A spiritually illumined soul who has scaled the depths of the Divine is a constant source of inspiration to countless other seekers. Swami Shivananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, was such a person whose simple conversations with spiritual seekers were treasured by them as unfailing blessings for the rest of their life. This book has brought together such spiritually illuminating and inspiring conversations for the good of many. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, India.
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This is the authoritative source biography of Ramakrishna (1836-1886) based on interviews with those who knew him. It is also an interpreted description of the entire range of Ramakrishna?s spiritual disciplines and experiences, explained as much as possible in terms of reason and common empirical experience, with reference to Hindu scriptures and spiritual traditions, western philosophy, Hindu psychology, and Western religious tradition. The setting is Northeast India from 1775 to 1836. Topics include: Avatar; evolution of concept and purpose of: Bhavas (spiritual moods): Bhavamukha (mental state dwelling between the Absolute and the Relative): Brahmo Samaj: Cosmic Mind: Creation and Evolution; Brahman as efficient cause: God; various concepts and spiritual attitudes towards: Guru: India; its spiritual and religious beliefs compared to other countries: Kali Temple at Dakshineswar: Nondual Reality (Advaita): Ramakrishna?s life; worship of Divine Mother; realization of God in Hindu and non-Hindu religions; marriage; disciples: Samadhi: Tantra and Vaishnava Sects; history and methods of worship: Vedanta; main schools and basis in mystic experience: Vivekananda (Narendranath Datta): Yoga.
The author, Swami Ashokananda, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda, is renowned for his thought-provoking lectures and articles on Vedanta philosophy and its practical application in daily life as taught by his master. The Swami’s tenure as the Editor of the Prabuddha Bharata, an English monthly of the Ramakrishna Order, from 1927-1930 was a memorable one. Later on as the Minister-in-charge of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco from 1932 until his passing away in 1969, the Swami was one of the guiding forces for the Vedanta Movement in the West. This book published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, borrows its title from an inspired utterance of Swami Vivekananda which forms the subject of the Swami’s deliberations presented herein as the first lecture. By his forceful lectures based on deep reasoning, the Swami turns our attention to the Divine within. The lectures and articles included here were earlier published in the Prabuddha Bharata and the Vedanta Kesari, another English monthly of the Ramakrishna Order. They are intended for all sincere spiritual aspirants, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender, who strive to transform their daily lives through the invigorating tonic of Advaita Vedanta.
"Today's search for spirituality and authenticity leads ultimately to the question, and the experience, of God. In this profound meditation from one of today's most renowned religious voices, theologian Raimon Panikkar offers a way to reflect on the perennial quest for God, its significance in many religious traditions, and its connection to our own deepest purpose and meaning. .... " [from back cover]
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