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They Lived with God: Life Stories of Some Devotees of Sri Ramakrishna

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How did Ramakrishna s aptitude for inner experience translate into the lives of the ordinary man and women he inspired? The 31 devotees in THEY LIVED WITH GOD had to face addiction, abusive husbands, disobedient children, indifferent or hostile relatives, bereavements, and spiritual doubts and misgivings. Particular attention is paid to the way they faced death. Their failures and triumphs are entertaining, practical examples for anyone seeking to work and live with an awareness of God s abiding presence. The revised second edition has been enlarged to include three new biographies; Bhavanath Chattopadhyay, Narendra Nath Mitra, and Tejchandra Mitra.

492 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1989

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Chetanananda

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for chaity.
4 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2016
a must read for those who would want a glimpse of those who lived with the Master.

What a time they must have had ..in terms of Spiritual Help and Growth
Profile Image for M.
162 reviews2 followers
December 23, 2015
What makes us humans? And what makes some of us super humans? Who is god? What does it take to find god within you?

This book answers these questions through personal accounts from Thakur's disciples and acquaintances. A must read.
2 reviews
December 28, 2010
3.0 out of 5 stars Mataji Gauribrata, President Mothers Trust, Ganges, MI., USA, December 27, 2010
By
Mothers Trust "Mataji Gauribrata" (Ganges, MI., USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: They Lived With God: Life Stories Of Some Devotees of Sri Ramakrishna (Hardcover)
Swami Chetananda, in his book, refers to Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi as a lay disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and I quote; "They Lived With God brings to life the biographies of Ramakrishna's lay disciples". Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri is a "Monastic Disciple" of Sri Ramakrishna and the founder of the oldest womens convent, (womens math) in the direct lineage of Sri Ramakrishna, established in 1895, known as the Sri Sri Saradeshwari Ashram in Kolkatta, India. PH # 011 91 332 555 3074.
Please read a review from: Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi (Paperback) A Monastic Disciple of Sri Ramakrishna; published by Mothers Trust Mothers Place, Ganges, MI., USA.
Sri Ramakrishna, the prophet of Dakshineswar, was born in 1836. To him, love of God and realization of the Divine was found manifesting in his life partner Sri Sarada Devi, who he worshipped as the Holy Mother. While Gauri Ma was living with Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother at Dakshineswar, Sri Ramakrishna gave Gauri Ma the ocher robes of a Sannyasini (nun), and made arrangements for the accompanying rituals of sannyas. Sri Ramakrishna himself offered a bilva leaf into the homa fire. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi was the only woman monastic disciple, that was given her formal vows during Sri Ramakrishna's life time. In 1895 commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna, Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi founded the oldest Womens Math (convent), Sri Saradeshwari Ashram, in Kolkatta, India. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and in 1901, the Ramakrishna Math. In 1954, Trustees of the Ramakrishna Math funded and started the second womens math (convent), Sarada Math. Sri Ramakrishna was a mighty spring, his disciples so many powerful streams carrying his universal message forward. Mothers Trust/Mothers Place, also known as Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram, Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges, MI., USA is an affiliated branch of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram where the nuns take their final vows of Sannyas from the "oldest" womens convent commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna. The Ramakrishna Monks and Ramakrishna/Sarada Nuns, work together as equals in their service in their mission. A Must to Read! for persons interested in Religion, Hinduism, Spirituality, Vedanta, Philosophy, Comparative Religions and Women Studies. For photos and archives view our website [...]

Mataji Gauribrata, President;
Mothers Trust Mothers Place,
Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram,
Lakeshore Interfaith Institute,
Ganges, Michigan, USA.
19 reviews
July 15, 2008
Biograhies of the SIXTEEN disciples of Shri Ramakrishna
Profile Image for Venkat Krishnan.
99 reviews13 followers
June 15, 2023
Concise biographies of 31 lay disciples of Sri Ramakrishna.

The book consists of extremely inspiring life stories of 31 people who had lived with Sri Ramakrishna. It provides a fascinating description of their relationship with Sri Ramakrishna and how their lives had been transformed after coming in contact with him.

These householder disciples of the Master, despite their various commitments, led God-centered lives. Human life becomes meaningful, joyful, and stimulating, only if spirituality is the goal. This fact has been enchantingly illustrated in the life stories presented in this book.

Most people can easily relate to these devotees because of similarity of environment and circumstances. This makes the book practically very useful. It gives pointers on how everyone can mold her or his life to make it more God-centered.
Profile Image for Sumant.
271 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2024
Fantastic book by Maharaj which details the lives of devotees and the spiritual transformation they went through when coming in contact with Thakur.

And there are spiritual gems scattered throughout the book when you read about the experiences of the devotees who came in contact with divinity.

I especially read the experiences of Girish Chandra Ghosh with amazement regarding how far spiritual influence of Thakur was felt.

This book is a must read for all the spiritual seekers as it gives you a sense of how difficult this path is but what is required is faith and perseverance. As swamiji said it’s not about how far you can go but how many times you get up when you fail that determines.
Profile Image for Sridhar.
60 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2021
This book is an upclose account of Ramakrishna’s grace over his disciples - who are hidden in history but were lucky to be able to serve him. It is not difficult to love or adore or respect him. But it’s very difficult to forget him. That’s why he is called the ultimate “Master”.

I read 1 chapter every night during these pandemic phase, and felt the Master come alive in my consciousness. That’s his divine power.
3 reviews
July 28, 2021
A well-trodden path is easy to follow for anyone!

These silent spiritual householders who have achieved the highest Truth of human life are sure to show you the path to that one Reality and how to get there
15 reviews
April 17, 2025
A very good book to enhance your spiritual knowledge.
Profile Image for Mataji.
4 reviews
August 3, 2012
Sannyasini GauriMata Puri Devi "is not" a "lay disciple" of Sri Ramakrishna as Swami Chetananda professes in his book. This is false and untrue, in accordance with the archives and books published by Sri Saradeshwari Ashram. The book "Saradeshwari in a Glance" written by President Mataji Vandana Puri Devi, direct monastic diciple of Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi and President of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram speaks and writes the "truth". This book is available at www.motherstrust.org. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi "is" a "Monastic Disciple of Sri Ramakrishna" and Founder of the oldest womens convent Sri Saradeshwari Ashram in Kolkatta India established in 1895, in the direct lineage of Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi. The "Saradeshwari Ashram Kolkatta, India" is Headquarters to Mothers Trust Mothers Place, Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram in Ganges, MI USA. Sri Ramakrishna, the prophet of Dakshineswar, was born in 1836. To him, love of God and realization of the Divine was found manifesting in his life partner Sri Sarada Devi, who he worshipped as the Holy Mother. While Gauri Ma was living with Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother at Dakshineswar; Sri Ramakrishna gave Gauri Ma the ocher robes of a Sannyasini (nun), and made arrangements for the accompanying rituals of sannyas. Sri Ramakrishna himself offered a bilva leaf into the homa fire. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi was the only woman monastic disciple, that was given her formal vows during Sri Ramakrishna s life time. In 1895 commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna, Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi founded the oldest Womens Math (convent), Sri Saradeshwari Ashram, in Kolkatta, India. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and in 1901, the Ramakrishna Math. In 1954, Trustees of the Ramakrishna Math funded and started the second womens math (convent), Sarada Math. Sri Ramakrishna was a mighty spring, his disciples so many powerful streams carrying his universal message forward. Mothers Trust/Mothers Place, also known as Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram, Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges, MI., USA is an affiliated branch of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram where the nuns take their final vows of Sannyas from the oldest womens convent commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna. The Ramakrishna Monks and Ramakrishna/Sarada Nuns, work together as equals in their service in their mission. A Must to Read! for persons interested in Religion, Hinduism, Spirituality, Vedanta, Philosophy, Comparative Religions and Women Studies. For photos and archives view www.motherstrust.org. Archives and books are presently being translated into english and published by eastern and western professionals and devotees. Sarada Ramakrishna written by Mataji Durga Ma will be available soon along with many others. For more information please contact www.motherstrust.org.

Mataji Gauribrata, President;
Mothers Trust Mothers Place,
Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram,
Lakeshore Interfaith Institute,
6676 122nd Ave., Ganges, Michigan, USA.
Phone: 616 293-6884 or Fax: 269 543-4183
www.motherstrust.org
Profile Image for Mataji.
4 reviews
July 31, 2012
Sannyasini GauriMata Puri Devi "is not" a "lay disciple" of Sri Ramakrishna as Swami Chetananda professes in his book. This is false and untrue, in accordance with the archives and books published by Sri Saradeshwari Ashram. The book "Saradeshwari in a Glance" written by President Mataji Vandana Puri Devi, direct monastic diciple of Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi and President of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram speaks and writes the "truth". This book is available at www.motherstrust.org. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi "is" a "Monastic Disciple of Sri Ramakrishna" and Founder of the oldest womens convent Sri Saradeshwari Ashram in Kolkatta India established in 1895, in the direct lineage of Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi. The "Saradeshwari Ashram Kolkatta, India" is Headquarters to Mothers Trust Mothers Place, Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram in Ganges, MI USA. Sri Ramakrishna, the prophet of Dakshineswar, was born in 1836. To him, love of God and realization of the Divine was found manifesting in his life partner Sri Sarada Devi, who he worshipped as the Holy Mother. While Gauri Ma was living with Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother at Dakshineswar; Sri Ramakrishna gave Gauri Ma the ocher robes of a Sannyasini (nun), and made arrangements for the accompanying rituals of sannyas. Sri Ramakrishna himself offered a bilva leaf into the homa fire. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi was the only woman monastic disciple, that was given her formal vows during Sri Ramakrishna s life time. In 1895 commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna, Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi founded the oldest Womens Math (convent), Sri Saradeshwari Ashram, in Kolkatta, India. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and in 1901, the Ramakrishna Math. In 1954, Trustees of the Ramakrishna Math funded and started the second womens math (convent), Sarada Math. Sri Ramakrishna was a mighty spring, his disciples so many powerful streams carrying his universal message forward. Mothers Trust/Mothers Place, also known as Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram, Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges, MI., USA is an affiliated branch of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram where the nuns take their final vows of Sannyas from the oldest womens convent commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna. The Ramakrishna Monks and Ramakrishna/Sarada Nuns, work together as equals in their service in their mission. A Must to Read! for persons interested in Religion, Hinduism, Spirituality, Vedanta, Philosophy, Comparative Religions and Women Studies. For photos and archives view www.motherstrust.org. Archives and books are presently being translated into english and published by eastern and western professionals and devotees. Sarada Ramakrishna written by Mataji Durga Ma will be available soon along with many others. For more information please contact www.motherstrust.org.

Mataji Gauribrata, President;
Mothers Trust Mothers Place,
Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram,
Lakeshore Interfaith Institute,
6676 122nd Ave., Ganges, Michigan, USA.
Phone: 616 293-6884 or Fax: 269 543-4183
www.motherstrust.org(less)
Profile Image for Mataji.
4 reviews
August 3, 2012
Sannyasini GauriMata Puri Devi "is not" a "lay disciple" of Sri Ramakrishna as Swami Chetananda professes in his book. This is false and untrue, in accordance with the archives and books published by Sri Saradeshwari Ashram. The book "Saradeshwari in a Glance" written by President Mataji Vandana Puri Devi, direct monastic diciple of Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi and President of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram speaks and writes the "truth". This book is available at www.motherstrust.org. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi "is" a "Monastic Disciple of Sri Ramakrishna" and Founder of the oldest womens convent Sri Saradeshwari Ashram in Kolkatta India established in 1895, in the direct lineage of Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi. The "Saradeshwari Ashram Kolkatta, India" is Headquarters to Mothers Trust Mothers Place, Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram in Ganges, MI USA. Sri Ramakrishna, the prophet of Dakshineswar, was born in 1836. To him, love of God and realization of the Divine was found manifesting in his life partner Sri Sarada Devi, who he worshipped as the Holy Mother. While Gauri Ma was living with Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother at Dakshineswar; Sri Ramakrishna gave Gauri Ma the ocher robes of a Sannyasini (nun), and made arrangements for the accompanying rituals of sannyas. Sri Ramakrishna himself offered a bilva leaf into the homa fire. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi was the only woman monastic disciple, that was given her formal vows during Sri Ramakrishna s life time. In 1895 commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna, Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi founded the oldest Womens Math (convent), Sri Saradeshwari Ashram, in Kolkatta, India. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and in 1901, the Ramakrishna Math. In 1954, Trustees of the Ramakrishna Math funded and started the second womens math (convent), Sarada Math. Sri Ramakrishna was a mighty spring, his disciples so many powerful streams carrying his universal message forward. Mothers Trust/Mothers Place, also known as Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram, Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges, MI., USA is an affiliated branch of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram where the nuns take their final vows of Sannyas from the oldest womens convent commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna. The Ramakrishna Monks and Ramakrishna/Sarada Nuns, work together as equals in their service in their mission. A Must to Read! for persons interested in Religion, Hinduism, Spirituality, Vedanta, Philosophy, Comparative Religions and Women Studies. For photos and archives view www.motherstrust.org. Archives and books are presently being translated into english and published by eastern and western professionals and devotees. Sarada Ramakrishna written by Mataji Durga Ma will be available soon along with many others. For more information please contact www.motherstrust.org.

Mataji Gauribrata, President;
Mothers Trust Mothers Place,
Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram,
Lakeshore Interfaith Institute,
6676 122nd Ave., Ganges, Michigan, USA.
Phone: 616 293-6884 or Fax: 269 543-4183
www.motherstrust.org(less)
2 reviews
December 6, 2010
Mataji Gauribrata, President Mothers Trust, Ganges, MI., USA: Swami Chetananda's book, refers to Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi as a lay disciple, and I quote; "They Lived With God brings to life the biographies of Ramakrishna's lay disciples". Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri is a monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the founder of the oldest womens convent in the direct lineage of Sri Ramakrishna, established in 1895, known as the Sri Saradeshwari Ashram in Kolkatta, India. Please read a review from: Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi (Paperback) A Monastic Disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. Sri Ramakrishna, the prophet of Dakshineswar, was born in 1836. To him, love of God and realization of the Divine was found manifesting in his life partner Sri Sarada Devi, who he worshipped as the Holy Mother. While Gauri Ma was living with Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother at Dakshineswar, Sri Ramakrishna gave Gauri Ma the ocher robes of a Sannyasini (nun), and made arrangements for the accompanying rituals of sannyas. Sri Ramakrishna himself offered a bilva leaf into the homa fire. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi was the only woman monastic disciple, that was given her formal vows during Sri Ramakrishna's life time. In 1895 commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna, Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi founded the oldest Womens Math (convent), Sri Saradeshwari Ashram, in Kolkatta, India. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and in 1901, the Ramakrishna Math. In 1954, Trustees of the Ramakrishna Math funded and started the second womens math (convent), Sarada Math. Sri Ramakrishna was a mighty spring, his disciples so many powerful streams carrying his universal message forward. Mothers Trust/Mothers Place, also known as Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram, Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges, MI., USA is an affiliated branch of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram where the nuns take their final vows of Sannyas from the "oldest" womens convent commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna. The Ramakrishna Monks and Ramakrishna/Sarada Nuns, work together as equals in their service in their mission. A Must to Read! for persons interested in Religion, Hinduism, Spirituality, Vedanta, Philosophy, Comparative Religions and Women Studies. For photos and archives view our website [...] Mataji Gauribrata, President; Mothers Trust Mothers Place, Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram, Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges, Michigan, USA.
Profile Image for Amarjyoti.
Author 7 books3 followers
June 1, 2008
A beautiful window seat. It feels like one almost is silently sitting, wonder-eyed as the disciples recount their stories and their experiences of a man who was God. Beautiful and enriching account. Swami Vivekananda, the famous Indian ascetic, was his disciple.
Profile Image for Ritumbhara Ashish Iyer.
42 reviews26 followers
January 30, 2019
An awesome book with inspiring life stories of Sri Ramakrishna's disciples - their devotion towards him, great deeds performed by them and the way their lives were influenced by the guru.
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