Strange rumors reached the ears of the people of Jerusalem and the surrounding country. It was reported that a new prophet had appeared in the valley of the lower Jordan, and in the wilderness of Northern Judea, preaching startling doctrines. His teachings resembled those of the prophets of old, and his cry of "Repent! Repent ye! for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand," awakened strange memories of the ancient teachers of the race, and caused the common people to gaze wonderingly at each other, and the ruling classes to frown and look serious, when the name of the new prophet was mentioned.The man whom the common people called a prophet, and whom the exalted ones styled an impostor, was known as John the Baptist, and dwelt in the wilderness away from the accustomed haunts of men. He was clad in the rude garments of the roaming ascetics, his rough robe of camel's skin being held around his form by a coarse girdle of leather. His diet was frugal and elemental, consisting of the edible locust of the region, together with the wild honey stored by the bees of the wilderness.
Interesting analysis of the work of Jesus and the New Testament with reference to Ancient Yogic Philosophy. Some great gems of wisdom in here, but be prepared to sift through a lot of unfounded theology (what theology isn't?) I wonder if it's harder to read for an atheist (like myself) or a theist? Either way, just with everything, read with an open mind but not so open that your brain falls out.
A lot of messages from this book stuck with me. It felt like it was going deeper under the surface teachings of Christianity - the things the bible doesn't say. My Christian friends do not approve of this book, but I would encourage them to read it with an open mind and consider what's being said.
"The departure of the Church from these Inner Teachings was a great calamity, from which the Church is still suffering" (222).
Ramacharaka's tone, understandably, is one of a weary mystic who continues to teach because he must. A great explanation of some of these Teachings; highly, highly relevant.