In An Eagle’s Flight: A Yogi’s Spiritual Autobiography —a work favorably compared to Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi — Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) shares with rare honesty the struggles, insights, and blessings that have shaped his spiritual life. Raised in a small Midwest town, fervent in his observance of evangelical Christianity, his sudden and unexpected spiritual awakening at the age of 20 set him on a path that would lead him to the other side of the world – to Holy India , which he immediately recognized as the true home of his spirit. Written with his usual insight, vividness, and humor, this book presents new stories of his encounters with Anandamayi Ma, Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and many other saints and yogis . In these pages, you will discover: The discoveries that come from a focus on the highest ideals - Some of the inner and outer obstacles a yogi must overcome - Insights into reincarnation, meditation, and the science of yoga At once an intimate memoir and a spiritual guidebook, An Eagle’s Flight invites readers to recognize the timeless call of the soul: to “arise and go” back to its Eternal Source. Whether you are a lifelong student of yoga or simply seeking an authentic spiritual testimony, this book offers inspiration, guidance, and a glimpse of what it means to live as a yogi in the modern world. Early Reader Praise for An Eagle's Flight "Rivals Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi ." "This book takes right up there with Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi ... His determination to fulfill his dream of visiting India and the courage he exhibits in sacrificing everything to achieve that goal... shows that unlike a native Indian who waits for his guru to find him, a Westerner must seek so that he can find his own." ~ Stanley Wroblewski. "Relatable and captivating" "It is relatable for many of us because it is the journey of a Western yogi, someone brought-up in US who found his calling in the Orient. Once the book gets going it draws the reader in, each chapter bringing new spiritual adventures. It is relatable and captivating." ~ Rodney Owen "A lesson in eternal and unperishable wisdom" "An Eagle's Flight is not just an autobiography; it's a lesson in eternal and unperishable wisdom. Access to that wisdom is present for all spiritual seekers, regardless of their inclinations or circumstances. I don't know of any modern spiritual teacher who has more insight to offer us than Swamiji. That's why I think this book should be on your list of must-reads." ~ Carolyn Pozzilli "Personal, yet universal." "I read the book with deep delight. Having read many life stories of saints and monks from the East, I found the author's perspective remarkably refreshing - balanced, discerning, and sincere. Swami Nirmalananda's journey feels deeply personal, yet universal, offering truth seekers a mirror to their own struggles and joys on the spiritual path." ~ Nabin Baral "A thrilling, important book." "This is the best book I've read in years and am certain I will return to it often so as to not cheat myself by allowing Swamiji's insight and wisdom to slip through my fingers." ~ John Lahwn BodyMindSpirit Online Review: The reviewer praises the book's clarity and practicality: "Swami Nirmalananda has a gift for explaining complex metaphysical concepts in down-to-earth language, often using relatable stories from his life or travels." - "A wise and quietly powerful guidebook for the inward journey." - "A compelling map for seekers seeking to understand the soul's true purpose and its return to divine awareness." Why Readers Recommend This Book Honest, first-person insight into the spiritual life of a Western yogi - Vivid stories of pilgrimage, teachers, and inner experiences - A continuation of the autobiographical lineage inspired by Autobiography of a Yogi We live only one life-the life of the evolving spirit-but we live it through many bodies. Beginning with a single atom of hydrogen we take upon ourselves many body-shells, expanding our scope of consciousness in each one as we move from form to form, inspired by the inner command: Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul! As the swift seasons roll! Leave thy low-vaulted past! Let each new temple, nobler than the last, Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast, Till thou at length art free, Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea!      (Oliver Wendell Holmes) To return to God we must first return to this earth times beyond number until the consciousness of the Prodigal Son who "came to himself" and said "I will arise and go" back to his home (Luke 15:17-18) awakens in us and we remember what we really are and from whence we came. More exactly, we remember who we are and from Whom we came. When this happens, we, too, determine to "arise and go" back to our Source. This is the only aim of conscious life-the return of the drop into the bosom of the ocean, transfigu