Meeting the Master
by Philip James Pinto, The Candle Man
Guru Purnima: July 10, 2025
Sri Swami Rama, Founder of The Himalayan Institute
I think it fitting and proper at this auspicious moment in time, to pay tribute to a rare soul, a visionary whose deep aspirations blossomed forth as The Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science in 1977.
Swami Rama, a man of love and light, came to the United States in the sixties as a scientist, teacher, lecturer, writer and Doctor of Ayurveda, demonstrating his unique abilities of yoga, which he learned during his early years in India, being raised by a great Himalayan Master. It was his destiny to come here and help integrate Eastern Philosophy with Western Psychology.
What could I write that has not already been written about this great sage? Only of my personal connection...
I met Swamiji in 1975, during a three-day lecture series in Buffalo at Rosary Hill College (now Damen University). I had heard that a Yogic Master was offering some talks at the college, and having been previously seeking someone of his intensity, I sat in the front row.
He appeared tall and stately, dressed in a white robe and sandals. He fairly floated across the stage and stopped directly in front of me. I was so excited to be in the presence of a reputed great yogi. In his strong Indian accent, he spoke of the mind and how to control it. By living selflessly, one can attain the highest goals, finding joy every day through serving others with kindness and humility.
Though his philosophy was most inspiring, I felt my eyes getting heavy and I found myself fighting to stay awake. How embarrassing it would be to fall asleep right in front of him!
In my mind, I sent him a message, "If you are a true Master, then wake me up right now!" At that moment, he glanced down at me, and without hesitation in his voice, I felt a shot of energy up my spine into my brain!
No one knew what had just transpired, as he continued his lecture, but my heart was racing, knowing we had just made an incredible connection.
I patiently waited three days to meet with him after his lecture series. Much to my amazement, he seemed quite impressed by my work as a candle maker and confessed that he always wanted a very large candle, one of my specialties, which I agreed to make for him.
At that time, he shared his plan to open a center in Buffalo, my hometown. He seemed to have an affinity with Western New York.
During the next twenty years of our student-teacher relationship, I always brought him a very large candle when I visited him in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, his summer residence. He was a constant inspiration, continually challenging me to create and even ordering me to learn to make incense. With his blessing, this product,' Golden Heart Incense,' has become the most popular brand in WNY.
Even now, I can feel Swamiji's presence in my studio whenever I'm working. He used to remind me, "my son, I am always with you".... What greater blessing is that?
Philip James Pinto
The Candle Man
Stop by the HIB bookstore to check out original designs by Phil the Candle Man!
