Pandit Tigunait skillfully weaves the teachings of the sages into a fabric of absorbing and delightful stories so that the reader easily understands what might in another context look like formidable philosophy. In addition he makes it practical down-to-earth and applicable to the conditions of modern life. He effortlessly renders the ancient teachings for contemporary students. A yogi who came of age in the traditional culture of India and studied widely with a number of teachers he has been living and teaching in the United States for almost two decades.
The Himalayan Masters: A Living Tradition is the second book I am translating for the Croatian publisher, Planetopija. While editing of my translation is still an undergoing process, I have enjoyed reading this book beyond expectations. Although I am not a fan of a continuous circle of birth and death theory until we’ve reached the highest level of (self)realization, I was very much intrigued by the possibility of casting off our body voluntarily by various yogic techniques.
If we disregard its spiritual aspect, this book is an interesting and valuable historical read about the lives of Himalayan sages and their wisdom.
“To experience the Atman - the true Self - within is immortality (atmanyevatmanam nivodhata tadeva amaratvam). This is the sages' most important message; it is the highest truth. But searching for this truth in the external world is a waste of time and the source of endless misery. If you cannot find your Self wherever you are, then certainly you cannot find your Self anywhere else. Not finding your Self is called death; finding your Self is called immortality.”
― Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, The Himalayan Masters: A Living Tradition
This wonderful book shares the deep teachings (a tiny grain of them) of several Himalayan Masters. It is wonderful nutrition for the seeker. It calms the mind (and the senses), and is a precious aid to turning the mind within, even if for a few minutes. The teachings stay with you, so mananam (pondering) can unfold, and does unfold. It also fills you with deep gratitude for the precious sādhus and sādhvīs who keep sharing their journey with us.