Ramakrishna, His Life and Sayings

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Ramakrishna, His Life and Sayings

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

F. Max Müller presents a collection of sayings and fables from Ramakrishna, a 19th-century Bengali Hindu mystic. This volume explores Vedanta philosophy, the four stages of life, and the nature of the divine Self, offering profound insights into devotion, discrimination, and spiritual liberation for readers interested in Eastern mysticism and comparative religion.

Summary up to 500 words

F. Max Müller presents *Ramakrishna, His Life and Sayings* as a corrective to Western misconceptions regarding Indian ascetics, distinguishing between exaggerated miracle stories and genuine spiritual discipline. The text defines key figures like the *Mahatman* (great-souled) and *Samnyasin* (ascetic), noting that modern practitioners often blend the traditional third and fourth stages of a Brahmin's life—retreat and complete renunciation. Müller provides a concise overview of Vedanta philosophy, central to Ramakrishna's teachings, which posits that the eternal Self (*Atman*) is unchanging and identical with ultimate reality (*Brahman*), obscured only by ignorance (*Avidya*). The work details the psychological faculties of the mind (*Manas*) and intellect (*Buddhi*), emphasizing that discrimination (*Viveka*) and dispassion (*Vairagya*) are essential for spiritual progress. The core of the book consists of Ramakrishna's sayings, which utilize vivid metaphors to convey profound truths. These teachings highlight the necessity of constant devotion in the current age, the dangers of worldly attachment, and the protective power of the Divine Mother. Müller notes that while some sayings may seem strange to Western ears due to their intimate language regarding the Divine, they reflect a deep, universal consciousness of God present even in cultures of idol worship. The book concludes by asserting that Ramakrishna's teachings, rooted in ancient Vedic wisdom, offer a path to beatitude accessible to all who seek the truth, bridging the gap between ancient philosophy and modern spiritual seekers.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion