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Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master (A Yogi's Autobiography)

by Sri M. (Mumtaz Ali)

4.27 of 5 stars 4.27 · rating details · 358 ratings · 40 reviews

The author Sri ‘M’ is an extraordinary individual. His uniqueness lies not only in the fact that at the young age of 19 and a half, he travelled to snow clad Himalayas from Kerala, and there he met and lived for several years with a ‘real-time’ yogi, Babaji, but also that he should undertake such an unusual and adventurous exploration, given his non-Hindu birth and anteced ...more

Kindle Edition , 380 pages

Published February 28th 2012 by Magenta Press (first published January 1st 2010)

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Oct 02, 2012 Arun Divakar rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Men and women who seek to know their true self travel far and wide, read everything they can lay their hands on and in that insatiable thirst for knowledge the luckier among such a crowd find a guide who like a signpost, shows them a path. Not everyone among us is a seeker for it takes immense amounts of patience, self control and an inner fire that never simmers down even in the most dire of circumstances. In my limited view of the world, I have seen a few people whose plain of thought is on a Men and women who seek to know their true self travel far and wide, read everything they can lay their hands on and in that insatiable thirst for knowledge the luckier among such a crowd find a guide who like a signpost, shows them a path. Not everyone among us is a seeker for it takes immense amounts of patience, self control and an inner fire that never simmers down even in the most dire of circumstances. In my limited view of the world, I have seen a few people whose plain of thought is on a different dimension totally and yet to all external appearances they appear to be eccentric. These thoughts and little snippets of observation being on my mind, I could easily identify with the central character.

A young man from the southernmost tip of the subcontinent in an upsurge of wanderlust travels to the northernmost tip to reach the Himalayas. After a lot of false starts, he identifies his guru with whom he shares a relation that transcends the cycle of rebirths. In the course of three years, the guru fills the empty vessel of his disciple's mind with a wide ranging variety of knowledge. What follows is the disciple's journey in the world trying to spread his erudition for a greater cause. Sounds good, doesn't it ? However the execution of the book was not something I was fully convinced with in terms of the material included. The approach has mostly to do with this being a travelogue and observation on personalities than sinking in deeper into Indian philosophy or spirituality. While the author spends good time in exploring the minutest details of the Himalayas and the length and breadth of India, he skims over quickly about what he learns at the guru's feet and on the nature of being a yogi itself. This perhaps was the approach the author wanted too for the arcane and priceless knowledge he might have come across might be precious to be imparted in such a common way. My other point of contention was on the apparently supernatural phenomena that happens during the course of the narrative. To me, it served more to dampen the feel of the tale rather than build up the momentum but fortunately such occurences are not great in number.

It was to me an average book which served only one true purpose. I am now curious to read more about J. Krishnamurti and his view of the world he lived in ! ...more

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Sep 20, 2014 Awdhesh Singh rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book reminds me of "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda. Sri M (Mumtaj Ali), who is given Hindu name Madhu, describes his spiritual journey undertaken by Babaji. The description of Himalayas are quite beautiful and help us explore a world that is unknown to most of us. There are numerous stories of miracles which I fail to believe but I have no reason to disapprove it since those are unknown dimensions for more most us.
The most peculiar thing about M is his ability to have fai ...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Deepa M.K. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites

If the experiences of the author are true, This book is an evidence that there are many things which are beyond our understanding and comprehension. The experiences that Mr. M passes through is indeed hard to believe. But like he has clearly mentioned in the foreword of this book, those people who are skeptical about these details could just ignore it and read the book just to understand the teachings of his Guru.In my opinion, this spiritual autobiography is worth the read.

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Sep 07, 2015 B rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book I found very similar in many ways to 'Autobiography of a Yogi', which is interesting. As the other reviews reflect, this story is either true, remarkable and inspiring, or well, somewhat made up. Like the author says, in these degenerate times it is unfortunately hard to know who is telling the truth and who is a real guru. And apparently if an indian man is considered 'handsome' (as he declares himself to be called many times?), he should perhaps consider becoming a guru and making mo This book I found very similar in many ways to 'Autobiography of a Yogi', which is interesting. As the other reviews reflect, this story is either true, remarkable and inspiring, or well, somewhat made up. Like the author says, in these degenerate times it is unfortunately hard to know who is telling the truth and who is a real guru. And apparently if an indian man is considered 'handsome' (as he declares himself to be called many times?), he should perhaps consider becoming a guru and making money.. A book like this will attract attention and sell well either way on this planet at this time, and a person with some amount of indian earth karma would probably have to write it. And as people want to believe such things are possible (although this book could make people believe it is not possible for someone of a dissimilar situation). However, I worry too that people will think such a path is the only 'spiritual way', necessarily involving the himalayas, india, hidden gurus and leaving home to advance. There are actually beings born all over the world in all walks of life (even females! OMG) who are born innately 'realised', and not even then needing such a path to further awaken, true quiet bodhisattvas (a path the author seems to encounter at the end of the book). One also wonders, and the book does not address this at all, that such a path is pretty much impossible for women in India and most parts of this world, and such men and journeys are perhaps even only made possible through the support of their strong quiet unmentioned women/ dakinis. Of all the 'masters' mentioned in the book, it is truly sad that only one is a woman (and the author does not comment at all on this issue). Such is the paradox of India - a place of such spiritual historic potential, but being the most dangerous country in the world to be a woman (ain't nothing 'spiritual' about that), and perhaps the most corrupt country. Nonetheless I have ordered Sri M's book 'Wisdom of the Rishi's'. In any case too, I hope the outcome of a book like this is a contribution towards towards the raising of human consciousness. As the author notes too, so many people these days are claiming connection and authority from Babaji and Kriya Yoga.. I would be interested to read another version of this, once the author really jumps out of the box (or realizes there is no box!).. but then no one might buy that book.. ...more

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Jan 05, 2011 Brijesh Kumar rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A real life story of a Himalayan Yogi - conveying deeper dimensions of human consciousness and a oneness of all Godheads. Reading this thrilling account automatically unleashes the hidden potential of human mind to a higher dimension.

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Sep 02, 2014 Ravi Dadlani rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I find all books related to Kriya Yoga are magical. There are a lot of miracles mentioned and make for a good reading. The factual validity of these is another thing.
The first half of the book and until Sri M comes back home is really engrossing. I lived his life in the Himalayas vicariously through all those chapters. The latter one third of the book and the section on JK was boring to say the least.
I would have rated it at least a 4 but when I discussed the book with my wife she brought out I find all books related to Kriya Yoga are magical. There are a lot of miracles mentioned and make for a good reading. The factual validity of these is another thing.
The first half of the book and until Sri M comes back home is really engrossing. I lived his life in the Himalayas vicariously through all those chapters. The latter one third of the book and the section on JK was boring to say the least.
I would have rated it at least a 4 but when I discussed the book with my wife she brought out so many aspects that I had overlooked.
1) The book is fantastic, but like Parmahamsa Yogananda's book, does it do anything for the seekers reading this book? It is certainly very depressing because it makes you think that one needs to be very special in order to find the ultimate Truth. We know, by many accounts, that that just isn't right. The 'Truth' is for all to take.
We all don't need to find a guru waiting in the magical slopes of the Himalayas for us. (If it were to happen that would be incredible)
for the 'average' seeker, it is very depressing and on understanding this aspect actually exposed and existential angst in me.
2. Sri M has said in many interviews, that he answers all emails sent to him. I have been waiting for over a 1 month now with no response. I know his following is increasing each day, but isn't having too many disciplines defeats the very purpose of the exercise of finding the Truth.
3. The last thing about book like this is that it is very hard to reconcile this with the nondual teachings.
All the great gurus have said to ignore miracles since these may become a hindrance to seeking the Truth. ...more

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Jul 04, 2015 Vikas Chawla rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A must read for a spiritual seeker. Reminds one of Autobiography of a Yogi. Not in the same class but still some great insights

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Sep 14, 2014 Giri Velagapudi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Highly recommended

I would say start reading.the book without doubting.the contents. this book has lot.of.sincere advice and I have never doubted a single bit.in.it. It rather motivated me.to.do.more and.see.the.possibilities to myself. I sincerely thanks Sri M.to give me a different.perspective towards my irregular medications.practice. I.hope with.past karma and Sri Gurus blessings I.Will.only go.forward in this journey.
my honest recommendation is.to.read this.book and give it a sincere though ...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Vishak rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book should have been titled - "Mushroom and its hallucinogenic effects"

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Aug 30, 2014 Siddhartha Mishra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master is the story of Mumtaz Ali Khan’s fascinating journey from Kerala to the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas and back. In this book we get a peek into his life- how this boy who was born in a traditional Muslim family in Kerala evolved into a yogi who is known to the world, today, as Sri M. The latter’s profound knowledge of the Upanishads is born out of his first-hand experience of meeting up with some extraordinary people in the Himalayas in the late 1960’s.

In Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master is the story of Mumtaz Ali Khan’s fascinating journey from Kerala to the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas and back. In this book we get a peek into his life- how this boy who was born in a traditional Muslim family in Kerala evolved into a yogi who is known to the world, today, as Sri M. The latter’s profound knowledge of the Upanishads is born out of his first-hand experience of meeting up with some extraordinary people in the Himalayas in the late 1960’s.

In Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master, Sri M recounts that once while sitting on the banks of the Bhagirathi, Maheshwarnath Babaji tells him about the tragic tale of one of his previous lives. Mumtaz Ali Khan was then Madhukarnath; a yogi belonging to an ancient spiritual order known as Nath who lived in the Himalayas.

What I like about this particular autobiography, “Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master”, is that the author doesn’t want to convince you whether the events that took place in his life were real or not. He advises to take the useful points from a book, and to leave out the rest.The book is written is a lucid way and explains the spiritual journey of Sri M and his various experiences. The interest is maintained till the end. Several spiritual experiences and incidents narrated in the book sound unbelievable to common man. However, it is very convincingly explained and often forces one to think hard. Perhaps, the limitation of our thought process and tendency to think that anything beyond our knowledge as irrational has contributed to this. For me when I finished reading it, it was very fulfilling and I now long to meet Sri M soon and ask list of questions I have.

It’s like a breath of fresh air to read a book “Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master” that doesn't tell you how great the yogi was or what spiritual heights he achieved. In the book Sri M only objectively describes what happened to him throughout his lifetime. ...more

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Aug 03, 2014 Venkatesan rated it 5 of 5 stars

A true story of humble seeker of truth

A true story of humble seeker of truth

A book that takes the reader through the experiences of the author and make the reader live those moments that touched the author's life and the breath smell and above all experience the serene environment of The Himalayas the Deva Bhumi. Very contemporary and easy to read book for a layman like me.
H.Venkatesan

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Feb 23, 2014 Nagaraj rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very good book. As author mention in his book, this is indeed a best book to read after "Autobiography of a Yogi". In this author describe his experiences and also give brief intro about all the saints he meet in his journey. It will be wonderful if appendix is added to the book with essays written by the author (Why I love to be called as a Hindu - his first essay) or at least links to those sources.

Overall, worth reading or re-reading this book.

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Aug 22, 2014 Rajeev rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I have personally attended his 'satsang' and one thing you can be sure of is that the wisdom he possess, is unmatched.Its very evident that the book only gives a glimpse of his life for the teachings and the experiences he had must be of much higher level and that is reason why he has not gone more into it in the book.The book certainly should bring in more seekers into the path.

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Apr 16, 2015 Vasanth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Quite an extraordinary autobiography, as the author says some of the incidents are unbelievable, but by the time I finished reading the book I was wishing that I could believe that those incidents really happened. But for the insight the book gives on how life must be seen it is a must read, maybe you will learn something about yourself….

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May 15, 2014 Varun Visruthan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A great read and have changed my thinking in so many ways. It has helped me in giving me choices and how i can move my life without being too monotonous. The author states all the events are true and i do trust him but if so, are miracles in real. I wish to meet him sometime in my lifetime.

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Oct 10, 2014 Shrikumar rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Having known Sri M, skepticism about events in the book were set to rest without effort. The book is a simple yet profoundly inspiring account for any seeker irrespective of nationality, religion et al. I understand that a sequel is in the offing. Promises to be a goodread.

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Sep 11, 2015 Prasanna Rao rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

(I read the tamil version)Reading the Experience about Himalayas are good.

Lots of fill-ups in the book and repeated contents. Unbelievable stories. Book rating depends on individual reader.

Generally biography books are boring one and it is never an exception.

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Apr 05, 2014 Nvenky rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The book is an eye opener for those who are interested in spirituality. It opens up dimensions that are unheard of but available to the sincere and truthful seeker. The great part is that the author is available and accessible for those who seek.
Must read!

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Apr 14, 2015 Monique rated it 5 of 5 stars

A spiritual treasure

This book was absolutely fascinating and filled with truth and miracles. I will always treasure the parts about Sri Guru Babaji- the deathless Yogi Christ. I highly recommend this for all.

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Mar 31, 2013 Vaibhav rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The reason for my attraction to Autobiographies/Biographies of Spiritual Seekers/Gurus over any other kind of book still remains lost on me. But this book makes me wonder - may be it's the sense of possibilities that such books open up for you.

Sri M's account will give you feelings of wonder, joy, goosebumps and even disbelief about some of the listed experiences based on one's religious background & general belief system. But the lucidity with which this book attempts to shed light on the ...more

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Apr 29, 2015 Priyesh Soundararajan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A lot of the unsaid is said through the experience of the author. Science is certainly detailing a few things out albeit slowly.

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Feb 22, 2014 Jk rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is one amazing book for people on a spiritual journey

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Jun 22, 2015 Avani rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great read!

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Jan 30, 2015 Karamvir Dahiya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Excellent!!!!!

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Mar 12, 2014 Sujin Balakumaran rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A Game Changer

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Jul 31, 2011 Cb Mohan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An amazing and soothing account of a man's journey on the path less travelled. It stands in the league of Autobiography of A Yogi by Shri Paramhansa Yogananda. Sri M keeps us enthralled throughout his autobiography. His humble and matter of factly writing makes you feel as if you are sitting in front of him and listening to his lifestory than reading a mere book.
An excellent work, a must read whether you want to follow the "Path less Travelled" or not.
Read It.

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Sep 28, 2013 Veera rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A most remarkable book for a spiritual seeker, but even for an uninitiated, the book makes lucid reading, laced with amazing anecdotes of his encounters with men and women of extraordinary kind. His quest for self realization takes him to Himalayas and his experiences are described in vivid details with the simplicity of narration which is so enchanting for a book of this kind. I was transported to a different plane altogether. Would love to meet him some day....

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Jun 01, 2013 Abhishek rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: spiritual

A kind of a modern rendition of the old and famous "Autobiography of a Yogi" book. Interesting, fascination, and inspiring. The topics it describes, shares, and talks of are, for most of us, only found in books and there they will remain. However, if one takes the leap of faith and trust, it is fascinating to imagine the world that exists outside of the very very little that we think we know!

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Aug 04, 2014 Deepak Pawar rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

http://dgvpawar.blogspot.in/2014/08/b...

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Aug 04, 2013 Nipun rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The book takes you through Sri M's spiritual journey, starting as a little boy in Kerala to a spiritual master who founded the Satsang foundation. While the experiences mentioned in the book are often hard to believe but they do leave you thinking about the working of the inner world. I do hope to meet the author and at least get answer to some of these questions.

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About Sri M. (Mumtaz Ali)

M, who was born a Muslim, was attracted to Vedic teachings at an early age. He met his Guru at the age of 9 and left home at 19 to live in the Himalayas, where he met many saints and sages before living with his Guru for three years. M has been associated with the famous Rishi Valley School as a former trustee of the Krishnamurti Foundation. Rather than choosing any specific religion or tradition, ...more

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Wisdom of the Rishis: The Three Upanishads: Ishavasya, Kena & Mandukya

Gurusamaksham: Oru Himalayan Yogiyude Athmakatha - Autobiography of Sri M

The Little Guide To Greater Glory And A Happier Life

Lehrjahre bei einem Meister im Himalaya: Autobiographie des Yogis Sri M (German Edition)

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“I can only give you my love and blessings for today. For me, Guru Purnima is thinking about my Guru.
It is an auspicious day for me to think of the Guru and all the Gurus world-wide, in different spheres and planets.
About my Guru, I can only say that without his help I would have been nothing and that today I exist because of him.
What more can I say?
I invoke the blessings of Sri Guru and my Maheshwarnath Babaji and all the parampara, on all of you.Quote by Sri M, author of "Apprenticed To A Himalayan Master” — 7 likes

“Begin with perfecting your daily life. That’s the way to perfection.” — 5 likes

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