Description
Book Synopsis: In 1897, an Indian yogi named Bava Lachman Dass exhibited himself at the Westminster Aquarium in London, demonstrating forty-eight yoga positions to a bemused audience. Four years earlier, Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda had spoken at the first World Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where theosophist Annie Besant rhapsodized about ‘his inborn sense of worth’ and the ‘exquisite beauty’ of his spiritual message.
The Victorians had conflicted views on the religious beliefs and practices of the Indian sub-continent, blending fascination and suspicion. But within two generations, legions of young Westerners would be following the ‘hippie trail’ to India, and the Beatles would be meditating at the feet of the guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Journalist Mick Brown’s vivid account charts the eccentric history of the West’s evolving love affair with Indian religion through a curious cast of scholars, seekers, charlatans and saints.
From Edwin Arnold, whose epic poem about the life of the Buddha became a best-seller in Victorian Britain, to the occultist and magician Aleister Crowley; and from spiritual teachers Jiddu Krishnamurti, Meher Baba and Ramana Maharshi to the controversial guru Rajneesh, The Nirvana Express is an exhilarating, sometimes troubling journey through the West’s search for enlightenment.
Details
Discover the fascinating history of the West's enchantment with Indian spirituality in The Nirvana Express: How the Search for Enlightenment Went West. This captivating book by Mick Brown takes you on a mesmerizing journey through the Victorian era to the hippie trail, exploring the evolving love affair between the West and Indian religion.
Immerse yourself in the tales of scholars, seekers, charlatans, and saints who shaped the course of spiritual exploration. From the mesmerizing yoga demonstrations of Indian yogi Bava Lachman Dass in London's Westminster Aquarium to the spiritual wisdom bestowed by the revered guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi upon the legendary Beatles, this book unveils the intriguing journey of Westerners seeking enlightenment.
Delve into the lives and thoughts of influential figures like Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda, theosophist Annie Besant, and the controversial guru Rajneesh. Witness the clash of conflicting Victorian views on Indian spirituality as fascination and suspicion intertwined to create a truly remarkable era of exploration.
Don't miss out on this exhilarating and thought-provoking account that uncovers the West's spiritual transformation. Rediscover the exquisite beauty of ancient wisdom that captivated generations of young Westerners, pulling them towards the mystical lands of India. Ready to embark on a transformative journey of your own? Grab your copy of The Nirvana Express today.
Experience the captivating story of the West's spiritual transformation. Get your copy of The Nirvana Express now.
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