Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna

by Ramakrishna

Tales and Parables occupy a most important place in the teachings of the saints and seers as the allegorical method of presentation, an effective way of religious instruction. Sri Ramakrishna, the spiritual teacher par excellence that he was, however, does not make any effort to make his parables obscure; the morals they convey lie on the surface. Many of his parables are drawn from ordinary domestic and social life, customary with the people who lived arround him. Thus, this collection of the parables published for the first time in separate book form will be of service to all who wish to get some acquaintance with the fundamentals of spiritual life through the interesting medium of parables and stories.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, India, Hinduism

275 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1943

About the author

Ramakrishna Paramahansa, born Gadadhar Chattopadhyay, was a famous mystic of 19th-century India. His religious school of thought led to the formation of the Ramakrishna Mission by his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda. both were influential figures in the Bengali Renaissance as well as the Hindu renaissance during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Reviews

[Sushmitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories of wisdom picked from vedas and puransas -made simple..

[Srikumar Krishna Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greatest parables of Paramahamsa.

Enjoyed reading them. Though to be honest, some of them require explanation from a Guru to understand.

A very useful companion to refer to on a daily basis.

The parables are short & sweet, just take couple of minutes to read, hence can be very easy to read one parable a day.

They range from the swami's personal experiences to tales from the mythology, all are enjoyable but at the same time very thought provoking.

A Suggestion from my end: Instead of reading it at one shot, do give time to stop, ponder & discuss with friends atleast one parable a day to understand it completely.

[Pratap · Rating 5 out of 5]

These Tales and Parables teaches you about How a man should be, the concept of spirituality, God, what is our Dharma. A must read.....

[Siddharth Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Essence of the Infinite in a Nutshell

For those seeking to navigate the vast ocean of Indian spirituality, Tales and Parables of Sri Ramakrishna serves as both a sturdy vessel and a reliable compass. This collection is more than just a book; it is a condensed compendium of wisdom that distills the highest Vedantic truths into relatable, everyday anecdotes.

While the parables are accessible on the surface, their true resonance is felt most deeply by those who have already walked alongside the Master through historical texts. To fully appreciate the context and the "divine madness" of the speaker, it is highly recommended that readers first familiarize themselves with his life through:
*Sri Ramakrishna and His Divine Play
*Sri Ramakrishna The Great Master (Sri Sri Ramakrishna Lilaprasanga)
*The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

Approaching this book with that foundational knowledge transforms it from a simple collection of stories into a treasure chest of spiritual realizations.

What makes this volume unique is the juxtaposition of its form and its weight. Sri Ramakrishna had a peerless ability to explain the most complex metaphysical concepts -the nature of Brahman, the ego, and the path of devotion—using the language of the common man.

Through mythological references and humble village anecdotes, the book offers a "light" reading experience that is simultaneously infused with profound truths. Whether it is the story of the salt doll measuring the ocean or the farmer who lost his only son, each tale serves as a mirror reflecting the reader's own spiritual journey.

Tales and Parables is an evergreen source of spiritual upliftment. Its condensed format makes it the perfect companion for daily reflection or a quick reference during moments of doubt. There is truly no end to the depth one can find within these pages; it is a spiritual manual that grows alongside the reader.

"As a toy fruit or a toy elephant reminds one of the real fruit or the living animal, so do the symbols and parables remind one of the Eternal Lord."

[Damodar Shenoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read compilation of the tales and parables of Sri Ramakrishna, some of the tales are. Really hilarious and at the same time does not fail to deliver a strong message.

[Ramesh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am booking the book online but coming another book

[Achariyananda]

I am so excite to read this book. because when we read this book, I can improve my English knowledge. this book is great as I have heard.