Thirteen Months In The Himalayas : Chronicles of a Monk's Sadhana Hardcover – 20 November 2024

Its is a deeply introspective and inspiring writing by Om Swamiji, recounting His time spent in solitude in the harsh and remote Himalayas. Unlike many spiritual books that speak in abstract terms, this one offers a raw, firsthand account of what it truly means to renounce worldly life and seek enlightenment.Om Swamiji takes us through His journey from a successful corporate life to the freezing isolation of the mountains, where He devoted Himself to Sadhana. He vividly describes the challenges he faced—unbearable cold, physical hardships, and the overwhelming silence that forced him to confront His own mind. Yet, amidst the struggle, He also shares moments of deep spiritual awakening, clarity, and inner transformation.What I found unique in this book, is that it's not just about philosophy; it offers a practical guide to self-discipline and resilience. Om Swamiji generously shares some of the sacred mantras and meditation routines that shaped his spiritual practice, offering motivation to me and those on their own journey of self-discovery. His writing is simple yet deep, making even the most complex spiritual experiences relatable.This book is helping me to look inward and reflect on life’s deeper meaning. Whether we are interested in spirituality, meditation, or simply an extraordinary real-life story of perseverance, Thirteen Months in the Himalayas is a must-read. It leaves you with a sense of awe and inspiration. Thank You, Swamiji, for such wonderful writing. Jai Sri Hari!

"Thirteen Months in the Himalayas: Chronicles of a Monk's Sadhana" by Om Swami ji is a profound and inspiring account of the author's solitary spiritual retreat in the Himalayan mountains. This memoir offers readers an intimate glimpse into the rigorous practices, challenges, and profound realizations encountered during his 13-month journey toward self-realization.Om Swami's narrative is both vivid and heartfelt, detailing his unwavering commitment to seeking the Divine Mother, Mata Tripursundari, amidst the serene yet demanding Himalayan landscape. His journey exemplifies the sheer power of faith and the depth of devotion required to achieve spiritual awakening. A read a review whereas reviewer aptly describes the book as "a beacon of hope and inspiration for those on the spiritual path," highlighting its potential to guide readers toward their own spiritual journeys.The book stands out for its unfiltered portrayal of the spiritual path. Om Swami candidly shares his inner struggles, from questioning the efficacy of ancient rituals to wrestling with his ego and fears. This honesty transforms the memoir into a relatable guide for seekers, reminding readers that even the loftiest spiritual aspirations are fraught with human vulnerability.In essence, "Thirteen Months in the Himalayas" is more than a memoir; it is a testament to the transformative power of sadhana and a source of hope for those yearning for truth. Om Swami's journey reminds us that the path to the Divine is both arduous and rewarding, requiring a delicate balance of faith, effort, and surrender. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, whether in spirituality, resilience, or personal transformation.

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!🙏🌷

I have so to say tasted this book reading portions of it completely and it has tug at my heart strings and given me hope. If a person younger in biological age to me can do so much austerities, I can at least intensely yearn for the same. A wonderful intimate telling of a young illumined saint's pining for the Divine and the superhuman efforts he put in for realizing successfully the Divine, just 15 years ago. The hardbound format, the language and the font size is handy, pleasing, and comfortable. There is an easy sincere flow in the language.