By God's Grace: The Life and Teachings of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati

Description

In this absorbing portrait, American-born author Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati weaves a breathtaking tapestry of exotic journeys, meetings with remarkable people, and practical wisdom from the extraordinary life of a renowned Indian spiritual leader, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati. The prodigal variety of stories ranges from evocations in a glass of milk to impossible constructions at the mountainous summit of the world, from cacophonous urban battlefields to silent forest retreats-an impassioned life, a one-man civilization drawn in bold strokes and bright colors. Here is a journey of the enlightened life to be cherished again and again. Practical wisdom, a connection to the Divine, and global action-these are the traits of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati that have made him one of India's most renowned and beloved spiritual teachers. This commemorative volume celebrates his sixty years of devotional service to humanity, the environment, and the Supreme. The book traces Pujya Swami's journey from childhood in the jungles of India to the company of world leaders, from Himalayan villages to the podiums of the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and other venues of global change. His projects are unprecedented, including a cleanup of the 1,560-mile-long Ganges River and a six-million-word encyclopedia of Hinduism. Swamiji's teachings are profoundly simple, frequently wrapped in humor and applicable to all. Elaborately illustrated, this is a fascinating portrait of the life, achievements, and teachings of an acclaimed spiritual pioneer.

American-born Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, PhD, moved to India in 1996. A graduate of Stanford University, she was ordained by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, president of one of the largest interfaith institutions in India, into the tradition of sanyas and lives at the Parmarth Niketan ashram in Rishikesh, where she leads a variety of humanitarian projects, teaches meditation, gives spiritual discourses, and counsels individuals and families. One of the world's preeminent spiritual leaders, Saraswati is the author of four previous books on spirituality, and is also well known as a writer, speaker, and activist. She serves on several committees (within the United Nations and World Bank) for international charity and economic development and is a member of the Transformational Leadership Council as well as the director of the International Yoga Festival. She lives in Rishikesh, India, and travels and lectures regularly in the US, UK, Europe, and Canada.