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.

"A pictorial presentation of the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) including published accounts of his life and reminiscences by students and disciples. Writers and artists influenced by Sri Ramakrishna after his death are also noted"--

It was in 1918 that Swami Apurvananda, the author of this title, first came to Belur Math. Shortly thereafter, he received initiation from Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. As a member of Ramakrishna Order, he came in contact with many direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna and other participants in Sri Ramakrishna’s divine play. He also saw many of Sri Ramakrishna’s householder devotees in different places and under different circumstances. Through his reminiscences of these spiritual luminaries and through stories of Belur Math during his time, the author provides the readers insightful glimpses into the lives of those who belonged to a divine realm. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, this title is a translation of the Bengali title ‘Devloke’ published by Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, Kolkata.

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.