Autobiography of a Sadhu: A Journey Into Mystic India

By Baba Rampuri

Book Overview

After traveling at age 18 from his native California to India in 1969, Rampuri was drawn to the Naga Babas, an ancient and wild order of naked yogis whom he calls the "Hell's Angels of Indian Spirituality." Organized into a sect by Adi Shankara in the 5th century BC, the Naga Babas see themselves as the ultimate protectors of the Sanatan Dharma, or what we call the Hindu religion. Rampuri became a disciple of a Naga Baba--a master shaman sadhu--from Rajasthan and, as foretold by astrological prophecy, soon found himself the first foreigner to become an initiate of the Juna Akhara, the oldest and largest grouping of Naga Babas with more than 50,000 sadhu members. From drinking the "Nectar of Immortality" at the source of the Ganges River to allegations of tantric murder, this autobiography is filled with true accounts of magic, miracles, ghosts, and austerities, with lessons on Hindu gods, ayurveda, mantra, and Indian culture woven throughout. Through his journey of extremes, Rampuri takes us into the mystic heart of India.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594773300
• ISBN13: 9781594773303
• Release Date: February 2010
• Publisher: Destiny Books
• Length: 232 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

same book,new cover

this is a good and interesting book about a westerner on his quest to find truth and realization. It has come out before under the title: "Blue-eyed Yogi"

"A journey into the extraordinary world of Naga Babas"

I have read this book several times, and it only gets more and more interesting and profound. It contains so many different layers, it has such a depth, so anyone that is interested in the esoteric world, almost regardless of your playing field will have huge benefit from reading his book. This book is a blessing in disguise and rare opportunity to have a glimpse of the world of Naga Babas. Reading it many times has made it possible for me to see some of the marks and signs in the book where more esoteric wisdom and knowledge lyes. Baba Rampuri has a brilliant and extraordinary mind that goes beyond most peoples understanding and conception of the world. He is a true storyteller and is definitely able to articulate his knowledge and wisdom!

An enchanting story by a captivating storyteller

A rare and fascinating story of a young mans journey to the unknown in his search for knowledge. One of the few books and maybe even the only one, about Naga Babas (sadhus) and the magical world they live in, that is actually written by a Naga Baba. "... Sadhu: A Journey into Mystic India" takes you on a pilgrimage into the extraordinary world of the Naga Babas. It questions many of the thoughts, ideas and beliefs that we have adopted in modern western discourse and it is filled with teachings and knowledge from an obscure and ancient oral tradition. Like all old traditions, the teachings are given in the form of storytelling and Rampuri is a very articulate and captivating storyteller. I read it in less than two days and have enjoyed reading it again, it's as if there are hidden words, content and story inside the pages of the book that only unfold when you read it again. The book is a must read for anyone interested in Naga Babas, Indian thought, esoteric knowledge or yoga.

A rare glimpse into esoteric India

For those seeking the essence of yoga, Baba Rampuri is a goldmine. He is one of few westerners who has had the courage and the steadfastness to venture into the very heart of the sadhu tradition. He has an extensive knowledge of indian spirituality, magic and yoga that one can obtain only by living a life time in the midst of it. In his book Autobiography of a Sadhu: A Journey into Mystic India, Rampuri generously shares the joys, doubts and frustrations of his life as a Baba. Although written much like an adventure novel, this book offers a precious taste of a different and fascinating way of perceiving the world. Christian Möllenhoff - Yoga and meditation teacher

Interesting journey

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (03/10) We often hear of "secret" traditions in religions or groups but because of the secretive nature it is difficult of find information to give us further insights. I often wondered about some aspects of the Hindu religion and especially some of the yogis. Rampuri, in "Autobiography of a Sadhu," has given this insight into what I was wondering about. A Sadhu is a term used for a mystic or a wandering monk. They meditate and contemplate to reach their final goal in life: liberation. They wear ochre-colored clothing which symbolizes renunciation. Baba Rampuri, as he is known now, travelled to India from California in 1969 to delve into the ancient order of the naked yogis. He became a disciple of a master Sadhu and then the first foreigner to become initiated into the Juna Akhara, one of the oldest Sadhu groups. Rampuri tells of his experiences, inner conflicts, meeting devotees, receiving initiations, and his personal journey to his higher state of consciousness. As well, Rampuri informs the reader about the Indian culture as well as rigor of the belief system. Personally, I found reading "Autobiography of a Sadhu" enlightening and educational. Knowing very little of this specific sect, I was enthralled with the mysticism. I'm grateful the author included a glossary because some of the terms used were beyond my knowledge. I certainly recommend this book to anyone willing to expand his or her knowledge of another culture.