BABA: Autobiography of a Blue-Eyed Yogi

Rampuri

I have read almost every book that I can get my hands on which describes the journeys or pilgrimages of seekers looking for Truth, Enlightenment, or "The Holy Grail." Most of them I enjoy. Most of them I recommend. Most of them have a great deal in common. This one is quite unique, and it will definitely keep you interested and give you insights you will not have read elsewhere.

Rampuri (the given name of the American author, born in 1950 in Chicago, and raised in Beverly Hills) is the name given to the author when he took the vows as a Sanyassin and became a true yogi in a little known (by Westerners) ancient tradition of wisdom in India. Some of us, familiar with the Naga Baba's, who get famous every 12 years or so when there is a big Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, may know a tiny bit about this ancient and honorable tradition, but for the first time, the practices, knowledge, and day to day lifestyle of the Babas is presented from an insider's viewpoint.

I can't really begin to describe this book, this incredible journey. It is very authentic and will really blow your mind. This is clearly a unique story and has some very unique knowledge and experiences contained in it. Rampuri was 19 when he arrived in India in 1969. He was 20 years old when he met Hari Puri Baba, who became his guru. Rampuri was the first and perhaps only foreigner initiated in Juna Akhara, the ancient order of the Renunciates of the Ten Names. In 1984 Rampuri established his own ashram in Hardwar.

Rampuri has clearly gone places, done things, and arrived at certain knowledge that few, if any Westerners have ever experienced. I think anyone who reads this book is in for a treat and will certainly experience a few "eye-openers."

There is a big dose of mysticism and quite an interesting angle on the Vedas that flow from Rampuri. The book must be read, as I feel inadequate to do justice in trying to describe the uniqueness and esoteric aspects of the journey.

Review by Len Oppenheim