Ramakrishna and Christ: The Supermystics

by Paul Hourihan

This compelling in-depth study compares the lives and teachings of Ramakrishna, the great saint of 19th century India, and Jesus Christ, the avatar of the West. It enables us to grasp the uniqueness and universal character of both of these supreme figures in each of two vast religious traditions. With the detailed information available, Dr. Hourihan covers Ramakrishna's life from his unique childhood to his remarkable marriage and beyond. He guides us through his extraordinary struggle for ever-deepening levels of God-realization far transcending our earthbound imaginings. Ramakrishna's life is very relevant to our times since it manifests the idea of unity and truth more than any we know of. "Truth is sages call it by various names," and "as many faiths, so many paths," were two of his declarations, discovered through direct personal experience. A significant part of the book is devoted to an interpretation of Christ's life as seen from the viewpoint of India's yoga traditions. "Ramakrishna and Christ, The Supermystics" is a timely work that provides a much-needed unifying message of the truth that forms the basis of all enduring faiths. Winner of the Best Spiritual Book Award for 2002-2003 from the Northern California Publishers & Authors (formerly Sacramento Publishers & Authors Association).

212 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2002

Reviews

[Simeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In reading Ramakrishna and Christ, The Supermystics, I have been impressed by Mr. Hourihan’s in-depth knowledge of things related to Sri Ramakrishna, and the thought he has put into his analysis of the importance of the events of Sri Ramakrishna’s life. Having been to many of the places written about in the book, Paul’s book brings the memory of them vividly to mind. This is not a life of Sri Ramakrishna, but rather draws from the hagiographical writings on Sri Ramakrishna to vividly draw lessons from the life of this great master, and those about him. He also draws parallels from the biblical accounts of the life of Jesus to show similarities of outlook between these spiritual giants.

In my opinion, the one shortcoming in this otherwise exceptional book is that Mr. Hourihan seems to have an overly emphatic protestant bias which limits his appreciation of certain biblical figures. But even here he draws important lessons.

He has done an excellent job of drawing from the biographical writings in the life of Sri Ramakrishna the lessons they might present, and is not afraid to explore new interpretations, and the fact that he looks squarely at the shortcomings of both East and West, while at the same time appreciating the good points of each, shows that he is not a mere follower of either, but wants to find out how best to apply in his life the teachings of these masters expounded both with their words and by their lives.

For those familiar with the life of Sri Ramakrishna, this book will prove a thought provoking addition to their spiritual libraries.