Synopses & Reviews
Although this book often reads like a fast-paced adventure story, it is the true account of a nineteen-year-old American (the son of a Beverly Hills pediatric surgeon) who in the late 1960s, after experimenting with drugs, sex, and political activism, set off for India in search of the truth. He arrived with twenty dollars in his pocket and, enchanted by the extraordinary world he found there, explored the country until he stumbled into the presence of Hari Puri Baba, a yogi in the ancient tradition of the Renunciates of the Ten Names. Hari Puri proceeded to shave the young stranger’s head and initiate him into his order. Now called Rampuri, the young man embarked on a discipleship unlike anything he had ever imagined. He had to learn Hindi and Sanskrit, overcome opposition as an outsider, and deal with the battle that raged within him as he attempted to reconcile the Western view of India with the reality of its culture and beliefs. Despite overwhelming odds and the mysterious death of his guru, he stayed the course and has remained in India to this day.
As Rampuri reveals the teachings he received and describes the rituals and pilgrimages in which he participated, it becomes clear that this is an unprecedented telling of one man’s sacred initiation and training and a must-read for any serious seeker.
Synopsis
"Baba" is the true account of a 19-year-old Jewish boy who goes to India in search of truth in the late 1960s, and is initiated into ancient yogi/shaman traditions.
About the Author
Rampuri was born in Chicago and grew up in Beverly Hills. In 1969 he traveled overland to India, where he has lived ever since. In 1970 he met Hari Puri Baba, who became his guru and initiated him, the first foreigner, into Juna Akhara, the ancient order of the Renunciates of the Ten Names. In 1984 he established Hari Puri Ashram in Hardwar, North India, where he continues his practice of the Yoga tradition. He can be found on the Internet at www.rampuri.com.