Journey Home Introduction

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The Journey Home is an autobiography book of an American Swami, who takes the readers on a profound journey to self – realization. The story follows nineteen years old Richard Slavin who lives with his parents in Chicago, Illinois and tries to figure out the purpose of life. In 1960’s, when Richie turns nineteen years old, he begins to crave a purpose in life beyond wealth, prestige, and the fads of society. He could not live in peace with himself knowing that African Americans are imprisoned like slaves in the ghettos just miles away. He starts participating in the civil rights movement along with his best friend Gary. While trying to understand the problems of this world, he decides to go to college in Florida and picks philosophy as his major. After attending one year at Miami Dade College, Gary offers Richard a free trip to Europe for the whole summer. He immediately accepts the offer without even first asking his parent’s permission, because he feels as if it is his destiny calling for him. That’s when the self – realization journey starts, which transforms a young naive boy into one of the most famous spiritual teachers’ in India. The first country they go to in Europe is Luxembourg. Richie and Gary, both in search of themselves, start visiting cathedrals, hippie hotspots as well as holy places. The hunt for purpose does not end in Luxembourg, with the hunger for meaning in life and a blues harmonica, they backpack through the Middle East and beyond, where they are forced to encounter life threatening situations. Since both, Richie and Gary, do not have a sufficient amount of money, they decide to spend the rest of the days in the island called Crete taking a shelter in a cave. They agree to stay apart for a few days dedicat... ... middle of paper ... ...vertheless, “The Journey Home” book has removed my confusion as well and now I see God everywhere in everyone. It has really helped me to open my eyes and see the world with more compassion, love and forgiveness. It has taught me the essence of spirituality as well as the importance of helping other people and seeing every living being with an equal vision. This book also showed me what is possible when you really want to know God and how God will take you towards Him. It is indeed very surprising how a young boy from Chicago, Illinois, after going on a spiritual journey, in less than two years became one of the most famous Hindu monk in the world. “The Journey Home” book is not only easy to read and hard to put down, but the wisdom and insights shared along the way are sublime. I felt myself growing every time I read the book as I experienced his journey with him.

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