The Gospel Of Shri Anandamayi Ma Volume 1: Conversations With The Divine Mother

The Harvard Divinity School archives contain a wealth of audio recordings of Sri Ma Anandamayi's talks in Hindi, which so far have not been available to non-Hindi speakers. This book brings those precious words right to the eyes of the English-speaking world, without the intervention of the listener's memory and subsequent recording. Years of painstaking work bring to us Sri Ma's words just as they were spoken. They are a genuine record of the wisdom that came from her lips to help guide those whose goal in life is to find the truth of their existence. The translations were authenticated by a native Bengali speaker and a Sanskrit expert. I have been involved with working with these tapes for some years, from the Harvard Divinity School Hollis website, many of which are of 45 mins duration. These recordings are meticulously listed on their website, and the links to the recordings given in the books. This publication is of a quality one would expect from someone who has obtained their doctorate at Harvard on the subject.

Anandamayi Ma is just the most wonderful saint and so full of wisdom. What a great book.

I love this book. I find volume one of The Gospel of Anandamayi Ma, to be both a joy and an inspiration. The translation and transcription of the recordings of Anandamayi Ma’s satsangs is so well done. The talks and conversations read very naturally and make me feel like I am there in the room with Her. I loved that the editor noted the frequent laughter of Ma and the attendees, further adding to feeling Ma’s presence as I read. The introduction sets the stage for reading Ma’s words beautifully. It feels like the information about how Ma used language is a little window into Her personality. There is also information about the Sanskrit and Hindi languages that are an integral part of Her expression that I found very helpful. It was so illuminating to read her talking one minute about deep and complex spiritual truths and the next minute giving simple advice to a seeker about how to get started on the path. I look forward to reading volume two next and listening to some of the recordings of Ma, for which there are links to access the archives where they are kept. I know this book is one that I will keep accessible for many years. Picking it up and just randomly re- reading a few passages always bears some gem of wisdom or inspiration.

Loved everything about this gem.

If you appreciate sitting in satsang with a God realized being in human form then you will love this.

Reading "The Gospel of Sri Anandamayi Ma", it really feels like we are in satsang with the Divine Mother. The flow of words is like the wonderful melody of Lord Krishna s flute. This book is a must read for all those who love Ma and want to know more about Her teachings. Gratitude to Lisa Prajna Hallstrom for this marvelous guru seva (service to guru) Jai Ma 🙏

The Gospel of Shri Anandamayi Ma is a gift to humanity. What an affirming experience it is to read these beautiful translations of Ma's satsangs! I am inspired on so many levels: As a curious explorer of various faiths and traditions I am heartened by Ma's wisdom, guidance and invitations. As a Canadian woman of Indian descent these teachings make me even more proud of my ancestral heritage. As a writer I am deeply grateful to Lisa Prajna Hallstrom, Satya Pal Sharma and Jaya Sanyal Bandyopadhaya for the labour of love they have undertaken to bring Ma to those of us who do not speak Ma's languages of Hindi and Bengali. As a student I am in awe of what it must have taken for Hallstrom to add just the right amount of explanation - not overexplaining yet giving us just what we need as English-speakers to take in the essence of Ma's messages for humanity. It's hard to put this into words but I will try: As I read this book I began to be able to hear Ma's voice speaking to me. (Now, I realize the audio files are available, but at the time of writing this review I have not yet listened to them.) There is something about the way this book has been brought into being that for me is transmitting Ma's voice in words, sounds and energy transmission that is palpable, powerful and brings me to tears. Thank you Lisa Prajna Hallstrom, for the immense contribution to humanity that YOU are making by bringing Anandamayi Ma to me/us. I bow to you. Jai Ma!