Holy Mother

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.