Jnaneshvar: The Life and Works of the Celebrated 13th Century Indian Mystic-Poet (Classics of Mystical Literature Series) [Paperback]

Swami Abhayananda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1997 | Series: Classics of Mystical Literature Series

the most important and influential of the medieval Maharashtran saints is presented vividly in this excellent biography and collection of translated works. Included in their entirety are Letter To Changadev

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A vivid biorgraphy and rare collection of the translated works of Jnaneshvar Maharaj, one of the most important and influential of the medieval Maharashtran mystic poet-saints. Includes complete translations of Amritanubhav, The Nectar of Self-Awareness; Haripatha, Sing The Name of Hari; and Changadev Pasashti, Letter To Changadev.

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Atma Books (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0914557025
• ISBN-13: 978-0914557029
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,324,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born Stan Trout on August 14, 1938 in Indianapolis, Indiana. I was graced by God's vision in 1966 at the age of twenty-eight. A few years later, I met a holy man called Swami Muktananda, and I journeyed to India to live with him and to learn from him. After some time, he invited me to join the spiritual Order of sannyasa, and gave me the name "Swami Abhayananda", which means 'the bliss of fearlessness.' I have kept that spiritual name ever since, though I eventually parted with Swami Muktananda and his organization.

My focus has always been on God and His revelation, and my writings reflect that focus. I am not hindered by organizational ties or religious affiliation, and so the scope of my vision and my philosophy is universal, embracing the mystical traditions of both East and West. Today, I live a simple, solitary life, devoted to meditation on God and the sharing of His truth. It is my sincere wish that God may bless you as He has blessed me.

Please see my latest book, Mystical Theology, presenting a comprehensive and reasoned theology that accurately reflects the mystic's vision and is at the same time compatible with current scientific evidence. Available on the Kindle.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fine poetic translation of a Marathi classic., June 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Jnaneshvar: The Life and Works of the Celebrated 13th Century Indian Mystic-Poet (Classics of Mystical Literature Series) (Paperback)

Swami Abhayananda has used his ability to write simply and clearly in English to produce a version of some of this great mystic's writings (most notably, "Anubhavamrita") which are faithful to both the beauty and the truth of the original texts. Jnaneshwar writes of this great truth from his direct experience and it is clear that this particular translator himself well knows what Jnaneshwar is talking about. Another translation of the "Anubhavamrita (Experience of Immortality)", by Ramesh S. Balsekar, is not so well done from an artistic standpoint, but is still quite valuable for its enlightening commentary.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book., December 30, 2006

By 

Jerry Katz "Nonduality.com" (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jnaneshvar: The Life and Works of the Celebrated 13th Century Indian Mystic-Poet (Classics of Mystical Literature Series) (Paperback)

Swami Abhayananda has gifted us with an in-depth look at the life and times and the rare poetry of Jnaneshvar, the thirteenth century Indian mystic-poet. This is nonduality at its most poetic:

These two are the only ones
Who dwell in this home called the universe.
When the Master of the house sleeps,
The Mistress stays awake,
And performs the functions of both.

When He awakes, the whole house disappears,
And nothing at all is left.

Two lutes: one note.
Two flowers: one fragrance.
Two lamps: one light.

Two lips: one word.
Two eyes: one sight.
These two: one universe.

Half the book tells of the life of Jnaneshvar. Years, names, and maps are based on historical fact (and supported by a bibliography). The details are freshened and brought to life by the incorporation of dramatic elements reserved for historical fiction.

If you love the poetry of Rumi, the intensity of Ibn 'Arabi, the backdrop of fine storytelling (this could be a movie), you must read this great book. [...]

Jerry Katz