but it was all great fun. Like all great spiritual literature, the more interesting parts come from when he was lost and before he was saved. I wonder what that means. Probably that life is much more colourful and exciting if we truly engage with the ambiguitues and discomfort of it, rather than believing we can ever have it all figured out.
This book is an autobiography of a yogi and saint Radhanath Swami. It is a story of a 18 year old american teenager Richard who traveled from Chicago, USA across Europe and Middle East and finally to India, in search of true love of God and inner satisfaction.
He narrates his insightful journey from
Chicago to
India, covered in almost 6 months of time.
What a journey!
Finally, Richard found goal of his life in Bhakti Yoga and guru in his holiness Srila Prabhupada of ISKON.
I don't want to steal the s ...more
He narrates his insightful journey from
Chicago to
India, covered in almost 6 months of time.
What a journey!
Finally, Richard found goal of his life in Bhakti Yoga and guru in his holiness Srila Prabhupada of ISKON.
I don't want to steal the s ...more
This book was left at our book party, and I considered it karma to pick it up and read it, so I did. As a travelogue of the 1970s around the world, it's very good. The first third especially, and especially his trek through the muslim lands, since I've never read anything like that. The middle third of this book... let me save you 200 pages -- "I was walking by the river and I met a guru who invited me to his cave. I ate delicious dal with this guru. He asked me to officially become his pupil, b
...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
“A dog will recognize his master in whatever way he dresses. The master may dress in robes, suit and tie, or stand naked, but the dog will always recognize his master. If we cannot recognize God, our beloved master, when he comes in a different dress from another religion, then we are less than that dog.”
—
14 likes
“Man cannot be enlightened through any organization, creed, dogma, priest or ritual, nor through any philosophical knowledge or psychological technique. He has to find it through understanding the contents of his own mind, through observation, not through intellectual analysis or introspective dissection.”
—
12 likes
More quotes…
