The Graceful Guru: Hindu Female Gurus in India and the United States

Notes: Sri Ramakrishna, the prophet of Dakshineswar, was born in 1836. To him, love of God and realization of the Divine was found manifesting in his life partner Sri Sarada Devi, who he worshipped as the Holy Mother. While Gauri Ma was living with Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother at Dakshineswar; Sri Ramakrishna gave Gauri Ma the ocher robes of a Sannyasini (nun), and made arrangements for the accompanying rituals of sannyas. Sri Ramakrishna himself offered a bilva leaf into the homa fire. Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi was the only woman monastic disciple, that was given her formal vows during Sri Ramakrishna's life time. In 1895 commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna, Sannyasini Gauri Mata Puri Devi founded the oldest Womens Math (convent), Sri Saradeshwari Ashram, in Kolkatta, India. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and in 1901, the Ramakrishna Math. In 1954, Trustees of the Ramakrishna Math funded and started the second womens math (convent), Sarada Math. Sri Ramakrishna was a mighty spring, his disciples so many powerful streams carrying his universal message forward. Mothers Trust/Mothers Place, also known as Ramakrishna Sarada Ashram, Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges, MI., USA is an affiliated branch of Sri Saradeshwari Ashram where the nuns take their final vows of Sannyas from the "oldest" womens convent commissioned by Sri Ramakrishna. The Ramakrishna Monks and Ramakrishna/Sarada Nuns, work together as equals in their service in their mission. A Must to Read! for persons interested in Religion, Hinduism, Vedanta, Philosophy and Comparative Religion. (For photos and archives please view:) [...]Mataji Gauribrata Puri Devi, PresidentMothers Trust/Mothers PlaceRamakrishna Sarada AshramLakeshore Interfaith Institute, Ganges, MI., USA

As a woman on the spiritual Yoga path, I am delighted with this never before seen collection of articles. I am gleaning more information than ever before from personal stories, experiences and point of view pertaining to God within a woman's body. You want this book.

This book is a blessing to those interested in a scholarly yet exciting study on several influential Modern Female Gurus from India and their impact in both India and The US. This book has a well written and comprehensive approach to this subject, and is a wonderful academic contribution to the field of South Asian studies and Women's Studies. WOW! Thank You! JAI MA!Aum Amriteshvaryai Namah!