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A Light to the West: The Life and Teachings of Swami Prabhavananda

(9 reviews)
  • A Light to the West - Sw. Prabhavananda
SKU: LIGHT TO

From the notes of Pravrajika Anandaprana
Edited by Pravrajika Brahmaprana

The life and private spiritual teachings of Swami Prabhavananda

  • 210 pages, US Paperback
  • 978-0874813395
$10.95
Biography and teachings of Swami Prabhavananda, fund of the Vedanta Society of Southern California.
Global Rating: 4.11 from 9 reviews Add your review of this product
Review By karen sic-cua

A Light to the West, the Life and Teachings of Sw. Prabhavananda

This is a lovely collection of memories about the activities of a dear Vedanta personality. It is as though I were hearing stories told to me about a family member, they are so honest and revealing. I get a sense of what it was like to be a monk in the Ramakrishna Mission during the early years of the 20th century. This book is a treasure!

Review By Prakash Puchooa

A must read

A book that offers useful insights into the life of a revered monk and an inspiring figure. By delving into swamiji’s life, it explores how the spiritual side of any human being is bound to undergo radical transformation with time. Swamiji’s was no different. The very last chapter is extremely valuable in understanding swamiji’s passion and enthusiasm for spiritual awakening and the very incidents that illustrated them.

Review By Bill Page

A beautiful tribute to a great soul

Two reviews on this page implied that the book was not up to snuff. That put me off so much that I almost didn’t order it. That would have been a big mistake. The book more than met my expectations; the 15 photos were an added boon. The biographical section has many lively anecdotes (who would have guessed that during the Depression Swami P was reduced to eating popcorn and milk for supper?), and the teachings section has 46 pages of inspiring insights. (Examples: “We don’t need more rules. We need more love.” “You cannot grow spiritually…unless you learn not to criticize others.” “You are on the train. Stay on it and you will reach your destination.” A wonderful tribute to an outstanding pioneer of Vedanta in the West.

Review By Kenneth Patrick

A light to the west

I did not find the book all that insightful.
It seemed to lack depth and content.
I was expecting more spiritual teachings, and it seemed more like a personal journal.

Review By Don Weise

Great new addition to my collection

I own recordings and videos of Swami as well as a few books on his life but none of them is as comprehensive as this wonderful new book. His letters in particular capture his voice and the world around him. Thank you for new insights into his life!

Review By Liz Reyna

A Wonderful Book

Swami Prabhavananda was a very successful teacher of Vedanta with widespread influence. I had the great blessing of being one of his disciples. It is now 40 years since his passing, and this wonderful book brings back so much of his personality and life to me. His deep spirituality and dedication come through so plainly. The book would be an asset to every spiritual seeker from any tradition.

Review By Barbara Lambert

A Light to the West

I loved it. It brought back the swami that I loved so much, and I felt very close to him. He was the most selfless person I have ever met, and he has changed my life forever. One can meet him in the book.

Review By Patrick

Aptly titled book

Very fun and enjoyable read. Many uplifting stories and lots of beautiful bhavas for his Guru, Swami Brahmananda. I highly recommend it.

Review By Richard Cotroneo

Modest expectations

Dear friends,
Swami Prabhavanad's writings - Eternal Companion and sermon on the Mount according to Vedanta and others - have been a great joy and treasure to me. I am forever grateful for them and Swami's teachings. I looked forward to reading this new book. The organization of material and quality of writing and "shakti" of this book is not of the same rarefied quality. A pleasant read but beware of expectations