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Since 1968, Swami Paramatmananda Puri has lived the life of a renunciate in India, moving there at the age of nineteen, to imbibe the spiritual essence of that great and ancient culture. It has been his good fortune to have kept the company of many saints and sages over the years, culminating in his meeting with his Guru, Mata Amritanandamayi, in 1979. As one of her senior disciples, he was eventually asked to return to the U.S. to serve as head of the first ashram in the West, the Mata Amritanandamayi Center, where he remained in residence from 1990 till 2001. Many residents and visitors to the Center have shared that one of the high points in programs there have been Swami’s talks, encompassing his experiences in India, his understanding of scriptural texts, and his life on the spiritual path. With wit and humor, he has synthesized East and West and created a forum for spiritual learning for people from all walks of life. Originally available only on tape, his talks have now been transcribed, with his speaking style preserved as much as possible, making these volumes a treasury of wisdom for years to come.

This book has been written on the insistence of a few fellow seekers who felt that my life and experiences with some of the real sages of India over the past twenty-eight years would be interesting and useful to other aspirants on the spiritual path. On hearing their request, I was immediately reminded of the words of one of those saints who told me that only a Self-Realized Soul should write a book on spirituality. If an ignorant person (one who has not realized the Truth) should do so, he would only fall into the trap of egoism and have a spiritual downfall. I told the same to these well-wishers who, however, persisted in their requests. At last I told them that if my spiritual Master, Mata Amritanandamayi, should tell me to write a book, only then would I do it, knowing that Her
Grace would protect and guide me. After these friends had approached and spoken to Her, She told me that I should write the book as a service to other aspirants. Though this book takes the form of an autobiography, its sole purpose is to bring out the greatness and methods of teaching of the mahatmas (sages) of India. If one feels inspired to seek their holy company and get the wonderful fruits thereof after reading it, then it has more than fulfilled its purpose.

 

Is a rare and revealing account of a young Westerner’s thirty-two year heartfelt spiritual journey in modern India. Told with innocence, wry humor and genuine insight, this unusual story narrates the archetypal quest for spiritual realization, the trials of personal transformation, and life under the guidance of one of India’s greatest contemporary Masters, Ammachi (Matamritanandamayi).
This book takes up the thread where volume one left off, and will illumine and inspire seekers to deepen their commitment to the values of love, wisdom and selfless service to humanity. See completetradesman for more info.