I am an avid reader having read different types of books, from fast paced thrillers to classics, from self help books to philosophy and from autobiographies to science fiction.
A handful of the thousands of books and authors read by me, have made a lasting impression and have directed or rather changed the course/ direction of my life. These are,
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” Dale Carnegie, “Your Erroneous Zones”, Dr Wayne Dyer, “The Power of Your Subconscious Mind” Dr Joseph Murphy, “Story of Philosophy” Will Durad, Norman Vincent Peale, Leon Uris, Ayn Rad. and Socrates to name a few. The latest addition to this list is “The Journey Home” authored by Radha Nath Swamy This book belongs to the third category of all-time great books.
“The Journey Home” is the story of the struggle of a youth, trying to find the meaning
of life; something beyond materialistic comforts, the security of a home and a loving family. The author is an American Jew, a product of the Hippy culture of the 60s. His journey is a saga of grit and determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds for trying to attain something beyond the realm of reason and common sense. The author, penniless and without any belongings, travels thousands of Kilometers, through hostile terrain, climate and people to fulfill an urge, a dream, an attraction towards a goal of which even he is unsure. From the riches and amenities of the modern cities of America to Europe, then overland through Greece to Turkey to Iran then through the poverty and chilling climes of tribal areas of Afganistan and Pakistan the author walks and hitchhikes to reach the tranquil environs of the Himalayas and the Ganges. From here he travels the length and breadth of India. During his travels he sifts and searches through the various religions and
creeds he comes across. The author longs for something to which he can dedicate his ultimate belongings, his life and soul. After years of tribulations he finally reaches his goal, a goal about which destiny had already given him a tantalizing glimpse right at the start of his journey.
Most of the events described in the book cover the two year period from 1970 to 1971, which the author spent in quest of a final and lasting path towards his divine goal. But
this book was published after a lapse of nearly forty years. The reason for this has been given by the author himself. His reluctance to make his story open for public consumption was overcome by the promise, to publish the narrative, extracted by his friend on his death bed with the words “It is not your story. It is a tale about how God led a young boy onto an amazing journey to seek the inner secrets that lie within all of us. Don’t be
miserly.” These words lead to the birth of a classic, which otherwise may have remained only in the memory of the author.
This classic is a must-read for everyone irrespective of caste, color, creed, religion or age. The only negative seems to be the price of the book. A discounted price of Rs. 895 is still costly from an Indian point of view.