If Truth Be Told: A Monk's Memoir

I throughly enjoyed reading this book. As a disclaimer, I haven't met Om Swami personally and I only know him through this book. The book is remarkably well-written. The writing is crisp and clear, marked by simplicity, candour and humor.The book traces the transition of Amit, born in Patiala, into Om Swami - a tantric monk. It is a heart-warming tale that is believable. Amit appears to have been a precocious child, who was a voracious reader from the age of five. As a child, he was fascinated by spirituality and God. Amit early education was in India. Aa a teen, he was well-versed in Vedic texts and also became an astrologer. His tertiary education was in Australia, where he acquired an under-graduate degree in Business and an MBA in 2002. He was extraordinarily successful over the next six years, starting a software business that had operations in Australia, USA, UK, Canada and India. He seems to have been highly focused, energetic and very hard-working. He saw both highs and lows in business. On March 15, 2010, at the age of 30, Amit renounced his material wealth and embraced spirituality. He went in search of a guru and spent nearly five months in Benares with a Naga saint, who comes across as anything but saintly. The saint, who had been conferred the title of Tantric Emperor, had not mastered his own anger. Amit was mistreated and exploited but he bore the whole experience rather stoically. Amit decided to go on his own. He went to the Himalayas. Spending 13 months in exclusion, he intensively meditated and was rewarded with a direct vision of the Goddess. I have spent nearly 25 years on a spiritual path and the book strongly resonates with my own experiences. It seems genuine and authentic. Right now in India, it is hard to find a spiritual master who is not a charlatan or a fake. Most of the so-called masters are not enlightened. Their knowledge is bookish. They run a slick marketing campaign and attract gullible people through franchised meditation workshops or large-scale idols of Indian gods. On the other hand, Om Swami's insights seem to be from direct experience. His recommendation for life appears simple: "Live. Love. Laugh. Give." This is not some new age psycho-babble but a profound insight based on intuitive knowledge. Who is this book meant for? It is a book for a spiritual aspirant seriously interested in God. Regrettably, 99.99% of the population is not interested in spirituality or God. They seek saints to fulfill their trivial material desires for wealth, partner, health and comfort. Some individuals have approached Om Swami to help them locate misplaced jewelery! One should not waste a Master's hard-acquired spiritual energy in fulfilling such petty desires. Om Swami is well-versed in Vedic texts and his knowledge of scriptures is astounding. He is an orthodox monk specializing in the tantric path. This path may not suit everyone, as it is hard. It requires enormous discipline, faith, courage and persistence. If you are unable to master your senses and passion, you might fall on the way. If you are under the misconception that tantra is all about amazing sex, he is not the right person for you. On the other hand, if you are genuinely curious about God, he can show you the way. But be aware that you are unlikely to see the Goddess as he did after 13 months of meditation in the Himalayas. His achievement was probably over several life times. It was destined that he would be enlightened in this lifetime. Even if you are not a serious seeker, it is worthwhile to read the book as it is a truthful account of how to become a spiritual master. Ultimately, it is grace that makes you enlightened but it is unflinching effort that attracts grace.

Clearly the best book I have ever read. Truth, honesty, and love all come together and form an incessant downpour of sheer bliss. Swami Ji book is that light that dispels the darkness of ignorance, illuminates the heart with love, and washes away the the bed karma. Perseverance where swami Ji is trying to find a job, forgiveness and love towards a person who does you wrong, values above wealth...the book is full of so many pearls, each time you reread you find a new jewel. Over 55 years, I have read medical, science, law and numerous autobiographic books but this book is a class in its own. The descriptions are so vivid, you almost feel the hub bub of Varanasi, you feel the bite of scorpion, you feel Ganges like character of swami ji, as if with its divine touch washing away your bed Karma. Those who are familiar with Hindu epic Ramayana will recall Vibhshan meets Hanuman Ji he exclaims: AAB MOHI BHA BHAROSE HANUMANATA BINU HARI KRIPA MILHEE NAHI SANTA( Oh! dearest Hanuman, now I am totally assured of my salvation for without lord Rama's blessing it is impossible to have privilege of meeting a saint). If you have this book in your hand, it is nothing short of Vibhishan meeting Hanuman ji. Indeed it is by God's grace,and only those who Rama/Krishna/Jesus/Gurunanak/Allaha has chosen to be enlightened will have the fortune to read this book. In this materialistic world, just like Gurunank did "Sacha Sodha", Swami ji's book is "Sacha Sodha". If you harbor hate, malignant thoughts, narrow mindedness,jealousy ,envy, anger...this book is powerful antidote for all...PROVIDED you are willing to let the swami Ji's divine beam come and enlighten the darkness that engulfs our lives, minds and souls.

I was drawn to this book out of the blues. I had never heard about Om Swami, but was browsing Amazon for a book about Swami Vivekananda (whom I love) and for some reason or the other, I ended up buying this book. I could not put this book down...it was magic. He is truly an authentic being, very human, yet divine. He is so relatable, yet profound. Even though I've never met him in person, he provides a space that allows one to grow and flourish. I love that! A gentle soul with a depth that is incomprehensible. Hope I am blessed to meet him in person one day.

A page turner chronicling a monks journey hardships and self realization . His pragmatic teachings spoke truth to me of his experiences not just dogma or rituals. His courage and fortitude is astonishing and his success in the material world prior was awesome inspiring 💯

If Truth Be Told: A Monk's Memoir is an absolutely remarkable and unforgettable reading experience. From the very first page, the book is extremely intriguing, drawing the reader deeply into the unconventional life journey of the author. It's not just a recounting of events, but a profound exploration of personal transformation that makes it virtually impossible to put down. ​What truly elevates this memoir is its emotional honesty. The narrative is very touching, offering raw, vulnerable insights into the struggles, revelations, and deep spiritual commitment involved in dedicating one's life to monasticism. The author shares a perspective that is both unique and universally relatable, resonating with any reader who has questioned their own purpose or path. More than just a story, this book is intensely motivational. It serves as a gentle but firm reminder that true contentment and clarity are achievable, inspiring readers to look inward and seek greater meaning in their own lives. I loved reading the book and highly recommend it to anyone seeking spiritual inspiration or simply a beautifully told story of an extraordinary life choice.

It’s simply outstanding , its presents his deeper insights .

Una storia vera, il percorso spirituale di Om Swamiji. Affascinante il suo ritiro in una caverna del Himalaya. Om Swamiji è veramente una Persona illuminata e speciale. Questo libro è un grande insegnamento per un ricercatore spirituale. Apre la mente ed il cuore. Uno dei libri più importanti della mia vita, e ne ho letti tantissimi. With infinite gratitude to Om Swamiji. Irene

The book rekindled my believe system, long forgotten amid the allure of material achievements. Thank you so much Swami ji and everyone involved.

As someone who has spent years immersed in the philosophy and practice of yoga—both on and off the mat—If Truth Be Told resonated with me on a profound level. Om Swami’s journey from the corporate world to renunciation is not just a story of external change but of deep inner transformation. His writing is raw and honest, capturing the turbulence, discipline, and surrender required to walk a path of self-realization. I appreciated how his reflections mirrored the essence of yoga—not just asana, but the deeper limbs of self-inquiry, detachment, and devotion. His experiences remind me of the subtle unraveling that happens in long-held postures, where resistance meets release, and something shifts inside. This book is not just about becoming a monk; it’s about the universal search for meaning, the courage to let go, and the willingness to sit with discomfort in the pursuit of truth. It’s an inspiring read for anyone drawn to the inner journey—whether through yoga, meditation, or a deep curiosity about life beyond the material. Highly recommend.