This original, authentic biography of Sri Ramakrishna, written by the prominent householder disciple Ram Chandra Datta and first published in 1890, was unavailable in English translation until 2014. This new rendering, the only English translation of the unexpurgated fourth edition published during the author's lifetime (1897), contains new information about Ramakrishna and different versions of familiar stories. The author movingly narrates his transformation from worldly, amoral atheist to faithful devotee through the redeeming power of the living Avat

Of all the accounts of the life of Sri Ramakrishna, those written by his disciples who knew and lived with him are the most reliable. This book is an English translation of the Hindi book Paramahamsa Charit — a biography of the Master written by none other than Swami Vijnanananda. Paramahamsa Charit has the distinction of being the first Hindi biography of Sri Ramakrishna, as well as the only Hindi biography to be written by one of his disciples. It therefore has great historical significance. In addition to the life of Sri Ramakrishna and an early compilation of his teachings and parables, the book also contains a short biography of Swami Vijnanananda, his reminiscences of his Master, and a list of early writings on Sri Ramakrishna. Detailed notes and references further enhance the value of the book.

This is the authoritative source biography of Ramakrishna (1836-1886) based on interviews with those who knew him. It is also an interpreted description of the entire range of Ramakrishna?s spiritual disciplines and experiences, explained as much as possible in terms of reason and common empirical experience, with reference to Hindu scriptures and spiritual traditions, western philosophy, Hindu psychology, and Western religious tradition. The setting is Northeast India from 1775 to 1836. Topics include: Avatar; evolution of concept and purpose of: Bhavas (spiritual moods): Bhavamukha (mental state dwelling between the Absolute and the Relative): Brahmo Samaj: Cosmic Mind: Creation and Evolution; Brahman as efficient cause: God; various concepts and spiritual attitudes towards: Guru: India; its spiritual and religious beliefs compared to other countries: Kali Temple at Dakshineswar: Nondual Reality (Advaita): Ramakrishna?s life; worship of Divine Mother; realization of God in Hindu and non-Hindu religions; marriage; disciples: Samadhi: Tantra and Vaishnava Sects; history and methods of worship: Vedanta; main schools and basis in mystic experience: Vivekananda (Narendranath Datta): Yoga.

This book is a short life and select teachings of modern Indian prophet Sri Ramakrishna whose life is a story of religion in practice that enables us to see God face to face. His life was one of constant communion with the divine. The author has presented in an original and striking way a biographical narrative of Sri Ramakrishna, interspersing it with detailed analysis of his deep spiritual states. The book, therefore, serves as an excellent interpretation of the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, for both devotees and scholars.

Sri Ramakrishna's life is a life of spirituality in practice, a sublime sonnet with a singular note of God consciousness, a summary of all that the scriptures of the world have to say, and even much more. To contain such a boundless life and personality within a few pages is certainly as audacious a task as to attempt to contain the ocean in a pot. Yet this book published by Advaita Ashrama, a Publication House of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, humbly attempts to portray his life and personality in a clear and candid style.

Pairing legend with fact, memory with history, this volume examines the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and conveys the true story of this great mystic, whose leaping flame of spiritual realization continues to influence the modern spiritual search.