Justin O'Brien, Walking with a Himalayan Master, pp 17-18
 

     My return visit to Swami Rama's room a few days later was my introduction into the meditative tradition of the sages. The Swami's room was filled with the usual odor of incense. I liked it, so I peeked over at the incense box and noted the words Padmini Dhoop inscribed in red letters.

     "The key to meditative posture is the spinal column. Keep it erect," he instructed. "In this way, the lungs are free to breathe and the energy of the body can travel uninterruptedly."

     He then asked me to close my eyes, seal my lips, and follow his instructions in exactly the manner he elaborated. It must have taken about ten minutes for the entire process, and when his voice stopped, I opened my eyes into the calm, serene atmosphere. I was hooked.

     He handed over to me the tape recording of the process and looked me steadily in the eyes, "I am now giving you permission to teach Superconscious Meditation." he said steadily. "You are the first to use this name for the ancient method of our tradition. I have not yet given this permission to anyone else. Go out and lecture in the cities and institutions, teaching this tradition systematically whenever the audience is ready. I have taught you exactly as my master taught me."

     I sensed by his commitment to me that something of major importance was taking place, but I couldn't even imagine its magnitude. It fascinated me just to anticipate exploring the mind's terrain. His presence gave such credibility to the adventure that I couldn't wait to begin.