Himalaya Sadhu Story; Thirteen Months In The Himalayas Review

name of the book: Thirteen Months in the Himalayas: A Monk’s Meditation Account

(Hindi translation of ‘Thirteen Months in the Himalayas’)

Author: Om Swami

Translation: Ashutosh Garg

Publisher: Manjul Prakashan

Price: 350 rupees

Generally people look for peace after retirement. For this choose ‘Seclusion’. But what happens when a billionaire businessman leaves everything and goes to the Himalayas to do penance? Famous spiritual guru and author Om Swami’s book ‘Thirteen Months in the Himalayas: A Monk’s Sadhana-Voice’ is a living document of this extraordinary journey.

This book is not just a travelogue. This is a journey of difficult sadhana, which very few people in the modern era are able to muster the courage to complete. The author has told how he spent 13 months at an altitude of 12,000 feet amidst sub-zero temperatures, hunger and fear of wild animals. This book tells us that sadhana or self-realization is not a magical phenomenon, but the result of hard work, discipline and unwavering faith.

Purpose and importance of the book

The main objective of this book is to remove the mystery behind spirituality and bring out its harsh reality. The book teaches us that if the goal is big then dedication ‘to the point of madness’ is necessary.

In an age of social media and instant gratification, this book restores the power of ‘patience’ and ‘silence’. It is like a guide for those who want to know whether ‘Truth’ can be found from ancient Vedic methods even in this scientific age. Understand the main points of the book from the graphic given below-

The author has written about his 13-month journey to the Himalayas very honestly. In such a situation, it is important for every reader to understand these 4 important aspects of the book.

1. Complete renunciation of comforts and luxuries

In the book, Om Swami writes about his experience of living in the cave, “That cave was so small that one could not even stand straight in it.” There was no electricity, no bed there.”

On the orders of his guru ‘Naga Baba’, the author had given up wearing stitched clothes and performed sadhana in only a loincloth even in the bone-chilling cold. This part teaches us that when we reduce the needs of the outer world, only then the doors to the inner world open.

2. Conquering Fear: Wild Animals and Loneliness

Living alone at the heights of the Himalayas is like inviting death. The author has admitted that he was also afraid that some leopard or bear might make him his prey. He has said a deep thing that “If life is lived with complete awareness, peace and acceptance, then death also becomes naturally acceptable without fear and panic.” Om Swami challenged his ego and transformed his fear into courage.

3. Nuances of Sadhana and ‘Crying Meditation’

The book contains not only philosophical talks, but also the exact procedures of Mantra Yoga and Sadhana. Om Swami explains how sitting in the same posture for hours would cause the body to react, but the determination would hold it back.

He has mentioned ‘crying meditation’, where tears are shed out of love for God. This is one of the most emotional parts of the book, which brings tears to the eyes of the reader.

4. Discipline vs Doubt

Being a saint does not mean that doubts do not come in the mind. Om Swami tells with great honesty that many times doubts arose in his mind as to whether all this is true? Will Maa Bhagwati actually give darshan? But he learned that when ‘doubt’ arises, one should not give up the practice, but should focus more on it. This is the ‘spark’ which makes an ordinary seeker perfect.

Who should read this book?

This book is not only for monks. If you are a corporate professional and live under stress then this will teach you mental strength. If you are a student then it will tell you the importance of concentration. Understand from the graphic below for whom this book is better.

My opinion about the book

This book is an ‘experience’. There is an amazing simplicity and depth in Om Swami’s writings. He shares his shortcomings and his triumphs, not like a preacher, but like a friend.

Om Swami explains through his 13 months of sadhana how to overcome difficulties and attain inner peace. The best part is that the author never glorified spirituality.

He presented the bitter reality of hunger, pain and loneliness as it is felt. The 18th chapter of the book is so emotional that it can shake any stone-hearted person. This book reminds us that the hardest and most beautiful journeys lie within ourselves.

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