Prandhan Jivan Kunj Bihari  (Paperback, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj)

Over ten discourses in 1981, Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj explained how and why an individual soul should forcibly accept God above all else. Using perfect worldly analogies and scriptural events, Kripalu Ji Maharaj delineates spirituality and the meaning of devotion and meditation in a very captivating way. His narrative is free flowing, almost conversational, making this text both admirable and unique. Kripaluji begins by discussing the answer to the question confronting every seeker at the outset of his spiritual awakening: who am I and who is mine? From there, he guides readers through the six philosophical systems of Hinduism, referring to several prominent Western philosophers on the way. He explains the pitfalls of ego and proves the indispensability of its opposite: humility. What is love, what is the pursuit of happiness about, and who is the true beloved and lover? What is the role of the spiritual master and the aspirant’s duty of servitude? What is the nature of surrender, desire, and devotion? What are the distinguishing characteristics of a genuine Saint and the nature of selfless love? All this and more is discussed so informally and so lucidly that even a newcomer to spirituality will derive tremendous benefit.