The Journey Home which is an autobiography of Radhanath Swamiji is a stunning story worth reading.Though, his journey from the external to the internal world is an awe-inspiring journey it is possible that it may frighten many as he had undergone physical, financial and mental tortures from men irrespective of race or creed, almost taking him to the jaws of death. It is an amazing story. Yet his determination as an ardent seeker of truth is clear.
author of Light On Yoga
A Hare Krishna Swami Tells All
I recently wrote a remembrance of a very old swami, Swami Sarvagatananda of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society. This time, I write of a middle-aged swami, who is by all accounts still very active in his ministry. The occasion is that recently I was sent a copy of The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami, and asked if I could review it for a journal.
Professor of Comparative Theology, Harvard School of Divinity
Here is an inspiring chapter of "our story" of spiritual pilgrimage to the East. It shows the inner journey of awakening in a fascinating and spellbinding way.
author of <em>Be Here Now</em>
A READERS REVIEW THE ESSENCE OF GRACE
Radhanath Swami is a diminutive, gentle, and yet, nonetheless, imm- ensely powerful man, his appearance at once illuminating and also beguiling. Clad in a soft-hued, saffron-colored robe, his slender frame barely visible beneath the folds of cloth, he walks soundlessly, and yet, when speaking to his audience, addresses each and every member with conviction.
Rachael Stark received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Columbia University, has published articles in New York City papers and magazines, and is an Adjunct Professor of Humanities at N.Y.U./Poly.
RADHANATH SWAMI'S ACCOUNT describing in great detail his tireless search for truth is fascinating reading and would provide a source of inspiration for all seekers of truth and self-realisation. What is remarkable about this book is its transparent honesty and one marvels at Radhanath Swami's fearless description of his failings and short comings, fears and anxieties as he went about from place to place looking for the ultimate purpose of life.
ex-Chairman, ICICI Bank
The Journey Home is a generational classic. It portrays an American teenager's search for meaning and fulfillment in the turbulent world we live in. He travels across Europe, the Middle East and into the mystical world of India. It's a tale of adventure, humor and love. I recommend the Journey Home as a must read for seekers of all sorts.
former Indian test cricketer, and captain of the Indian national team
RADHANATH SWAMI'S BOOK "THE JOURNEY HOME" is a sensitive, comprehensive, intuitive and inspiring book delving deep into one's soul and spirituality. His extensive commitment to achieve what he wanted to, how he leaned his belief in reliance to God and of hope are all written with utmost affection and in pure honesty by the author.
industrialist
In the realm of spiritual autobiography Radhanath Swami's Swami's work, to make a Christian comparison, is in the genre of the "confession," perhaps most identified with St. Augustine of Hippo's Confessions, written originally in Latin (Augustine died in the fifth century). Augustine was highly educated, for a time a professor and later a Bishop in North Africa; but his life story, in spite of his success, is one of struggle to achieve the self-control and spiritual depth that he increasingly longed for even with many youthful setbacks.
Ph.D.,professor emeritus, American University, Washington DC
A GENERATIONAL JOURNEY TO THE EAST by one who found the real goal of all seeking, the Journey Home is one of the most remarkable and intimate portrayals of the life and adventure of an American Swami, providing the reader the opportunity for a similar transformation.
author of Yoga, the Greater Tradition and director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies
BOOKS LIKE THE JOURNEY HOME provide us with a profound opportunity to enter into presence—to have satsang—with spiritual seekers, saints, and holy beings through reading about their lives. This can cause a transformation of our whole being because we become like the company we keep.
author, Jivamukti Yoga and Yoga and Vegetarianism
IT IS A GREAT JOY TO KNOW that a saint like Radhanath Swami is now sharing his precious memories with the world through this long-awaited book. Having had the privilege to know Swamiji closely, I have no doubt that future generations will find these reminiscences fascinating and inspirational."
industrialist
"THE JOURNEY HOME" IS AN INCREDIBLE ACCOUNT of Radhanath Swami's tremendous determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. What is amazing to see is how Swamiji's burning desire to seek God started so early in his life, and never waned in spite of unceasing impediments. Indeed, quite remarkably, these impediments were seen by him very philosophically and accepted with gratitude!
industrialist
THE JOURNEY HOME IS A RARE AND INTIMATE VIEW into the initiation and process of becoming a swami through the fire of Bhakti yoga and the extraordinary sacred landscape of India. An inspiring journey for all.
Yoga Instructor
THE JOURNEY HOME IS A SPIRITUAL MEMOIR —the real-life, autobiographical account of an exceptional countercultural youth who leaves America in search of himself. Trying desperately to access the continent within, he sets out first for Europe, visiting cathedrals, holy places, and hippie hotspots. With little more than a seeker’s heart and a blues harmonica, he leaves few avenues unexamined, as his overland journey takes him through the Middle East and beyond.
disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Radhanath Swami’s spiritual memoir is a model of modesty and candidness. He tells his story with remarkable honesty—the temptations of the 1970s, his doubts, hopes, and disappointments, the cultural shock and the friendships found and lost. His path is that of an ordinary American from the suburbs of Chicago, born Richard Slavin in a secular Jewish family in the 1950s, who goes on a spiritual quest to give meaning to his life.
Brigitte Sion is Assistant Professor/Faculty Fellow in New York University’s Program in Religious Studies.
"From Malibu to Mumbai Radhanath's search for enlightenment is a quest that you will never forget."
Norman Jewison (Canadian film director, producer, actor and founder of the Canadian Film Centre)
