The Goddess and the Guru: A Spiritual Biography of Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati Kindle Edition

In the plethora of spiritual self-help books, Goddess and the Guru: A Spiritual Biography of Sri Amritananda Natha Saraswati stands out for its sweetness and authenticity.Michael Bowden takes us on an unforgettable journey that traces the life and teachings of Guruji, the subject of the book. And what an astonishing journey it is! As soon as we start reading, we are transported into the extraordinary world of Sri Vidya Sadhana, the ancient, somewhat secret practice centered around Shakti. The foreword by Sri Chaitanyananda (Haran Aiya) sets the pace for the rest of the book, leading us into the story by way of Aiya's experiences as Guruji's disciple. Then we are led deftly through the first few decades of Guruji's life and then, to the building of Devipuram, the unique Sri Vidya temple. The original photographs of Guruji, Amma (his wife), their family, disciples and Devipuram are a treat, along with a magnificent painting by the author of the goddess as a young girl (Bala Tripurasundari). A particularly endearing photo shows Guruji worshiping Amma as the goddess.Many other reviewers feel like this biography is quite similar in its impact as the famous Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahamsa Yogananda. I'd have to agree, with one exception. Guruji didn't start as a spiritual aspirant. Although he had profound childhood mystical experiences, he set them aside to focus on an ordinary householder life with a job, marriage and raising children. Of even greater significance is the fact that he was a scientist, known for his work in nuclear physics.Guruji eventually abandoned his position as a scientist and surrendered to his true calling - being the medium of the goddess. Although it may seem like the book is about the building of Devipuram, it is much more than that. At every step of the way, the goddess shows Guruji (and through him, us) how things really work - her way. From the innumerable challenges of building, maintaining and expanding the temple, overseeing its operations and the rebuilding following the cyclone, each episode is a shining example of living a surrendered life.This story needs to be told and heard for many reasons. Not only is it a biography that is splendidly awe-inspiring, but also speaks immensely about the richness of a sadhana-centered life, even in the midst of the often mundane hustle and bustle of a householder life. Not only does Guruji build a temple for worship of his beloved Devi, but also for the social, economic, cultural and educational improvement of the communities around it.For me, this book evoked, first and foremost, a deep sense of sadness from not having met Guruji. The tears didn't arise only from sadness - they flowed also from being touched deeply by the sweetness the pages emanate. His own evolution as a Sri Vidya upasaka (practitioner) is marvelous to withhold, where his visions and experiences change over time from what he calls "becoming" to "being." Through it all, there is a sense that he was grounded in a sense of wonder about the world, the people he met, the universe, and most of all, the goddess.While this book is a must-read for every Sri Vidya upasaka, I'd say anyone on the spiritual path would benefit greatly from it. It is one of those books that we can return to again and again, to pull us up when we are in the low-tide phase of sadhana (as we most certainly will find ourselves at times) and at other times, to inspire us to seek out the immense possibilities of opening to divine grace.

This is one of those books that you read and it feels like you have come home. I joined Shaki Sadhana when it was online when I was a young teenager. As I grew older I drifted away and became mired in Indra's web. It has been a rewarding experience so far.To come and find this book, the timing was just right, due to Mother Kali's grace. I feel the blessings pouring out of this book! Thank you!

The Goddess and the Guru is a wonderful biography of a fascinating man! It is beautifully written, scrupulously researched, gorgeously presented, and compellingly narrated. Michael Bowden not only captures the personal history of Sri Amritananda and his family but also the historical and cultural context of the moment in which this spiritual revolutionary democratized tantra by making it available to members of all castes, nationalities, and religions. The Goddess and the Guru does for modern tantra what The Autobiography of a Yogi did for meditation and yoga -- it provides a vibrant example of the possibility of liberation for anyone willing to follow the path of devotion. Spiritual biographies don't get any better than that! Michael Bowden has truly achieved something special!

An Amazing book giving some insights to the unexplored terrains. Beautifully written by Michael after an extensive research and discussions with several contacts of Guruji. I am sure you will feel like you were with Guruji throughout his journey and finally leaving some thoughts to find answers within you.

Compelling story of a modern Hindu master who really strived to share his knowledge, democratize access, and reach one and all

An amazing read. Flows and reads effortlessly. For anyone interested in learning about the Sri Vidya tradition in its most resplendent form. GURUJIS life and stories are an essential guide post and map. Mike did an awesome job portraying the stories in its true form and in spirit of Guriji's teachings. A real blessing from Mother to read and enjoy...

Beautifully written, inspiring story! And the pictures and formatting of the book are wonderful--worthy of any display shelf or coffee table.

This is for all the Devi bhaktas. This is to those who seek the Devi in everything and everyone. I wish this will enhance both your spiritual and material lives.Om Jai Maa Tara.... Om Jai Maa Kamakhya