About the Book

A Curious
Spiritual Journey

Shankara said awakening could only be achieved through direct experience. A Curious Spiritual Journey recounts my first four decades of exploration towards attaining that supreme state in yogic meditation, starting at an uncommonly young age in a small logging and fishing town on Canada’s West Coast. My guru was one of the original small group of masters directly ordained in the United States by Paramahansa Yogananda (originally “Paramhansa”).

While many books describe techniques for the practice of meditation and yoga, few provide an actual record of the mystical experiences and developments that follow from their application. I wrote this collection of personal stories and experiences to provide insight into the often unpredictable and misunderstood process of spiritual unfoldment, writing in plain language and avoiding the jargonistic terms and inflated style so often associated with writings about yoga, meditation, and spiritual experience in general.

Reviews from readers

Heartfelt, practical and grounded!
Reviewed in the United States

Jim Grove’s “A Curious Spiritual Journey” is an enlightening dive into the often misunderstood world of spiritual awakening. What makes his work stand out is his candid retelling of his own experiences, a deeply personal narrative that transforms a mystical process into something both relatable and practical.

From the very first chapter, Jim invites readers into his life, illustrating the emotional and psychological shifts he underwent during his awakening. He avoids the cryptic language that often surrounds spiritual texts, opting instead for an approachable, grounded style. This makes his insights not only accessible but also actionable for readers who are curious about embarking on a similar journey.

Jim’s strength lies in his ability to connect abstract spiritual concepts with real-life experiences. His practical steps, informed by his own struggles and breakthroughs, offer readers a clear roadmap to follow. Whether you’re just beginning your spiritual exploration or looking to deepen your understanding, his experiences serve as a guidepost, encouraging you to explore without fear and with genuine curiosity.

Well written story of a young man’s quest to integrate the mystical with the practical
Reviewed in Quebec, Canada

Many nuggets of insight here for those on a spiritual path. The author speaks from a place of simple honesty and profound experience in meditation. Each chapter contains its own message. I found myself getting hooked quickly, feeling as if I was walking in the same shoes while saying to myself, man, this is so clearly expressed! Much spoke to me in a deep way, having gone down a similar path, and having been taught the Hong-Sau technique many years ago by the author himself. The stories, anecdotes and synchronicities are at times humorous and philosophical, always insightful. Amazingly refreshing in the today’s world of new age spiritual books.

A page turning book of both spirituality and the human experience
Reviewed in Alberta, Canada

I actually found it really difficult to put down. It’s been a while since I felt that way with a book. I found it very relatable, having mystical or spiritual experiences only for them to fade into the background of our humanness. How mentors, teachers, jobs and people come and go. Really when we call out to the universe and follow our intuition it will guide us in the right direction. I also found the book practical with some tools I have started bringing into my own meditation. Specifically focusing on ajna which I hadn’t been doing. I found that I’ve been able to enter a more meditative state, faster with less head chatter so I will continue with that moving forward.