Yamuna Devi: A Life of Unalloyed Devotion: Part 1:Preparing an Offering of Love

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 1, Yamuna devi meets her spiritual preceptor, Srila Prabhupada, at her sister's wedding in 1966 and begins her first tentative steps in bhakti. In San Francisco she and a group of friends establish a vibrant temple and celebrate Rathayatra. Yamuna is initiated, married and begins cooking for Srila Prabhupada. She, her husband, and two other couples then travel to London and ignite the fire of Sankirtan in England. She records with George Harrison at Apple Studios and helps establish a temple in London. Her Guru's promise to take her to India is fulfilled in 1970, when she travels with the World Sankirtan Party throughout India. Despite hardships and obstacles along the path, the seed of Yamuna devi's Bhakti grows and matures into a life of unalloyed devotion.

Genres: Nonfiction, Devotional, Spirituality

1043 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2015

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book. I've been savoring this as my before-bedtime book, enjoying every bit of it. The fascinating journey of Yamuna Devi and her life of devotion. I saw her samdhi when I was in Vrindavan; learning about her in this deep level is incredible. Am excited I can continue with volume 2 now!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful insight into Prabhupada's pastimes

Yamuna Devi dasi has meticulously and lovingly inscribed her glorious association with Prabhupada. It's both sweet and instructive. After reading this book it's quite apparent that Prabhupada is not of this world and Yamuna Prabhu has followed Prabhupada back home.

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At 534 pages this is only the first part of one of the key original devotees in the 'Hare Krishna' movement. Despite being so long, the text never feels drawn out - it's really well written, and very readable, so not just for the pure devotees, but anyone with an interest in the development of ISKCON. It's also a really well designed, well presented book.

[Thomas Beek · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intimate Glympse

This book is well written. The message is sublime, of course, being about the pastimes of pure devotees, but the way in which the stories are told is expert.

[Rhhea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book made me feel so much humbled and i realized one thing what does total surrender means. If the guru says that the rope is a snake then it is a snake. That's what total surrender to guru vani means. From making kachoris for her sister's wedding to being the cook for srila prabhupada was quite a wonderful journey.Also the problems she faced for being the female disciple in a group of all male disciples and tackling problems she faced because of that and overcoming it was so empowering. Whoever came to her she just treated with care humility and motherly affection.Words aren't enough to describe how dedicated she was to her gurumaharaj. Also all salute to Tamal krishna swami maharaj he was such an iconic personality.

[Loka-Pavani Dasi]

Very inspiring book for all those who want to develop bhakti.