Book Name: Long Pilgrimage
Total Page: ~200
Author : John G. Bennett
Review: Long Pilgrimage is a book which will appeal to a limited section of readers who are keen to
know/explore life at deeper level. The book records conversations between ShivPuri baba and the
author John G. Bennett. Shivpuri baba (it seems) lived for 135 years. He was not after fame or money
and restricted himself to a small hut near Kathmandu. He was basically from Kerala and provides an
interesting story how he travelled extensively exploring country, cultures and various religions and
finally decided to settle down in Kathmandu, basically in the lap of Himalaya. He has excellent command
over spoken English, has deep respect for all religions and propagated the importance of discipline in
leading one’s life. He emphasized the value of discipline in three aspects – body , mind and spirit. He
also mentioned that the highest realization can be achieved by discharging one’s duty with sincerity and
honesty . Book has many valuable thoughts which can provide new dimension to look at life. It is
strange that a man of such wisdom and knowledge remained little unknown. However, overall, the story
does not flow in a uniform way. It is more like mixing various facts and then putting them in order. So
you may experience that it is a bit disjointed. However, that does not anyway lessen the overall value it
offers to reader.
Recommendation: Highly recommended to readers who are looking to understand/prioritize moral
values and seek newer dimensions to look at situation and life.