AN EMBARKED JOURNEY FROM PRE-LIMINAL TO LIMINAL STAGE OF SWAMI RAMA’S ÉLAN VITAL; A BRIEF STUDY OF HIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY “LIVING WITH THE HIMALAYAN MASTERS”

Abstract

In the transitional space between two locations. The transition from one thing to another is not yet complete. The concept of a doorway can be understood as a liminal space, as it serves as a demarcation between the interior and exterior realms, as well as between rooms that are connected. For instance, the caterpillar experiences a liminal transitional phase during the process of encasing itself within a cocoon. A highway can be considered a transitional zone that connects the origin and the intended endpoint. In 1967, Victor Turner introduced the concept of liminality, which he defined as a transitional state that exists between two distinct states. Turner characterised liminality as a state of being "betwixt and between," representing the first phase preceding a final state. The concept of liminality was created from the careful observation of ceremonies performed by the Ndembu tribe in the central region of Africa. The author posits that a ritual, particularly one that serves as a rite of passage, encompasses a transformative experience for the individual involved, particularly in relation to their societal standing. The present study is an attempt to adopt the concept of Liminality to autobiographies. The autobiography of Swami Rama is selected for this study. It is undeniable that every individual life has these the three stages that are ‘threshold’ from past to the present. It is applicable in prominent people’s lives who have turned from a common man to an ideal person in the society and serve his fellow men. This study discusses a few incidents in the author’s life and connect them to transformation.