Sri Ramakrishna: Life & Teachings

by Tapasyananda

This book, 'Sri Ramakrishna: Life & Teachings' interprets the short life & teachings of Modern Indian prophet Sri Ramakrishna whose life is a story of religion in practice. His life enables us to see God face to face.

158 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2012

About the author

Swami Tapasyananda (1904-1991) was a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Mission. He was a disciple of Swami Shivananda, one of the eminent disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. The Swami was a vice-president of the Ramakrishna Order from 1985-1991. He has to his credit many books in English, including the translations of many scriptures. He was the president of Ramakrishna Math, Chennai from 1971-1991. He was a prolific writer. He translated many Hindu classics into English from original Sanskrit.

Reviews

[Suvankar GRC]

To a layman, Sri Ramakrishna is primarily known by his famous 'Kathamrita'. Written in a dialogue-form for the most part, 'Kathamrita' is indeed a treasure so far as his approach to practical Vedanta is concerned, but what still remains for a reader to know is the root of this approach – the life and times of Thakur, his sadhana, and the whole gamut of his quest.

It is here that a book like this – 'Sri Ramakrishna: Life and Teachings' by Swami Tapasyananda – comes into play. Though not the only book of its kind, Tapasyananda's discourse records the historical context of the time when Thakur came, and chronologically explores the different sadhanas he undertook, and the different austerities he embraced to know the Ultimate Truth. The book is certainly not a critical account. It is more an elaboration of the seeds which Thakur had sown and the glimpses we have encountered while reading 'Kathamrita'.

Questions on Incarnation have been taken up and beautifully explained time and again. Tapasyananda places the idea of incarnation (which is a growth from within) against that of deification (an imposition from outside). Whereas deification overrule the human aspects of an incarnation and exaggerate the divine qualities within to superhuman extents (as has happened in case of our myths and legends), Sri Ramakrishna's life – may be because it is close to our times – has been fairly documented by many, where the divinity is not miraculously bestowed on the person in question, but comes as the highest form of realisation which a man is capable of. It is an inner blossoming of divinity without downplaying the humanly attributes.

Anyone who is willing to get initiated to Thakur's path may find this book to be extremely useful.

[T BANERJEE]

Much more than only a biography

This is one of the best biographies of the great master. It is not just a mere collection of events in the life of Sri Ramakrishna, but rather a interpretation of the same. The extremely intricate concepts of Bhavamukha, Vijjnana and others are explained beautifully. After reading this book one can understand that it takes years of spiritual practice and deep insight born therefrom to understand the life an incarnation or a great saint.

[Rohan S. Shirodkar]

This book is a perfect introduction to Bhagwan Ramkrishna

This book serves as a nice introduction and summary of Sri Ramkrishna, its the simplicity of his words and thoughts which attracts people. To know his strength look at all his direct disciples and their works. It through him, they are able to accomplish such high goals..

[Srikumar Krishna Iyer]

Really well written.
Difficult to read like a biography, as the experiences of the Great modern day Saint is captured in detail.
One needs time to read, understand, absorb and move on, while reading the book.
Format is similar to the one on his famous disciple, Swami Vivekananda.
If you like this book, you will love the other (& vice versa).

[Damodar Shenoy]

Ok to be read once.