Thirteen Months In The Himalayas : Chronicles of a Monk's Sadhana

In the history of mankind, On planet earth, for the first time ever an enlightened monk by name Om Swami has given it in writing about the meticulous sadhana he had done which lead to his liberation. He is a Jivan mukth, it is evident from the pages of this book.No other Avatar has done it. Neither Buddha, Adi Sankara, Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vivekananda had noted down in writing how they did sadhana themselves.A book filled with perservance, endurance, bhakthi, a Divine madness in search of the divine and how he achieved it and how everyone else can do the same, is what this book is about.Just completed a 16 day sadhana from sadhana app. When I compare my mantra chanting with how Om Swami does from this book, I can make out how mediocre my mind is and where exactly I am wrong and how to fix my goal and change my method of sadhana. This book helps a true sadhaka by giving a glimpse into the path of God Realization. It's a must read for every sincere seeker.I expected some unknown esoteric practice for the Sadhana but I was surprised to see the well known Vishnu Sahasranama and Lalitha Sahasranama and other known mantras for sadhana. It reiterates the fact that the mantra, which one selects is a medium to transcend the limitations of mind to enter the superconciousness. More than the mantra Shraddha, vairagya, mumukshuthva, discipline to synchronous thought, words and actions are what is needed. To sit for one hour of sadhana, the spine and knee breaks. To sit for 7 hours straight is simply superhuman effort.Buddha's guidance to Om Swami reiterates Sanatana dharma's principle of immortality that the Divine being when meditated upon will definitively show up and offer the choicest blessings on the sadhak and push him further on the path of sadhana.His personal experience of Mother Divine and Sri Hari, suspends the ego, silence the mind and transports the reader to the world of the Divine. It reiterates all that is said in the Indian scriptures about the superconcious realms and the bliss associated with it.The effect of Sri Ramakrishna movement took almost half a century or more for the efforts to bear fruit in this sacred land of bharat. What Om Swami with his superhuman effort does and what his disciples will do might have a faster effect on this country in this digital age!We have a superconcious being amidst us. This land should celebrate him and follow in his footstep to reclaim it's status as the spiritual beacon of the world.In my honest opinion this book should be made mandatory in all the schools which will raise the standard of the mindset of students in setting the bar so high which can be achieved with hard work and sternous effort.Om Swami's book and his method of sadhana can be taken up by anyone of any faith and if followed will lead to enlightenment of the seeker to his/her God or Deity!!!It's a master piece!!! Go for it and be filled with bliss and intoxication of the Divine!Jai Shri Hari!🙏🌷

Thirteen Months in the Himalaya is a compelling memoir of spiritual introspection, resilience, and devotion. The book chronicles Swamiji’s transformative journey as he spends over a year living in the remote Himalayas, embracing solitude and simplicity in his pursuit of spiritual awakening.Swamiji vividly describes the harsh, unrelenting winters, the meager food supply, and the physical toll of his practice. His honesty about the challenges he faced-both external and internal-adds depth to the story, making it relatable for readers who may not share his spiritual aspirations but understand the universal human struggle for meaning and fulfillment.What sets Thirteen Months in the Himalaya apart is its authenticity. Swamiji does not romanticize the spiritual path but presents it as a journey of perseverance, self-discovery, and occasional disillusionment. His humility and vulnerability make the book not just a guide to spirituality but also a testament to the strength of the human spirit.This book will appeal to anyone drawn to spirituality, minimalism, or the mystique of the Himalayas. It's not just a memoir; it's an invitation to reflect on one's own life, priorities, and purpose. Swamiji’s words inspire readers to look inward, reminding us that the most profound journeys often take place within.In summary, Thirteen Months in the Himalaya is a beautifully written, deeply moving account of one man's quest for enlightenment. It's a book that lingers in the mind and heart long after the last page is turned.

I had read this book first time in November 2024. But didn't review it due to my laziness.I felt the need to reread it during my sadhna to get motivation from swamiji's journey. This is not just part of swamiji's autobiography but handbook for beginners like me & for advanced sadhna too. Everybody will get different insights based on their level of understanding. Some of the valuable insights that I got are1. One pointed concentration, determination and discipline are non negotiable in path of sadhna2.Discipline regarding starting and ending time of daily rituals creates grooves in mind and creates new neural pathways to make a new habit3.when we are trying to immerse ourself in sadhna, social interactions only clutter our mind. That can ruin quality of meditationAnd so on. Grab this book to get insights that may be helpful for you in payh of sadhna. For non- initiates like me this book is like guidance of a guru. Thanks a lot to swami ji for this wonderful book.