The Hermit

By: T. Lobsang Rampa

Narrated by: Clay Lomakayu

Inside the cave, the young monk bowed respectfully. "I have come to you for instruction, Venerable One," he said to the old hermit in a low voice. In response, the hermit instructed the monk in true cosmic laws and in the universal order that governs nature and humankind. He told of deep, dark secrets that had been passed on to him by a mysterious "Higher Order" who have protected and guided humans since the dawn of creation.

The old hermit told of a trip inside a "great metallic body" (a UFO perhaps) and of the visit to a vast cavern, where he was surrounded by various beings: "Here were small men and women, seemingly perfect in every detail and of godlike men, radiating an aura of purity and calm. Others were also manlike, but with curious birdlike heads, complete with feathers and with hands that, although human in shape, had astounding claws. Also there were the giants, immense creatures who loomed like statues, overshadowing their more diminutive companions."

Though blind, the old hermit was handed an amazing "sight box", which enabled him to view scenes that had been hidden from humankind for centuries, to protect them from unnecessary self-abuse and harm.

This is a tale of secrets, given only to the initiated, such as the author, T. Lobsang Rampa, perhaps the person most responsible - due to his widespread popularity in the mid-20th century - for first bringing Buddhism into the lives of ordinary westerners.

©1972 Saucerian Press (P)2016 New Saucerian Press

Classic UFO abduction mixed with Tibetan monks

This was unexpected. Anyone who had previously read UFO books or Abduction / Experiencer stories will recognize many of the exact same elements popping up as this story unfolds.

The story within the story describes Earth's history, as told by entities claiming to be responsible for Earth's and humanity's development. But, after listening to John Keel's and Graham Hancock's books, plus the recent book by David Jacobs, I also noticed the disdainful way humans are treated in the story within a story. Which is starting to be common undercurrent in many UFO books, even though the main theme is supposed to be one of helpfulness and evolution.

However, at the same time, I got my first strong "is this real or made up or some type of meme being planted?" gut response to the T. Lobsang Rampa books. Why would the airlock of alien vessels use the same color "green" to indicate the air transfer was complete and the people can exit (go)? We use green to indicate go. What a coincidence. Is this just a matter of perception and interpretation from the astral traveler?

I was reminded of Robert Heinlein's sci-fi book The Moon is A Harsh Mistress, which I read decades ago as a teen, and re- listened to the audio version last year. In the book the main character walked around with reams of paper printouts of computer code, or put on his spacesuit and got a long extension cord for his phone to sit outside on the moon to talk on the phone. Of course, these days, that is ridiculous and a flub in writing futuristic fiction - a total miss on predicting what the future would look like. In this book, The Hermit, the old monk was recalling his time on a spaceship, and the nurse who was supposed to watch him was turning pages of a book, and falling asleep dropped the book. I suppose there could be paper books on a spaceship . . . who knows for certain? But, it reminded me of Heinlein's reams of computer paper and telephone extension cords.

How many versions, too, have I heard of Atlantis's sinking - few ever match. But, who is to say which source of information is correct. Also, there is the matter of perception and translation.

The story is, as usual, fantastic with a bit of adventure, and again suffering and mistreatment at the hands of others pointing out the need for compassion and respect for individuals. The Hermit is certainly an interesting and somewhat unique book.

I believe

love it, but too many interruptions, so I read it or listen to it more than 3 times