The Crazy Wisdom of Ganesh Baba
posted by Eve Neuhaus | April 17, 2010
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IcerocketIn the spring of 1980, my guru Ganesh Baba, High Hipster, Rainbow Head, Psychedelic Swami, Naga baba, Kriya yogi, scientist, scholar, and British-Indian gentleman, decided that I should edit one of his manuscripts, Sadhana. Sadhana is Baba's translation and updating of his own guru Sri Tripura Devasharma's book by the same title.
Baba even provided a publisher, Ehud Sperling of Inner Traditions. Rewriting one's guru's book, particularly one called Sadhana (spiritual practice), is a teaching practice in India -a quick search reveals dozens of books called Sadhana. I was flattered and excited to be part of the tradition.
Of course the process wasn't so easy. While Ehud watched over my shoulder, I laboriously typed and retyped Baba's words. Born in the late 19th century in Bengal, Ganesh Baba's language was arcane and convoluted. Plus we always smoked a joint or two before beginning. We didn't finish the project.
Thirty years passed. The manuscript, wrapped in an Indian scarf smelling of Baba's snuff, sat under my altar.
I'm happy to say that at the end of this month, the book, now called The Crazy Wisdom of Ganesh Baba, will be released by Inner Traditions.
We did it!!!!
(Amazon still has it listed at a pre-publication discount price but not for much longer.)
Comments
website
— Apr 17, 2010
I just put up the first version of the book's website. Take a look: http://ganeshbaba.com.
Congratulations on finishing
— Apr 18, 2010
Congratulations on finishing such a big project, that's really inspiring! Sounds like a great read, best of luck with it and thanks for sharing.
To be honest, from the website you provided, I'd say you have a very interesting life story as well. You ever thought about writing a book about your life too? Just a thought =)
Thank you
— Apr 18, 2010
It was a big project - it took a lifetime really, and, as it says in the beginning of the book, it's a project that's never really finished.
Haven't considered a personal memoir. Maybe I'll do a series of photo essays on the Mothers for Peace next. They've been working on keeping Diablo Canyon "safe" since 1969 and are getting older now.
But, who knows? Maybe the Baba book will have a such a vibrant life of its own that it sweeps me up with it. Anyhow, there's little point in making plans in these transformative times.
Thanks so much so your comments and good wishes.
