Book Review: Aghora I,II,III

Fun, bizarre, and unorthodox reads from Dr. Robert Svoboda.

These track some of his accounts in India and the teachings of his guru, the Aghori master Vimalananda.

In a way, these read like Carlos Castaneda books, although through the words of a Tantric Shaivite.

The Aghori path shows that not all roads to liberation are paved with flowers, sweets, and pleasant surroundings. For some, the road to enlightenment is paved with funeral ashes, the scent of death, a deep sense of impermanence, and a complete renunciation of dualistic thinking.

This is why you see these ascetics engage in the rituals and practices they are known for, which seem outlandish to the normal person. It is because the Aghori sees no difference in wine or urine, feces or food, pleasant or putrid. These are all manifestations of Shiva. All are welcomed with love, respect, and admiration.

In the eyes of an Aghori, all is Shiva.

Therefore, to the Aghori, there is nothing to fear in life, as their relationship to the source keeps them safe always.

No matter what path you are on, these books and the words of Vimalananda are worth investigating.

May all beings be liberated.