Death Must Die: A Western Woman's Life-Long Spiritual Quest in India with Shree Anandamayee Ma

by Atmananda (Editor), Ram Alexander

From the back "Death Must Die" gives an intimate first-hand account of a woman's spiritual quest in close association with several of India's greatest modern saints. Unfolding against the backdrop of Banaras in the 1940s, where she lived as a teacher and musician, we are given an in-depth picture of her intense relationship with the extraordinary woman who becomes her guru--Sri Anandamayee Ma.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[waynedpj · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting look at the Indian Guru/disciple process, whether you believe or not. Ram Alexander's (the editor/compiler/annotator) explanations can sound a bit defensive and authoritative, but the actual diary of Atmananda is the meat of the book and definitely worth the read.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The spiritual teachings of this book, which I read almost ten years ago, has really stuck with me. A truly amazing true story via this wise woman's diary. ...Learned so much, I'm reading it again.

[Shiva Somadev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not knowing yet Anandamayi Ma, my wife got attracted to this book, which she found in a bookstore across the road from Ramana Maharshi ashram. Looking for a first time, at the picture of Anandamayi Ma on the first pages of this wonderful book, we've been stunned with the metamorphosis happening with this picture. Anandamayi Ma's face was glowing and changing into the faces of Ramana Maharshi, Kali and Shiva. Reading this wonderful accoumt of Atmananda about her life with the Self-Realised Saint, we decided to visit Anandamayi Ma's ashram and her Mahasamadhi in Haridwar. We've been pleasantly surprised by the invitation from the ashram to stay in Anandamayi Ma's guesthouse, although Ma herself wanted us to stay next to her. It is a very a very beautiful book for all those who attracted to Anandamayi Ma's teachings.

[Swami Arunachalananda Puri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rare book detailing spiritual, cultural, social journey of a Western woman who found her Guru in Anandamayi Maa and who lived the final part of her life as Hindu Sannyasini.
After her death she was also accorded the Ganga immersion rite at Haridwar specially meant for Hindu monks.

Her unique position to be in touch with two spiritual masters during her life, namely Anandamayi Maa and J Krishnamurthy, adds special depth to her diary notes which became this wonderful book.

It is fascinating to read the life journey of a true spiritual aspirant, especially that of a Western woman, who tried and succeeded in adjusting to Orthodox Hindu ashrama surroundings. A must read for serious spiritual seekers.

[Sahajavidya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book on instruction from my own Guru.

I adored reading Atmananda’s peculiar account of her sadhana with Anandamayee Ma.
The constant back and forth of her mind between what she would consider as ‘comforts’ if the western world verses being in the physically demanding but blissful presents of Ma.
I am grateful that Atmananda did not destroy her many years of journals as they are indeed of great value to the genuine western seeker.

[Cher Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I've read many books related to this type of spiritual search, I struggled with this one and gave up around halfway through. I think some judicious editing was needed. It seemed the author kept going over the same frustrations and questions in her mind. Although I have no doubt that her guru was all that she seemed, the book did not give me the sense of what her teachings and presence were like.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the most inspiring book/account I have read in my entire life. I feel I have at least a tiny glimpse of a true guru/disciple relationship, of one who has truly surrendered themselves on the path to Truth. I will read this many times over and over.

[Promila Chitkara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The struggle of the sadhak feels so familiar.