Norman, an American living in California, experiences childhood trauma when his parents separate. As a teenager, he is deeply affected by the fear of socialism, communism, and the potential for a nuclear war between the US and the USSR. Norman is also unnerved by the racial tension in his country and devastated by the uncertainty of the future in a materialistic society.
Norman longs for a mental state devoid of confusion. He desires a complete understanding of the philosophical messages that he had only perceived as words and concepts before, but had never truly experienced. He leaves his motherland in search of spirituality and self-realization and settles in India where he encounters numerous holy men. Norman becomes confused by the countless paths and approaches available to him. Finally, he finds a Guru who shows him the path to enlightenment.
Norman attains spiritual status and assumes a new name-'Swami Aniketananda.' His prime disciple, Vinayananda becomes instrumental in building a large spiritual institution that attracts universal attention.