The Initiation - Hardcover

Schnell, Donald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1862048207 ISBN 13: 9781862048201

Publisher: Element Books Ltd, 2000

Synopsis

In many ways, Prema Baba Swamiji was a typical New Age seeker. He explored meditation and Indian philosophy, made the obligatory visits to ashrams in India, took a degree in chiropractic medicine, and studied hypnotherapy. He even co-wrote an alternative health book with his wife.

However, in 1997, at the age of 42, his life took a radical turn. He was summoned to India by his teacher and encountered the "deathless avatar" Babaji, and was initiated into one of the oldest monastic traditions, The Order of the Swamis, in a remote temple in the South of India.

The Initiation relates the author's extraordinary encounters, where saints and deities appear and offer guidance, and sacred objects materialize from thin air. It is a spiritual adventure story that includes encounters with an Indian rabbi, levitating gurus, disappearing taxi drivers, and psychedelic (without the use of chemicals) mystical experiences. It is also the story of one man's quest for answers to the "big" questions: Who am I? Where do I fit in the universe? How can my life have meaning? How can I touch the infinite?

The Initiation is a journey of self-discovery, allowing abundant possibilities. With the power to open minds, Swamiji's words allow a spiritual awakening, and an affirmation of identity. A true story capturing one man's profound experience in India, The Initiation bears a timeless, transformational message.

About this title

About the Author:

Prema Baba Swamiji was born in 1955, and raised in the American Southwest. He has degrees in computer science, education, and chiropractic medicine. He is married to Marilyn Diamond (co-author of Fit for Life) and is the co-author, with Diamond, of Fitonics. The couple resides in Miami Beach, Florida.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

"Through my tears, I smiled gratefully at my Guru, and bowed my head with reverence as I remained silent. There were no words.

'You have come before the Mother with just your heart. I asked you to come empty, with nothing, so that the Mother could fill you with her gifts. You have many new discoveries. Many students will come to you.'

His eyes twinkled. At this time, there was the blinding flash of several cameras. Still, I was silent. I could only look at Swamy, and nod when appropriate. He whispered my swamy name into my ear.

'Swamiji,' he said aloud, with a gentle voice.

'Prema Baba Swamiji, I said silently to myself, repeating my name for the first time.'"

About this edition

• Publisher: Element Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1862048207
• ISBN 13: 9781862048201
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 182