Customer Reviews

Radha: Diary of a Woman's Search

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Swami Radha shares with the reader her diary of the trip to India that changed her life and by extension the lives of all those who have been fortunate enough to know the Teachings of the ancient wisdom. There is Light, there is joy, there is wondering and there is delight in the reading of this story. She explains what it takes to truly undergo a profound transformation and what is required to listen to the messages that lead to knowing the purpose of our lives. I could not put the book down and have felt since I read it the power of truly knowing my own inner wisdom. The work is very articulate and very moving. She brings a sense of what it was like to journey to a land little known from the point of view of those who truly know.

I read this book at the beginning of my spiritual search, and found Swami Radha's story simple and revealing. She was no angel in the beginning, which dispelled a concept I had about what it meant to be spiritual. It also revealed how patient and understanding her guru, Swami Sivananda was with her, not expecting her to be perfect. Because of Swami Radha's devotion, her weaknesses soon fell away, allowing a strong, committed Radha to emerge. The book is a quick read that can be enjoyed with ease. Her story inspired me to continue my search, with a greater level of self-acceptance.

Inspiring, honest, and sincere this is a touching and intimate peek into the pilgrimage of Sylvia Helman. Initiated after spending only six months with her guru, she becomes Swami Sivananda Radha, one of the foremost spiritual teachers of the west! The courage and savy exhibited in her search for truth makes me glad right down to my toes. After reading this book I began my own pilgrimage which has lasted now for six years- and is the foundation for the rest of my life! A heart warming gem, truly.

"Radha" was one of the first books of Swami Radha that I had read. Its title spoke to me and I could relate to it easily, because I was myself in a process of searching.

The book is written in an easy language and yet there is depth and insight to it. What I like about the book is that it shows how much courage she had and her determination to make sense of her life. She gave up all she had in Canada in order to go to India, because her need to find the meaning and purpose of her life was so great.

I'd recomend this book to anyone who is in search for the deeper meaning to life. This is a good book to start with if one wants to go on to other books of Swami Radha, because it gives a clear background of her life.

Beautiful archival photos interspersed with the warm-hearted stories draw me into this riveting diary. The detailed quality of the narration transports me into the daily physical experiences of a privileged western woman on a spiritual search in India in the mids 1950s. The author's stories serve as an example for the reader who can feel encouraged that in spite of her struggles and doubts in her search for spiritual enlightenment she was able to access her own spiritual wisdom through her commitment to her guru. Her guru's method of teaching took her to her limits and in meeting those challenges she serves as an inspiration to the reader. It is fascinating to read about her unexplained familiarity with the ashram, her guru and the complex sacred dances, even though this was her first visit to India.

An uplifting, inspiring, enthralling diary. Recommended by Mas Vidal in Yoga Journal, I bought the book, and read the entire thing in one sitting. You will be left with an uplifted, peaceful spirit. I only wish I could have met Radha while she was still alive.

This is a great snapshot of the internal world of a spiritual transformation. Swami Radhananda gives a gripping account of a few months studying meditation in India. She is very frank with her mistakes and experiences. If you liked Autobiography of a Yogi, you will enjoy this book.

Swami Sivananda Radha was the first woman to be initiated as a Swami ever. She was also a westerner. This book has excerpts from her diary. As a woman, I've always wanted a womans perspective, specially as some of the techniques in Hatha yoga Pradipika for instance, can't be physically done as a woman. I practice Sivananda yoga and since this book is also by a disciple of Sw. Sivananda, I knew i would get teh real deal and I wasnt disappointed. One gets a very realistic view of the workings of an ashram, the relationship between guru and shishya(student) and really reinforces the need for a gurus grace and guidance to transcend the various planes one needs to. If you are a Sivananda yoga student, you will enjoy reading about Sw. Vishnu and his Hatha Yoga classes.

Nothing on practice very little insight,mostly a 6 months trip connecting with SIvananda.
What is interesting is the fact that it took place in th 1950. A very unusual trip for a woman a precursor.
Don t expect much but it is a sincere quest.

I found Swami Sivananda Radha's writings quite by "mistake" as I was exploring and learning about Bhakti yoga. I found this book of her own personal journey toward enlightenment and self-realization to be sweetly inspiring. Her unique sensibilities describe the spiritual journey, specifically, the guru-devotee relationship in a way that is uniquely feminine. This book would be appreciated by all who have felt called to the mystical/contemplative path. The only thing missing from this book is the detailed information of her experiences as a young child that demonstrated her early call to the contemplative life. I loved this book!

Lauri Lumby
Authentic Freedom Ministries
Wisconsin, USA
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