Sri M's Books | The Satsang Foundation

# The Journey Continues: A Sequel To Apprenticed To A Himalayan Master ## Introduction Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live with a real yogi in the Himalayas? To learn the secrets of yoga, meditation and spirituality from a master who has attained the highest levels of consciousness? To witness miracles and mysteries that defy the laws of nature and logic? If you have, then you might be interested in reading the autobiography of Sri M, a living yogi who has done all that and more. Sri M is the author of two books: _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_ and _The Journey Continues_, which narrate his extraordinary life story and his encounters with various masters, saints and sages across different traditions and religions. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of his first book, _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_, and then focus on his second book, _The Journey Continues_, which is a sequel and a continuation of his spiritual journey. We will also share some insights and lessons that we can learn from his experiences and teachings. ## What is _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_ about? _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_ is the first book by Sri M, which was published in 2011. It covers his life from his childhood till his return to the plains after spending several years with his master in the Himalayas. Sri M was born as Mumtaz Ali Khan in a Muslim family in Kerala, India. He had a natural inclination towards spirituality and mysticism since his early years. He was also gifted with psychic abilities and visions, which made him curious about the unseen realms of existence. At the age of 19, he felt an irresistible urge to go to the Himalayas in search of his master. He left his home and family without informing anyone and embarked on a perilous journey across India. He faced many hardships and dangers along the way, but he also met many kind souls who helped him and guided him. He finally reached the Vyasa Cave, beyond the Badrinath shrine, where he met his master, Maheshwarnath Babaji, who was a direct disciple of Mahavatar Babaji, the immortal yogi mentioned in Paramahansa Yogananda's _Autobiography of a Yogi_. Babaji accepted him as his disciple and initiated him into the Nath tradition of yogis. Sri M spent three and a half years with Babaji, wandering freely across the length and breadth of the Himalayan ranges. He learned various aspects of yoga, meditation, philosophy, metaphysics, astrology, alchemy, tantra and other esoteric sciences from Babaji. He also witnessed many miracles and phenomena that defied rational explanation. He met many other masters and adepts from different traditions, such as Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, Christianity, Jainism and Sikhism. He also visited many sacred places and power spots in the Himalayas, such as Kailash Mansarovar, Amarnath Cave, Hemkund Sahib, Kedarnath Temple and others. He had many adventures and challenges along the way, such as escaping from bandits, wild animals, avalanches, landslides and hostile authorities. He also faced many tests and trials from his master and other beings to test his faith, courage and endurance. He also had many mystical experiences and visions that revealed to him the deeper truths of life and existence. He saw past lives, future events, parallel worlds, astral realms and other dimensions of reality. He also experienced states of samadhi or superconsciousness that transcended time and space. He also had many encounters with beings that are normally invisible to human eyes, such as devas or angels, nagas or serpent beings, yakshas or nature spirits, siddhas or perfected beings, gandharvas or celestial musicians, apsaras or celestial nymphs, rakshasas or demons, bhutas or ghosts, pretas or hungry spirits, pisachas or ghouls, and others. He also met some famous historical figures who were still alive in their subtle bodies or had reincarnated in different forms. Some of them were Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Ramana Maharshi, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Sri Narayana Guru, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Netaji, Jesus Christ, Gautama Buddha and others. He also learned about the hidden history and destiny of humanity and the planet. He learned about the cycles of creation and destruction, the yugas or ages, the role of avatars or divine incarnations, the purpose of life and evolution, the law of karma and reincarnation, the cosmic plan and the divine will. He also learned about his own past lives and his mission in this life. He learned that he was a disciple of Babaji in many previous births and that he had a special connection with him. He also learned that he had a role to play in the spiritual awakening of humanity and that he had to return to the plains and lead a normal life as a householder and a teacher. He also learned that his master was not an ordinary human being, but a manifestation of Lord Shiva himself. He learned that Babaji was the Adi Nath or the first Nath, the founder of the Nath tradition of yogis. He also learned that Babaji was the Mahavatar or the great avatar, who had appeared in every yuga to guide humanity and who had initiated many great masters and saints in different times and places. He also learned that Babaji was preparing for his final departure from this world and that he had to pass on his mantle to his successor. He learned that he was one of the chosen ones who had to witness Babaji's mahasamadhi or final exit from his physical body. He also learned that Babaji had a message for humanity and that he had to deliver it to the world. He learned that Babaji's message was simple but profound: "Love all. Serve all. Be good. Do good." He also learned that Babaji had a prophecy for him and that he had to fulfill it. He learned that Babaji had predicted that he would meet him again in another form and another place after many years. He learned that Babaji had hinted at his next incarnation as a young boy who would be born in a remote village in India. He also learned that Babaji had given him a new name and identity. He learned that Babaji had named him Sri M, which meant Sri Madhukarnath or Sri Madhava or Sri Madhusudana or Sri Maheshwara or Sri Manaswini or Sri Muni or Sri Muniyappa or Sri Murali or Sri Murugan or any other name that started with M. He also learned that Babaji had given him a new mission and vision. He learned that Babaji had instructed him to spread his message of love, peace and harmony among all people and to work for the welfare of humanity and the planet. He also learned that Babaji had given him a blessing and a promise. He learned that Babaji had blessed him with his grace and protection and promised him that he would always be with him in spirit and guide him in his work. He also learned that Babaji had given him a farewell and a reminder. He learned that Babaji had bid him goodbye with a smile and reminded him to remember him always. Thus ended his apprenticeship with his Himalayan master. ## What is _The Journey Continues_ about? _The Journey Continues_ is the second book by Sri M, which was published in 2017. It covers his life from his return to the plains till his present day activities as a spiritual teacher and social activist. Sri M came back to the plains after spending three and half years with his master in the Himalayas. He started working for a living, fulfilled his social commitments and prepared himself to teach others all that he had learned and experienced. He got married to Sunanda, who was also a spiritual seeker and who supported him in his mission. They had two children, Maithreyi and Satsangi, who were also blessed by Babaji. He worked in various fields such as journalism, education, business, social service, etc. He also traveled extensively across India and abroad, meeting people from different walks of life and sharing his wisdom and insights with them. He also continued his spiritual practice and exploration under the guidance of his master's subtle presence. He also met many other masters and teachers from different traditions who helped him in his growth and development. He also continued his mystical experiences and visions that revealed to him more aspects of reality and existence. He also experienced higher states of consciousness that transcended time and space. He also continued his encounters with beings that are normally invisible to human eyes, such as devas or angels, nagas or serpent beings, yakshas or nature spirits, siddhas or perfected beings, gandharvas or celestial musicians, apsaras or celestial nymphs, rakshasas or demons, bhutas or ghosts, ## How is _The Journey Continues_ different from _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_? _The Journey Continues_ is different from _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_ in several ways. Here are some of them: - _The Journey Continues_ is more focused on Sri M's teachings and messages than on his personal experiences and adventures. It contains more dialogues and discussions between Sri M and his students, friends and followers than narratives and descriptions of his travels and encounters. It also contains more quotations and references from various scriptures and sources than anecdotes and stories. - _The Journey Continues_ is more contemporary and relevant to the present times than _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_. It covers Sri M's activities and initiatives in the recent years, such as his Walk of Hope, his Satsang Foundation, his interfaith dialogues, his social service projects, his environmental campaigns, his peace missions, etc. It also addresses some of the current issues and challenges facing humanity and the planet, such as terrorism, violence, corruption, poverty, pollution, climate change, etc. - _The Journey Continues_ is more diverse and inclusive than _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_. It showcases Sri M's interactions and collaborations with people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, sects, ideologies, professions, etc. It also highlights Sri M's respect and appreciation for all paths and traditions that lead to the same truth. It also demonstrates Sri M's openness and flexibility to adapt to different situations and circumstances. - _The Journey Continues_ is more practical and applicable than _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_. It offers more guidance and advice on how to live a spiritual life in the modern world. It provides more tips and techniques on how to practice meditation, yoga, pranayama, mantra, etc. It also suggests more ways and means to serve others and contribute to the common good. - _The Journey Continues_ is more inspirational and motivational than _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_. It reveals more of Sri M's inner transformation and evolution as a spiritual seeker and teacher. It also shows more of Sri M's compassion and kindness towards all beings. It also inspires more of Sri M's followers and admirers to follow his example and footsteps. ## What are some of the main themes and messages of _The Journey Continues_? _The Journey Continues_ has many themes and messages that can enrich our lives and uplift our spirits. Here are some of them: - The theme of love: Sri M emphasizes that love is the essence of all religions and the core of all spirituality. He says that love is the most powerful force in the universe that can heal all wounds and bridge all gaps. He says that love is the ultimate goal of all seekers and the supreme state of all masters. He says that love is the true nature of our being and the source of our happiness. - The theme of service: Sri M stresses that service is the expression of love in action. He says that service is the duty of all human beings towards each other and towards all creation. He says that service is the best way to purify our minds and hearts and to expand our consciousness and awareness. He says that service is the highest form of worship and devotion and the most rewarding path of spiritual growth. - The theme of harmony: Sri M advocates that harmony is the need of the hour for humanity and the planet. He says that harmony is the result of understanding and respecting the diversity and unity of life. He says that harmony is the basis of peace and prosperity and the foundation of civilization and culture. He says that harmony is the manifestation of wisdom and compassion and the reflection of beauty and grace. - The theme of simplicity: Sri M exemplifies that simplicity is the mark of a true yogi and a genuine human being. He says that simplicity is the quality of being natural and authentic and avoiding unnecessary complications and pretensions. He says that simplicity is the attitude of being content and grateful and living within one's means and needs. He says that simplicity is the lifestyle of being humble and generous and sharing one's gifts and resources. - The theme of joy: Sri M radiates that joy is the birthright of every soul and the essence of every moment. He says that joy is the feeling of being connected with oneself and with the supreme and experiencing the bliss of one's true nature. He says that joy is the state of being free from fear and worry and living in the present with faith and trust. He says that joy is the expression of being creative and playful and celebrating life with enthusiasm and gratitude. ## What are some of the benefits and challenges of reading _The Journey Continues_? Reading _The Journey Continues_ can have many benefits and challenges for us. Here are some of them: - Benefits: Reading _The Journey Continues_ can enrich our knowledge and understanding of various aspects of spirituality and reality. It can also inspire and motivate us to pursue our own spiritual journey and to discover our own potential and purpose. It can also help us to develop our values and virtues and to improve our character and conduct. It can also guide and support us in our daily life and in our relationships with others and with ourselves. - Challenges: Reading _The Journey Continues_ can also challenge our beliefs and assumptions about various aspects of spirituality and reality. It can also confront and provoke us to question our own spiritual journey and to examine our own limitations and shortcomings. It can also demand and expect us to apply our values and virtues and to demonstrate our character and conduct. It can also test and verify us in our daily life and in our relationships with others and with ourselves. ## Conclusion _The Journey Continues_ is a sequel to _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_ by Sri M, a living yogi who has narrated his extraordinary life story and his encounters with various masters, saints and sages across different traditions and religions. It is a book that covers his life from his return to the plains till his present day activities as a spiritual teacher and social activist. It is a book that is different from his first book in several ways, such as being more focused on his teachings and messages, more contemporary and relevant to the present times, more diverse and inclusive of different backgrounds, cultures, religions, etc., more practical and applicable to living a spiritual life in the modern world, and more inspirational and motivational for his followers and admirers. It is a book that has many themes and messages that can enrich our lives and uplift our spirits, such as love, service, harmony, simplicity, joy, etc. It is a book that can have many benefits and challenges for us, such as enriching our knowledge and understanding, inspiring and motivating us to pursue our own spiritual journey, helping us to develop our values and virtues, challenging our beliefs and assumptions, confronting and provoking us to question our own spiritual journey, demanding and expecting us to apply our values and virtues, testing and verifying us in our daily life, etc. We hope that this article has given you a brief overview of _The Journey Continues_ by Sri M. We encourage you to read the book yourself if you are interested in learning more about his fascinating journey. We also invite you to share your thoughts and feedback on the book with us. ## FAQs Here are some frequently asked questions about _The Journey Continues_ by Sri M. - Q: Who is Sri M? and Satsangi, who were also blessed by Babaji. - Q: What is the Walk of Hope? - A: The Walk of Hope is a padayatra or a foot march for peace and harmony initiated by Sri M in 2015. It was a 15-month-long journey covering 7500 km across India, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The aim of the Walk of Hope was to spread the message of love, peace and harmony among all people and to restore the nation fit enough to be bequeathed to the future generations. The Walk of Hope was joined by thousands of people from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, etc., who walked with Sri M for various distances and durations. The Walk of Hope also involved various activities such as interfaith dialogues, public meetings, cultural programs, school visits, tree plantations, etc., along the way. - Q: What is the Satsang Foundation? - A: The Satsang Foundation is a charitable organization founded by Sri M in 1998. The vision of the Satsang Foundation is to create a world of harmony and cooperation among all beings through spiritual education and social service. The mission of the Satsang Foundation is to provide quality education to the underprivileged children and youth, to promote holistic health and well-being among all people, to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources, to foster inter-religious and inter-cultural understanding and dialogue, and to support various humanitarian causes and initiatives. The Satsang Foundation runs various projects and programs such as schools, colleges, hospitals, clinics, ashrams, retreats, etc., across India and abroad. - Q: What are some of the books written by Sri M? - A: Sri M has written several books on spirituality and related topics. Some of them are: - _Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master_: A Yogi's Autobiography - _The Journey Continues_: A Sequel to Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master - _Wisdom of the Rishis_: The Three Upanishads: Ishavasya, Kena & Mandukya - _Jewel in the Lotus_: Deeper Aspects of Hinduism - _Shunya_: A Novel - _On Meditation_: Finding Infinite Bliss and Power Within - _The Little Guide to Greater Glory and a Happier Life_ - _The Upanishads_: A New Translation by Sri M - _Yoga Also for the Godless_ - Q: What are some of the teachings of Sri M? - A: Sri M teaches that the ultimate goal of human life is to realize one's true nature, which is pure consciousness or the Self. He teaches that the Self is the same as the supreme reality or Brahman, which is the source and essence of all existence. He teaches that the Self is also identical with the innermost core of every being, which is the Atman or the soul. He teaches that the Self can be realized by turning one's attention inward and by meditating on one's own breath, which is the link between the body and the mind. - Sri M also teaches that all religions and paths are valid and lead to the same truth. He teaches that there is only one God, who is called by different names and worshipped in different ways by different people. He teaches that God is not a person or a thing, but a principle or a presence that pervades everything and everyone. He teaches that God can be experienced directly by anyone who has faith and devotion. - Sri M also teaches that all beings are interconnected and interdependent. He teaches that we are all part of one family and one humanity. He teaches that we should love all, serve all, be good and do good. He teaches that we should respect and protect nature and all forms of life. He teaches that we should live in harmony and cooperation with each other and with ourselves. - Sri M also teaches that we are responsible for our own actions and their consequences. He teaches that we are bound by the law of karma, w