The Eternal Companion: Brahmananda: His Life and Teachings: A Guidebook for Spiritual Practice
At first glance, this is a biography and teachings of Swami Brahmananda, the spiritual son of Sri Ramakrishna. Yet the book is much more than that. The teachings grow as you grow spiritually. New meanings appear that you didn't see before, important instructions are noted that now make more sense.
The book is in essence an indispensable book for spiritual aspirants that covers material you won't easily find elsewhere. The key is to re-read it on a regular basis, maybe once a year, if not more often.
We find here a treasure house of direction and inspiration.
Sample Teachings
Banish all fear and weakness. Never weaken your mind by thinking of past mistakes. Sin? Sin exists only in man's eye. In God's eye there is no sin. One glance of the divine and the sins of many many births are wiped away...
Never utter one word that would hurt another. tell the truth, but never a harsh truth...
Life is like a stream fast ebbing away. The day that is one gone can never be recalled. make the best use of your time. If you leave it till the last moment, it will be too late to cry "alas, alas."
Table of contents:
Preface
Introduction
The Life ofMaharaj
- Childhood and Early Years
- Life with Ramakrishna
- As a Young Monk
- President of the Order
- Maharaj as Guru
- Mystic Visions
- His Passing
Reminiscences
Teachings
Glossary.
For other titles by and about Swami Brahmananda, please click here
Reviews
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Featured positive reviews:
I decided to read this book after reading Christopher Isherwood's 'My Guru and His Disciple,' where he details his relationship with Swami Prabhavananda. In 'My Guru ...' Isherwood effectively portrays the depth of love and reverence that Swami Prabhavananda had toward Maharaj, the son of God. Swami Prabhavananda's love for Maharaj, his Guru, is perhaps what makes this book such a spellbinding read. The book is split up into sections about: Maharaj's life (early childhood, life with Shri Ramakrishna, monastic life, mystic visions/experiences, as president of the order, and passing), Testimonials (accounts/anecdotes from monastic and householder disciples, as well as people who were close to Maharaj in general), and finally His teachings. The last section is really what makes this book a gem. Maharaj's words drip with spiritual insight and are seeds whose meaning becomes clearer and more profound with repeated readings. I very much appreciated his emphasis on the efficacy of japa;