The Vedanta Society of Northern California bookshop carries almost all of the English language publications of the Ramakrishna Order including English translations of traditional Sanskrit scriptures. Books from other religious traditions and publishers oriented toward developing spiritual life and understanding are also included.
Please see the sidebar for our book categories. Inquiries about these and other titles are welcome via email ([email protected]) or phone (415-922-2323).
Ordering information is found here.
Some Featured Selections:
Sri Ramakrishna: Life and Messages
By Swami Vijnanananda
ISBN: 9788175034288; 248 pages; Paperback; $5.95
Of all the accounts of the life of Sri Ramakrishna, those written by his disciples who knew and lived with him are most reliable and valuable. Swami Vijnanananda, a monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, wrote a biography entitled Paramahamsa Charit in Bengali and had it translated in Hindi. Arun Kumar Biswas translated the original Hindi book into English, and also made valuable additions to it, such as reminiscences of Sri Ramakrishna by Swami Vijnanananda. This book, originally published in 1994 went out of print. Considering the importance of this work, Advaita Ashrama has now brought out a revised edition of it.
My Blessed Days with Holy Mother
By Swami Ishanananda
ISBN: 9788175054721; 216 pages; paperback; $6.95
The present volume is a translation of the Bengali original, Matrisannidhye. Swami Ishanananda had the blessed privilege of serving Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi since his boyhood. He was initiated by Mother at a very young age and later received the first monastic vow from her. He served Mother from 1909 till her passing away in 1920. In this book the author describes many events from this period of the Mother’s life in vivid detail.
The Divine Legacy
ISBN: 9788186617991; 314pages; Hardcover; $14.95
Sister Nivedita, with her rarefied combination of great inner strength, versatility and dedication, serves as a perennial source of inspiration. This anthology concentrates on her unique contributions in the fields of Indian science, history, art, literature, political and cultural identity, nationality, social relief work, civil services, etc. The title ‘Divine Legacy’ is specially chosen to point out how Nivedita became a fit heiress and apostle to carry out the universal mission of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
The Soul’s Journey to Its Destiny
By Swami Ashokananda
ISBN: 9788175051263; 312 pages; paperback; $6.95
This book comprises a series of eight lectures delivered extemporaneously by the swami in San Francisco in 1953. The series explains in detail the Vedantic concept of the origin of a human being: one’s nature, one’s development and ultimate fulfillment. Spiritual seekers will find these lectures inspiring and practical.
Vedanta for the Common Man
By Swami Sarvagatananda
ISBN: 9788175053311; 92 pages; paperback; $3.50
A compilation of thought-provoking lectures, given by the swami to Western audiences, which help the reader comprehend the relationship between ancient Vedantic truths and later developed religious thought. This relationship, based on the principle of Absolute Oneness, harmonizes and then transcends different belief systems.
Toward a True Kinship of Faiths: How the World’s Religions Can Come Together
By His Holiness the Dalai Lama
ISBN: 9780385525060; 188 pages; paperback; $15.00
The Dalai Lama shares his hopeful and realistic views on how the world’s religions must peacefully coexist. All major religions confront the same perennial questions and each has its own distinct answers. The diversity of these insights can inspire dialogue that can enrich everyone’s pursuit of wisdom.