Customer Reviews

Holy Mother : Being the Life of Sri Sarada Devi, Wife of Sri Ramakrishna and Helpmate in His Mission

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This book was a surprise for me. It tells the life of Sarada Devi, Sri Ramakrishna's holy wife. I didn't think it would be interesting, but it really was. Sarada was married to Ramakrishna when she was 5; she lived with him from the beginning of her teen years, they never consummated the marriage physically though they slept in the same bed for a time. She was a saint dedicated completely to God, with purity, service and a beautiful soul beyond imagining. What makes this story so special, too, is that the writer is so gifted in telling it without tainting it in any way with his own presence or ego. Anyway, incredible story that will reinspire anyone who is world-weary. And it provides such a deep insight of the the spiritual life, culture and history of India.

I recently re-read this book after many years and was touched and inspired yet again. Sarada Devi lived the life of a devout Hindu wife in her time period, serving Ramakrishna and his disciples for years before his death, and then returning to serve her own family for many years, while still becoming a revered spiritual example and leader amongst later devotees of Ramakrishna's teachings. She achieved profound spiritual depths, and blessed many with her grace and transmission over the years, quietly and unassumingly, without any interest in fame or recognition (a trait all too rare in spiritual teachers these days it seems.)

While the limited role she is allowed to play as a woman can be difficult to accept at times, the book stands as a necessary historical record of the limitations women have historically had to accept in their spiritual journeys, within both traditional Hindu society and many others cultures as well (let's face it - most of them!) And her spiritual journey demonstrates that in spite of this women have always managed to pursue their spiritual growth, and achieved the same depths and power as men. And it is that depth and power that really makes this book an inspiring read, because her grace comes through in every page.

Great addition to your library if you are interested in the lives of realized masters. A clear and concise portrait of the wife of one of India's greatest masters. I thoroughly enjoyed this biography!

A beautiful book about a truly amazing woman. A bit of a dry read but worth it for her story.

Being familiar with Ramakrishna's teachings, I found Holy Mother to be only fairly interesting. She seemed to be in over her head, but she tried to be the ideal wife. Since the Master anointed her, she performed her role, people venerated her, and she acted like a Holy Mother. I couldn't get inspired by this woman. I'm not sure what her function was ...