Book Reviewed: The Saffron Path: Trekking the Globe with The Walking Monk by Bhaktimarga Swami.

The pilgrimage of Bhaktimarga Swami The journey of Bhaktimarga Swami distills the timeless wisdom of a practitioner of Krishna consciousness into a meaningful life. This is an inspiring and empowering book in which Swamiji shows us how we can clear the hurdles to our potential. Combining ancient wisdom of India and his own rich experiences in life helps us to overcome negative thoughts and access the purpose that lies within all of us. The Maharaj is not only known for inspiring kirtans, clear expression of love to Lord Krishna is also a marathon walker who walked across Canada four times, Israel, Ireland, Guyana, Trinidad, Mauritius, Fiji, and the United States. He is like a superman for a mission, known for teaching bhakti-yoga, mantra meditation, kirtan, and a passion for the performing arts. He walks to exercise his thoughts, connect with nature, meet new people, experience life, share his knowledge and life experiences. He is known to carry meditation beads and chanting along lonely roads; he discussed the wisdom of Bhagavadgita and the Srimad Bhagavatam with people around the world. He spoke at some of the biggest temples to highly educated devotees and spiritual students. There is no dearth of well-wishers during his long trek. The locals excited about a monk visiting their town, the motorists honking their horns and passersby wishing him well. Swamiji recalls that there was an envy of a free spirit. Of course, there were many days when human interaction was minimal, and when the elements and the wilderness were the raw reality. Much of the trip involved pitching a tent at night, and the land is sparsely populated, the Swami was confronted with all kinds of wildlife and pests. However, the sight of bears, moose, elk, wolves, and birds compensated for the austerities. He also recalls the companionship of his disciples like Garuda Vahan, Daruka, and Jamuna Jivana (as well as a parrot named Billy). While on the great trail, he covered the sideroads, backroads, short-cuts, and lots of highways. Meteor showers in the night sky, temperatures reaching 107-degree Fahrenheit, and walking on salt flats were some of the highlights in the deserts of Nevada and Utah. A documentary produced by the National Film Board of Canada “The Longest Road,” details the remarkable feat of Bhaktimarga Swami and his path to bhakti and devotion. The message of the book is simple, open your mind, open the door, open the world, walk on. Energize your thoughts, and reflect on life, because you are a pilgrim.