This book is a compilation of various accounts of the stay of Sri Sarada Devi, and Swamis Vivekananda, Brahmananda, Shivananda, Ramakrishnananda, Abhedananda, Vijnanananda, Subodhananda, Niranjanananda, Turiyananda, Trigunatitananda, and Premananda in the city of Madras (now called Chennai). Meticulously referenced, this book contains many valuable photographs and interesting less known facts—like Swami Subodhananda learning Tamil. A tribute to the spirit of Chennai in spearheading the cause of the Ramakrishna movement, it could well be a prized possession of all the admirers of the movement and the city.
An inspiring message for all humanity from one of India’s most beloved spiritual teachers If Sri Ramakrishna was a leaping flame of spiritual realization, Holy Mother was a steady glowing fire of God-consciousness. To the Master, Sri Ramakrishna, she was the goddess of wisdom in human form. To her disciples she was the Divine Mother herself. To her devotees she was a more real mother than their own earthly mother. To the seekers of truth she was the final word, and to sinners she was the last refuge. —from the Introduction The year 2003 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sri Sarada Devi, the wife and spiritual companion of Sri Ramakrishna. Known affectionately in India and throughout the world as the Holy Mother, she was a rare combination of human and divine qualities, and is an inspiration today to millions who seek spiritual fulfillment. The first American edition of the conversations and teachings of the Holy Mother as recorded by her disciples, both lay and monastic, this fascinating collection brings to life the Holy Mother’s teachings on human affliction, self-control, and peace in ways both personal and profound. It illuminates her role as the power, scripture, joy, and guiding spirit of the Ramakrishna Order and clearly captures her unyielding devotion to God that earned her a reputation as a steady glowing fire of God-consciousness. Translated from the original Bengali by Swami Nikhilananda, a direct disciple of the Holy Mother, these inspiring and detailed conversations offer new insight into the daily life of this endearing and beloved spiritual personality and her message of compassion that continues to influence her devotees in India and throughout the world.
The first American edition of the conversations and teachings of the Holy Mother as recorded by her disciples, both lay and monastic, this fascinating collection brings to life the Holy Mother's teachings on human affliction, self-control, and peace in ways both personal and profound.
In the pages of this book published by Advaita Ashrama, a Publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, India, will be found the story of a life which was lived so silently and unostentatiously that its very simplicity was bewildering. Yet the depth of its richness seemed unfathomable even to those who were universally respected for their spiritual greatness. Indeed such a life defies analysis, and it is much more difficult to portray it. Even if we fail to comprehend the greatness of this Great Wonder fully, still will not even a partial glimpse of it bring us infinite good? Thus this attempt to portray the life of Sri Sarada Devi, the spiritual consort or Sri Ramakrishna, in short.
This book is a collection of precious reminiscences of Swami Ramakrishnananda, who was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and who pioneered the Ramakrishna movement in southern India. Along with the reminiscences recorded by both monks and lay devotees, the book contains a short biographical sketch of Swami Ramakrishnananda, reports and descriptions of his mahasamadhi, Swami Vivekananda’s letters to the Swami, and appendices containing the accounts of his influences in various places and people. The articles in this book are mainly drawn from the Bengali work Ramakrishnanander Smriti Mala, Tar Patro O Rachanasangraha and from the archives of the monthlies The Vedanta Kesari, Prabuddha Bharata, Vedanta for East and West, and Brahmavadin. This book will help the readers to comprehend Swami Ramakrishnananda’s distinct, grand and saintly personality.
First Published in 1963, Holy Mother presents the life and teachings of an extraordinary saint of modern India, who lived outwardly the life of an ordinary Hindu woman. Sri Sarada Devi (1853-1920) was brought up in poverty but also in contentment. She gained her sainthood not through unusual austerities, but through regular practice of prayer and meditation, utter devotion in the service of her husband, and discharging her duties towards her demanding worldly-minded relatives. Yet her spiritual experiences were as deep as those of Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886). Her life was a demonstration of the inner peace that comes from communication with God, even to one who is occupied with the activities of the world. Sri Ramakrishna trained her for her future role as his spiritual successor and through her he demonstrated the Motherhood of God. Her advent acted as a leaven silently raising the newly awakened consciousness of womanhood everywhere. This book is indispensable for scholars and researchers of Hinduism, religion, Indian philosophy, Indian culture, and heritage.
Here in these pages is given a vivid and realistic pen-picture of a unique personality—unique because she was nun, wife and mother at the same time. The Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, the divine consort of Sri Ramakrishna, is here presented, in all her rustic simplicity, which breaks the barriers of commonality by its artless naturalness inspired by a universal love which made no distinction between friend and foe, the small and the great, the ignorant and the wise, but enfolded every living being in the charming fragrance of motherliness that her personality exuded. Swami Saradeshananda, the recorder of these precious reminiscences, is a disciple of the Mother, who had opportunities to serve her very intimately and thus hear those conversations and witness those small events that took place in the village of Jayarambati. He has therefore drawn a pen-picture of the Mother with a wealth of details, thus giving a realistic presentation of the concept of Universal Motherhood in human terms.
This handy volume presents a concise biographical sketch, carefully chosen reminiscences, and selected teachings of Swami Ramakrishnananda, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. Ramakrishnananda, popularly known as Shashi Maharaj, worked tirelessly to spread the message of his Master and the ideal of renunciation and service in different parts of the southern India. His unparalleled devotion to his Guru, pure life, saintly personality, and love and concern for others are depicted in this book. The book will benefit the general readers who wish to acquaint themselves with his life and teachings.
