Sadhu Beware

This book offers insight, inspiration and practical advice for the greatest adventure in the world: the inner journey.

A monk foretells a king's death. A venomous snake pays a price for non-violence. A sage is in a dilemma over his compassion for animals. A cobbler remembers his past life. Why does a blind man come to see his lord? A monkey drives a scientist out of his laboratory...this is a random compilation of thirty-one tales, anecdotes and experiences that intrigue, enthral, amuse and make us ponder. These tales from the Puranas, folklores and the epics, from the lucid allegories of Sri Ramakrishna to the revealing experiences of Swami Paramananda, provide deep insights and glimpses of elusive truths beyond the layers of mundane reality. They dabble with unresolved questions of life, like the conflict between free will and destiny, effort and surrender. A few explore the concepts of time and dimensions, prejudices and insecurities while others are about love and faith. Bereft of fuss the tales are told with simplicity and wit. They entertain and startle, but above all, they make us reflect and rejoice.

In almost every page of Beware the Witch, something supernatural happens. Dont be concerned if you dont believe in the supernatural. Just suspend your disbelief and go along with the ride. This novel is meant to be a roller coaster, not an exhibit. The goal is to thrill, excite, amaze, and maybe even get you to cry out in horror or perhaps laugh. Meet the three main characters. The witch is a spectacularly beautiful, hypnotically alluring, powerful, vengeful, and very dangerous woman with dark and destructive secrets. The man with six forms of ESP is the hero. At first, he is drawn to the witch. However, he later decides that he must kill her because he wants to prevent his new love from succumbing to the temptation of becoming a witch and giving allegiance to His Satanic Majesty. This new love interest is caught between her fascination with both witchcraft and sensuality and her drive to do no harm to herself or others. She dislikes her humdrum, repetitious, not-very-sober life. Then again, you cant simply flirt with powerful forces. You need to be in or out, committed or not. You must choose one or the other: God or the devil.

An inspiring message for all humanity from one of India’s most beloved spiritual teachers If Sri Ramakrishna was a leaping flame of spiritual realization, Holy Mother was a steady glowing fire of God-consciousness. To the Master, Sri Ramakrishna, she was the goddess of wisdom in human form. To her disciples she was the Divine Mother herself. To her devotees she was a more real mother than their own earthly mother. To the seekers of truth she was the final word, and to sinners she was the last refuge. —from the Introduction The year 2003 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sri Sarada Devi, the wife and spiritual companion of Sri Ramakrishna. Known affectionately in India and throughout the world as the Holy Mother, she was a rare combination of human and divine qualities, and is an inspiration today to millions who seek spiritual fulfillment. The first American edition of the conversations and teachings of the Holy Mother as recorded by her disciples, both lay and monastic, this fascinating collection brings to life the Holy Mother’s teachings on human affliction, self-control, and peace in ways both personal and profound. It illuminates her role as the power, scripture, joy, and guiding spirit of the Ramakrishna Order and clearly captures her unyielding devotion to God that earned her a reputation as a steady glowing fire of God-consciousness. Translated from the original Bengali by Swami Nikhilananda, a direct disciple of the Holy Mother, these inspiring and detailed conversations offer new insight into the daily life of this endearing and beloved spiritual personality and her message of compassion that continues to influence her devotees in India and throughout the world.

This book is a compilation of the teachings of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi collected from various sources. The teachings, grouped under suitable headings, present a clear, detailed guidance for spiritual living leading to God-realisation. The teachings, issuing forth from her own holy life, will help the readers derive inspiration, guidance and solace and help them progress in their spiritual lives.

For Beginning and Experienced Yogis Alike Both instructive and inspiring, Kriya Yoga: Spiritual Awakening for the New Age can be the spark showing the aspiring devotee both how and why to take up the lifelong practice of Kriya Yoga. Learn the pitfalls to look out for along the way, and how to reach ultimate success on your journey to Self-realization. Simultaneously, this book is a roadmap for the already practicing Kriya Yogi. Through real-life stories from longtime Kriyabans, learn those attitudes and practices that can help or hinder your progress on the spiritual path. “I wasn’t sent to the West by Christ and the great masters of India,” Paramhansa Yogananda often told his audiences, “to dogmatize you with a new theology. Jesus himself asked Babaji to send someone here to teach you the science of Kriya Yoga, that people might learn how to commune with God directly. I want to help you toward the attainment of actual experience of Him, through your daily practice of Kriya Yoga.” He added, “The time for knowing God has come!” Nayaswami Devarshi is a longtime Ananda minister and Kriyacharya (authorized Kriya Yoga teacher). He lives in India, leading Ananda’s monastery and serving as the director of Ananda’s global Kriya Yoga Sangha. Devarshi works with those taking Kriya Yoga for the first time, and counsels experienced practitioners. He prepares devotees to receive Kriya Yoga and conducts Kriya Initiations around the world.

This powerful collection of spiritual writings will change your life by guiding you through inspiration and new perspectives for facing life’s challenges and living a life in joy. Drawing from the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the classic Autobiography of a Yogi), “Touch of Joy” shares practical tools, instructive stories, and right attitudes to help you learn to tap the wellsprings of joy within you. Joy is an aspect of God, and is at the heart of our own soul nature. It is not to be found in outer fulfillments or gratifications, but exists without any cause. Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Yogananda and spiritual teacher of the authors, once said, “Joy is the solution, not the reward.” To learn to live with joy under all circumstances, and not to wait only until conditions are to our liking, is the secret of a happy life. Jyotish and Devi Novak are celebrated lecturers who have inspired many thousands around the world. They know from experience that these teachings can improve all aspects of life—health, business, success, creativity, marriage, family, education, and spiritual development. The authors, having studied for nearly fifty years with Swami Kriyananda, are Spiritual Directors of Ananda Worldwide and live in Nevada City, California.