Search for the Guru

Book excerpt: In the tradition of Yogananda's, "Autobiography of a Yogi," this is the first half of Peter Mt. Shasta's adventures on the quest for a spiritual teacher and, ultimately, enlightenment. It is the Revised Edition of the first volume (prequel) of Adventures of a Western Mystic, a two volume set, the second part of which was previously published under the subtitle, "Apprentice to the Masters." This revised edition gives the fascinating personal story of his earliest memory prior to birth and traces his awakening in youth to the first moments of expanded consciousness. It is the poignant account of his days in New York City in the '70s, living on the Lower East Side, and his call to India after hearing Baba Ram Dass interviewed about his transformation from Harvard professor to follower of the guru, Neem Karoli Baba. In search of his own guru, Peter travels to India and meets, not only Neem Karoli Baba (Maharajji), but Anandamayi Ma, Sathya Sai Baba and many other saints, siddhas and illumined beings. Gradually, he begins to realize that the guru he is looking for is within himself, and returns to the West. He gives fascinating accounts of his experiences in America with Trungpa Rinpoche, Chagdud Rinpoche, Joseph Sunhawk and others. The book ends with him leaving driving across the Golden Gate Bridge, heading for a rendezvous in Muir Woods with the Master who offers him final liberation. For a description of this meeting and the adventures that follow with the Ascended Masters, read part two, "Adventures of a Western Mystic: Apprentice to the Masters." The author is widely known as one to whom various Ascended Masters appeared in visible form to transmit the spiritual discourses, "I AM the Open Door" (1977). He is also the author of "I AM Affirmations and the Secret of their Effective Use." He has given teachings and retreats in Europe as well as the US on bringing the "I AM" Consciousness into daily life for the purpose of self mastery and planetary service.