Yamuna Devi: A Life of Unalloyed Devotion: Part 2: Offering the Gift of Bhakti to Others

by Dinatarini Devi

This illustrated memoir and biography unfolds the inspiring internal and external spiritual odyssey of Yamuna devi's devotional life recalled in her memories, talks, journals and writings, as well as the remembrances of the author and other associates and friends. It is richly supplemented with 100s of rare photos, Yamuna's calligraphic works, illustrations and art. In Part Two, Yamuna faces challenges and austerities while serving in Vrindavan. In 1974, she leaves the Krishna-Balarama Temple project and moves to Oregon with Dinatarini, to begin a women's ashram. Her beloved Deities are installed there. In the ensuing years, Yamuna and Dinatarini move extensively, each move bringing its own challenges and inspirations. In 1984, Yamuna's epic cookbook, Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking, is released to unprecedented praise. In 1998, Yamuna and Dinatarini, seeking a simpler life, move Saranagati Village to live off-the-grid in a self-built Vastu designed home. Here, Yamuna lovingly shares kirtan, classes, deity seva, and devotional inspiration. Health issues later force Yamuna to move to Florida, where she continues to inspire others in bhakti until her passing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Memoir

863 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2015

Reviews

[Nityananda Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful and captivating

I really felt that I was being benefiting by Jamuna’s Sanga by reading and hearing this memoir and biography.
The audiobook has nice recordings and book has great photos

[Duncan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. Too long - I’d already read Part One which is 550ish pages long, and this one is 440+. Unlike Part One, which describes the development of the Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON), Part Two is an account of what happened after the Guru had died, and describes in far too much depth how Yamuna wrote her cook books and her obsession with cooking, yet almost completely disregarding her deteriorating health and morbid obesity. I found the parroting of the manner and language in which the guru spoke, by the devotees interviewed, extremely repetitive. For me, the two books should have been edited into one. Unlike Part One, which I found really interesting, I think Part Two is purely for the devotees.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was so sad to finish this book. Lacking the energy of the initial point in the movement, this book shows the depth of Yamuna Devi's devotion and spiritual beliefs. Demonstrating the impact she had on so many people's lives, this book is truly beautiful and special. Loved the pics and commentary. A wonderful memoir of devotion!

[Loka-Pavani Dasi]

One of my favourtie books. Very inspiraitional.

[Lucy Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So grateful for this book