Ramakrishna, The Nectar of Eternal Bliss, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Ramakrishna was a 19th century saint who was instrumental in exemplifying the universality of God. The majesty of Ramakrishna’s thoughts can be summarized in a few short statements: There is One God of us all, who is called by many names in many languages. As many as there are individuals, so many are the ways of worshiping the One God. The point of religious experience is not to engage in intellectual debate, but to become submerged in the ecstasy of divine love through devotion to our path. He told stories in a simple way, but with a big meaning. This book is a compilation of community gatherings that took place across the world between 1998 and 2001.
These gatherings revolved around Shree Maa and Swamiji’s translations of Mahendra Gupta’s book, “Kathamrita”. This book contains discussions between Ramakrishna and his devotees. It is a storehouse of practical, entertaining, and applicable wisdom from the sincerity of Ramakrishna’s devotion to God.
Product Details
- Paperback: 400 pages
- Publisher: Devi Mandir Publications (February 11, 2005)
- ISBN-10: 1877795666
- ISBN-13: 978-1877795664
- Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Book Reviews of Ramakrishna, The Nectar of Eternal Bliss
By Stephen Connor (Austin, TX USA)
If you have read Swami Nikhilananda’s original translation, “Gospel of Ramakrishna,” and were moved, I highly suggest you read this book as well. As always, the question for people devoted to spiritual work is, “HOW do I apply this?” The authors have very skillfully clarified the text so our grasp of Ramakrishna’s message is more potent, more relevant, and more applicable than ever.
By Ms. Read
Riveting contemporary information combined with traditional wisdom. An excellent introduction to Sri Ramakrishna for the new seeker as well as specially “flavored” retellings of familiar favorites for the Ramakrishna devotee.
By Nanda
It started one Saturday evening with a devotee asking Shree Maa to read aloud the original Kathamrita in Bengali to the assembled gathering . Soon this became a most anticipated hour – Shree Maa reading the Bengali and her principle disciple Swami Satyananda Saraswati translating in English to those that clustered around them on the weekend evenings.
There are two parallel satsangs in the book. One that was happening around Ramakrishna and the other happening around Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Where did Ramakrishna leave off and Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati begin? It is very difficult to say – they seem to merge into one. The book has been brought to renewed life with Swami Satyananda’s translation. It is liberally annotated with Swamiji’s own brand of wisdom and humor and Shree Maa’s wise counsel. A must buy for Ramakrishna and Shree Maa devotees alike.
By sankarrukku “Sankar Viswanathan” (India)
This is the first translation of the Kathamrita after the one by Swami Nikhilananda. Swami Sathyananda Saraswati’s knowledge of the language and culture of Bengal, and the interaction with Shree MAA, the living Saint from Kamakhya, has given a new insight into the writing of M. A must read for all devotees of Sri Ramakrishna.
By Muktimaa
This book is without a doubt, one of the purest expressions of devotion ever written. Every page is filled with such nectar that it is impossible to express in just a few lines. i guarantee you, that you will experience glimpses of what it must have been like to sit at Sri Ramakrishna’s holy feet. You will ‘finish’ the book knowing that you have found a new spiritual companion to carry with you throughout your life. Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati have brought every page to life with their love, devotional wisdom and their absolute respect for Sri Ramakrishna. This book is sure to become a spiritual classic. Keep a good supply of kleenex on hand, my dears, because you will be weeping out of sheer joy and wonder!
By Ardis Jackson “Devotee of Divine Mother” (Idyllwild, CA USA)
I have read many books about Sri Ramakrishna, His Disciples and Sri Sarada Devi. Most of the books which are available in English. I just wanted to share with you how very special “Ramakrishna, The Nectar of Eternal Bliss” is.
It has an immediacy that is truly contagious. One of the reasons that it grabs you and sits you down in His Presence is because it was written by two of His greatest disciples, Shree Maa and Swamiji. With their knowledge and love of Thakur and their knowledge of Bengali, they have offered us a fresh flower from His Garland of Bliss. All of the wonderful bhajans to the Divine Mother that Ramakrishna and his disciples delighted in singing together are presented with new translations.
I love Sri Ramakrishna with my whole heart. I have since I read my first sentence describing His Divine Love. I felt “at home” in his room at Dakshineshwar. This Love, this Divine Freedom, was what I had been searching for my whole life.
Please, take the time to read this Holy Book about our Beloved Avatar. Very few books have ever been written from first hand experience with an avatar. This book is an expanded translation based on the notes taken by Ramakrishna’s disciple M.
If you want to begin to get to know Shree Maa and Swami Satyananda Saraswati, this is a wonderful way to start. Their Divine Love shines through on every page.
Your sister
By Dawn Robertson, Chicago
A nectarous book about a wondrous personality, translated and written by saints who know him intimately! It is a must-read for all spiritual seekers!
By Mahesh Dayal, California
A great book that brings us into the Divine presence of Ramakrishna Deva – it is beautiful to read and has songs that Thakur used to sing with words in English. What a joy to read!
By Roopa Mittal, Florida
Jai Thakur! Jai Maa! I loved this book – one can feel that Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is talking to us directly in the translation and the songs and conversations and explanations make it all the more enchanting!
By John Topkins, New Haven
This great translation makes the Gospel of Ramakrishna come alive – it makes me realize how practical are the teachings and how I can change my entire life just following one or two of the teachings.
By Manoj Rao, Hyderabad
Excellent book!! I am waiting for Shree Maa to make a CD with all the songs that she sings in the book! I love Swamiji’s translation – it is clear, succinct and so very relevant to our lives today.
By Stephen Connor, Austin, Texas
If you have read Swami Nikhilananda’s original translation, “Gospel of Ramakrishna,” and were moved, I highly suggest you read this book as well. As always, the question for people devoted to spiritual work is, “How do I apply this?” The authors have very skillfully clarified the text so our grasp of Ramakrishna’s message is more potent, more relevant, and more applicable than ever.