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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.

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Since 1968, Swami Paramatmananda Puri has lived the life of a renunciate in India, settling 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 since from 1990 until 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 Amma’s teachings, his experiences in India, his understanding of scriptural texts, and his life on the spiritual path. With wit and humour, 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, making these volumes a treasury of wisdom for years to come. These talks were recorded over twenty years ago. For this revised edition, Swamiji decided to rewrite the book in a more readable style.

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Samsara — the ceaseless flow of existence, characterized by the swirl of worldly life and by the cycle of birth, death and rebirth — is often likened to a sea. A seeker of Truth must crossthis vast realm of transmigration in order to attain moksha, spiritual liberation. The key to a successful crossing is ishwara kripa, God’s grace. How does one earn kripa? By clinging to God, the way a monkey clings to its mother? Or, as with a young kitten, by allowing the Divine Mother to pick one up by the scruff of one’s neck, as it were? By being both the monkey and kitten, i.e. by striving and surrendering, for they are different phases of the journey to God. Amma says as much. She defines the word ‘ashram’ (generally translated as ‘monastery’) as “aa shramam” — “that effort” (one makes to reach the spiritual goal). From this, it is clear that She endorses sadhana (spiritual striving). However, Amma time and again stresses that more than human effort, what one needs is divine grace. What exactly is grace? It is the X-factor that crowns struggle with success. It manifests as the noble impulse to do good and to turn Godward. Though intangible, kripa is palpable, as legions of devotees will affirm. This book is a testament to the waves of divine grace that have anointed their pilgrimage through life.

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