God Alone: The Life and Letters of a Saint

by Sri Gyanamata

"God Alone" was the motto and lifelong ideal of Sri Gyanamata, one of the most spiritually advanced disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda (the renowned author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi ). After her passing, he said, "A great saint has gone away...But she has left spiritual footprints here forever." Her letters (over a hundred of which appear in this book) reflect the luminous wisdom and pure insight of one who has truly lived for God alone. Whether writing on the ways of realizing God's presence or the right attitude toward spiritual discipline, the tests of faith or the tests of physical suffering, her words reveal the essential truth or lesson in each circumstance. To read her letters is to experience something of that clarity of vision, that unity of heart and intellect, which is known to all those who possess true wisdom but which few have put into words so compellingly. In addition to Gyanamata's letters, God Alone contains a detailed account of her life; letters written to her from Paramahansa Yogananda and others who knew her; excerpts from her personal diary; and numerous photographs. An inspiring portrait of an illumined saint of modern times, it is also a legacy of her invaluable counsel - spiritual footprints left by her for all who seek to know the meaning of life and the reality of God's love.

Genres: Spirituality

324 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1984

Reviews

[Marina Quattrocchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book of the life and letters of a women Edith D"Evelyn born in Woodbridge, Ontario. She entered into monastic life when she was 61, with Paramahansa Yogananda after her husband realized he would soon die. She was initiated into the Swami Order two years later in 1932 and given the name "Gyanamata" Mother of Wisdom. Her story is remarkable because of the many physical problems she endured with bravely and humility; migraine headaches, a heart attack, hardening of the arteries, enlargement of the heart, stoppage in the left kidney, pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal disturbances, arthritis, neuritis and crippled hands. Despite all of the physical problems she was loved and admired by everyone who came into contact with her. Even animals felt her spiritual magnetism. A young skunk took a special liking to Gyanamata and used to follow her around the garden. Much of the this book is letters she wrote to others who sought her help and encouragement, letters of love and support written to her by Yogananda, and entries from her personal diary.

[Priya Parimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life. Autobiography of an yogi is a good book but this touched my heart. I can't think of a person better than her in leading a spiritual life. So much wisdom, so much Patience, so much kindness... She is a wonderful soul and her life inspires me.

[Surya Castelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest jewels among spiritual books!

[Amirtha Shri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Definitely not my type of book. It was interesting to learn about her life- the turn of events. Her philosophies are agreeable as well. What makes me cringe is the delivery. I am sure the book will be a gem for people who dig this type of spiritual writing.