The Gospel of Ramakrishna

While the previous reviewer makes a valid point concerning the abbreviated nature of this version of The Gospel, their assessment that it is, therefore, fairly worthless is incorrect. I've version of the The Gospel has it's place and value as well. The author, the great Swami Abhedananda, a direct disciple of the Master, presents well-chosen events from the vastly longer original by M. in a powerful and highly accessible manner. The slightly different phrasing and emphasis in this rendition has opened some windows which were previously closed to me, insights which escaped me because of the language and phrasing used in the other translations. This is a marvelous version of the most important book ever written. I highly recommend it.

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is the English translation of the Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita, the conversation of the great Indian saint, Sri Ramakrishna, with his disciples, devotees and visitors, as recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who was later considered a saintly person himself, as recorded by Paramahansa Yogananda in his wonderful, Autobiography of a Yogi.This book transports the reader to another space and time, at the feet of this great Indian master, whose words are nectar for the soul of anyone seeking the truth underpinning this life.It is said that keeping the company of saints is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. The divine presence of Sri Ramakrishna is palpable in this magical book, which will penetrate the soul of the reader and lead to greater depths of love and understanding.

THE GOSPEL OF RAMAKRISHNA by "M," is a book I should have read at the beginning of my spiritual adventure, rather than at the end. It is a classic which no devotee of the Spirit should deny himself the pleasure of reading. Secularists, too, should acquaint themselves with his life and teaching, to be "in the know" about the diversity of religious thought.Bhagavan Ramakrishna has been widely regarded as an incarnation of God, both inside and outside his native India. And not without cause! "Notwithstanding His illness, hundreds of people came every day to pay reverential homage to Him. They were eager to receive His blessing and to sit in His presence if only for a few minutes; for His presence brought peace and celestial happiness in the hearts and souls of all." (The Gospel Of Ramakrishna. Kindle Locations 3648-3650).How is such an improbable phenomenon possible?Toward the end of his life, Bhagavan declared his own credentials: "He who was Râma, who was Krishna, Buddha, Christ and Chaitanya has now become Râmakrishna." (Locations 3997-3998).Such claims today meet with cynicism and ridicule. But where is the wholesome alternative the cynic offers in its place? Does his secularism instill peace and joy in other people? Has he found peace within himself, or does he live in a world of jangling confusion? What is his own testimony about his anxiety, bewilderment, and insecurity?Why not learn to see instead, as Ramakrishna did, God in all things, including each individual and the world he inhabits? (Locations 3549-3551) And which is better, to see the world as a mindless killing machine or as "the kingdom of God"? (Location 856).The way to such a vision is a well-trodden path, and there are Teachers to give comfort. The destination is defined at the outset. Through loving devotion to the chosen Ideal (Locations 2740-2741), the "I" is absorbed in God-consciousness and "oneness with the infinite." (Locations 551-552).By such means, Ramakrishna frequently fell into Samadhi (trance-absorption in the Infinite) when spiritual themes were mentioned. His own practice was devotion and communion with the Divine Mother of the Universe. Yet, he was a prophet of unlimited tolerance, insisting that all religions are paths to the Divine.It is unlikely that anyone will find a hero without a flaw. Many will agree with my objections to Ramakrishna.First, he could not accept the natural sexuality of women--or of himself. He never had sex with his wife, and he asked his devotees to look on every woman as their Divine Mother. I object to this strategy for honoring women.Second, he discouraged his devotees' work for feminism, the establishment of hospitals, and the abolition of the caste system, urging them to seek God instead. I believe he should have acknowledged the complementarity of these approaches.There remains the possibility, that few are guileless enough to hope for, that this is the itinerate Savior who returns from age to age to reawaken his own.

This is a transalation of Sri Ramakrishna's teachings from the original Bengali into English, by one of the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. The fact that the translation has been done by someone who was himself a realised soul and experienced the 'Reality One without a second' imparts even further value to this hagiographical work and imparts additional interpretive insight into Sri Ramakrishna's life in the introductory (and other) chapter(s). Highly recommended for the sincere spiritual aspirant.

Who can beat the wisdom and the truth of Sri Ramakrishna. His vision of the truth and love for God is unmatched and is far beyond the wisdom of any literate person.

This book is a translation of notes taken by a householder devotee who visited Ramakrishna from time to time. We get to learn how he lived, how he was thinking and how he interacted with his devotees. His love for others regardless of age, color or faith, his renunciation of worldly objects, his desire to uplift his devotees and his thinking and acting like an instrument of divine mother comes through very well. Very inspirational. Indeed those who were in his presence were very fortunate.

I read this book for the first time in 1970. It was standing in a bookshop among a lot of other books in discount, and there was something about it which made me buy it. I had never heard of the book, neither had I heard about Paramahansa Ramakrishna.The book has been a reference for me in times of peace and in times of trouble. Many, many times have I read a passage, a saying, and found an answer to my inner questions.Written by his disciple, Swami Abbedhananda, it describes the life and sayings of one of the two Paramahansas (Paramahansa Ramakrishna and Paramahansa Yogananda), his visions, and his keen interest and merging into all religions. A passage where Paramahansa Ramakrishna spent three days in close contact with the Holly Family is particularly touching.A true Yoga. A true Saint. A true Paramahansa.

This is a book that can be read many times, it always reads fresh and instructive.Our perception of it becomes subtler and more profound with time.I love being able to read it on my smartphone thanks to the Kindle option!

I loved this book so much ! I recomand it highly to everyone. It's full of love and wisdom !

A wonderful insight into the teachings and lifestyle of Ramakrishna. This 19th century Bengali percieved no difference between the paths of devotion (worship) and wisdom, proving that all methods of approaching ultimate reality are equally valied, so long as the seeker is dedicated with their whole heart.The manuscript was written by a devotee of Ramakrishna, and gives the reader a feel of his day to day life as well as his teachings. As one would perhaps hope, he comes across as both very ordinary and very special at the same time.There is plenty of good, practical advice, which seems suprisingly comprehensive. In a world swarming with confusing opinions, this manuscript gives a feeling of clarity, not through explaining everything but by showing that there is really nothing that needs explaining.

We all take birth to enrich our wisdom. Please decide to read this ultimately wise book. You'll reap lot many benefits.

Best book for sprituality I have ever read. Must read for those who want to read about their existence.

I read a little of this book each day & it makes me realise how much more there is in life for me to discover.