In the tradition of Yogananda's, Autobiography of a Yogi, this is the first half of Peter Mt. Shasta's adventures on the quest for a spiritual teacher and, ultimately, enlightenment. It is the first volume of Adventures of a Western Mystic, the second part of which is Apprentice to the Masters. Here is the fascinating story of Peter Mt. Shasta's earliest memories prior to birth and his awakening to the first moments of expanded consciousness. It is the poignant account of his days in New York City in the '70s, living on the Lower East Side, and his call to India after hearing Baba Ram Dass interviewed about his transformation from Harvard professor to follower of the guru, Neem Karoli Baba. In search of his own guru, he travels to India and meets, not only Neem Karoli Baba (Maharajji), but Anandamayi Ma, Sathya Sai Baba and many other saints and illumined beings who work miracles. Gradually, he begins to realize that the guru for which he is looking is within himself, and he returns to the West. He also gives fascinating accounts of his experiences in America with Trungpa Rinpoche, Chagdud Rinpoche, Joseph Sunhawk and others. The book ends with him leaving driving across the Golden Gate Bridge, heading for a rendezvous in Muir Woods with Saint Germain, the Master who offers him liberation. For a description of this meeting and subsequent adventures with the Ascended Masters, read part two: Apprentice to the Masters. The author is widely known as the one to whom various Ascended Masters appeared in visible form to transmit the spiritual discourses in I AM the Open Door (1977), which has become a classic. He is also the author of eleven other books and has given teachings in Europe and the US on bringing the "I AM" Consciousness into daily life for the purpose of self mastery and planetary service.