Swami in a strange land

Book Description

When a septuagenarian spiritual teacher departed India's shores in 1965 carrying little more than sacred texts and unwavering devotion, few could have predicted the profound transformation he would catalyze across America and beyond. This remarkable biography chronicles how one man's courageous journey to the West during the height of the 1960s counterculture movement would ignite a spiritual awakening that continues to resonate today.

Joshua Greene presents an intimate portrait of this extraordinary figure who arrived in New York with empty pockets but a heart full of ancient wisdom. Against the backdrop of a society questioning traditional values and seeking deeper meaning, this humble teacher began sharing the timeless practices of bhakti yoga and Krishna consciousness. His authentic presence and profound teachings attracted seekers from all walks of life, including celebrated artists and intellectuals who found genuine spiritual nourishment in his guidance.

From secluded mountain retreats to the elegant halls of European capitals, this narrative traces the remarkable spread of Eastern spiritual practices throughout Western culture. Greene reveals how concepts once foreign to Western minds, including karma, reincarnation, and yogic philosophy, gradually took root and flourished. The story illuminates not just one man's mission, but the broader cultural shift that welcomed vegetarianism, meditation, and devotional practices into mainstream consciousness.

This engaging account offers readers insight into both the personal journey of a dedicated spiritual teacher and the transformative power of authentic wisdom crossing cultural boundaries.