The
Lights of Grace Catalog
The Source for the finest spiritual works from
the world's religions and wisdom traditions The Blue Dove Foundation
4204 Sorrento Valley Blvd, Suite K
San Diego, CA 92121 USA
Phone: 858-623-3330 Fax: 858-623-3325
Orders: 800-691-1008 E-mail: mail@bluedove.org
Sri Swami Ramdas was born Vittal Rao in the Kerala
State of India in 1884. Even as a child, people remarked on the extraordinary
luster of his eyes. He also possessed an unequaled wit and sense of humor.
His high school career was marked by extreme indifference to his studies.
As a young man, he was employed as a spinning master in a cotton mill,
married in 1908, and had a daughter. During his life before renunciation,
brief periods of employment were followed by longer periods of unemployment
and idleness, affecting both his financial condition and domestic life.
For relief from his outer circumstances, he began to chant "Ram,"
a name of God, which brought him great mental peace and joy. Soon after,
his father gave him a holy mantra, and from that point on, his progress
and detachment from the material world was quick. He left his worldly
life and began a pilgrimage, taking on the name Ramdas and living on the
road in faith. He never accepted money and no matter how badly he was
treated, he responded only with love. As a result, many were transformed
by their encounters with him.
In 1922 he encountered the sage, Ramana Maharshi, and received
his grace. He then spent twenty days in a cave on Arunachala Hill, constantly
chanting his mantra. There he attained the vision of God, both in his
heart and in and as the entire universe.
In 1931, after years of living on the road in faith, his devotees
established Anandashram for him in Kanhangad, Kerala, where he lived with
Mother Krishnabai, who also attained the universal vision of God. They
worked to improve the living conditions of the local people, founding
a school for the children, establishing a free medical clinic, and setting
up a cooperative for weavers. Together, they did extensive tours in India,
and a world tour in 1954-55, with the purpose of sharing a message of
Universal Love and Service.
In
Quest of God Swami
Ramdas This compelling, inspiring and witty
book chronicles the story of Swami Ramdas' pilgrim life, living on the
road in faith without accepting money. A householder until 36, in 1920
Ramdas felt called by Ram (God) to renounce the world and his old identity
and take up a life of a traveling pilgrim, in constant remembrance of
God. There are many inspiring tales of how his pure love transformed
people who at first behaved harshly towards him. A good introduction
to the vision and message of Swami Ramdas. Softcover/225pp (Blue Dove
Press Edition) #BD01 $12.95
In The Vision of God—Volume
1 Swami Ramdas Beginning where In Quest of God leaves off, this
chronicle of Swami Ramdas' pilgrimage continues in the same style and
spirit. Softcover/268pp (Blue Dove Press Edition) #BD02 $14.95
In The Vision of God—Volume
2 Swami Ramdas This final volume continues the story of his divinely
guided wanderings, throughout India, and where he settles at the Ashram
his devotees started in North Kerala. Softcover/257pp (Blue Dove Press
Edition) #BD03 $14.95
At the Feet of God Swami Ramdas First published during the time of Swami Ramdas' wandering
pilgrim days. Contains an interesting variety of materials by Ramdas:
poems, a conversation between Ramdas and the Divine Mother, a description
of his various visions, pilgrimage stories, etc. Softcover/75pp (Indian
edition) #AA01 $5.95
Call of the Devotee Swami Ramdas An account of Swami Ramdas' tours around India to visit
devotees, from 1936-1949, starting where In the Vision of God leaves off.
Contains numerous interesting observations, stories and insights. Softcover/109pp
(Indian edition) #AA02 $6.95
The Divine Life Swami Ramdas This book consists of a series of essays by Ramdas. Sample
chapter headings: Life in the Divine, Life and its Problems, Mysticism,
Saviors and Saints, Renunciation, and The Name God. Softcover/404pp
(Indian edition) #AA03 $9.95
Gita-Sandesh Swami Ramdas Papa's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Softcover/122pp (Indian
edition) #AA04 $5.95
Glimpses of Divine Vision Swami Ramdas This book contains short insightful observations on God realization.
Softcover/93pp (Indian edition) #AA05 $4.95
God-Experience—Volume
1 Swami Ramdas The first volume consists of edited transcripts in chronological
order of Swami Ramdas' talks at Anandashram in 1961. Much of the material
is in question and answer format. Softcover/256pp (Indian edition) #AA06 $8.95
God-Experience—Volume
2 Swami Ramdas Volume 2 has a somewhat different form, divided into
topics such as Grace, Sadhana (spiritual disciplines), Saints, Maya (illusion
of the ego), etc. Ramdas always spoke from an inspired and spontaneous
space. Though similar threads run through his work, he found ever new
ways to express himself. These two books have their own flavor. Softcover/191pp
(Indian edition) #AA07 $8.95
Guru's Grace (Autobiography of Mother
Krishnabai) Translated by Swami Ramdas This autobiography of Mother Krishnabai is unusual in that it
is addressed entirely to Papa and all the people mentioned are looked
upon as forms of Papa. She discusses her childhood, marriage, etc. and
all of the challenges of life that she faced. A rare and charming story
of the making of a God-realized soul. Hardcover/189pp (Indian edition) #AA09 $9.95
Hints to Aspirants Swami Ramdas Selections containing practical advice to people on the spiritual
path, culled from Swami Ramdas' letters and other sources. Softcover/193pp
(Indian edition) #AA10 $6.95
Krishna Bai Swami Ramdas Papa Ramdas' pertinent life of Mother Krishnabai, from birth
to her ashram life. Included is a beautifully lyrical poem, a paean, to
Mother Krishnabai by Swami Ramdas. Softcover/122pp (Indian edition) #AA12 $6.95
Letters of Swami Ramdas—Volume
1 Swami Ramdas These interesting and compelling letters were written
by Swami Ramdas during his wandering pilgrim period and shortly thereafter
(1928-1931). They give answers to the perplexing challenges of life that
all of us face. They are light, playful, but deeply profound. Softcover/192pp
(Indian edition) #AA13 $6.95
Letters of Swami Ramdas—Volume
2 Swami Ramdas More letters written by Swami Ramdas during his wandering
pilgrim period and shortly thereafter (1931 to 1932). Softcover/184pp
(Indian edition) #AA14 $6.95
The Pathless Path Swami Ramdas A short selection of inspiring essays designed to help overcome
the obstacles to God Realization. It contains many down-to-earth, useful
suggestions. Softcover/45pp (Indian edition) #AA16 $4.95
Poems Swami Ramdas Swami Ramdas' God-intoxicated verse, inspired and arresting,
not really poetry in the conventional sense but heart-pourings expressing
the bliss of universal vision. Hardcover/374pp (Indian edition) #AA17 $10.95
Ramdas Speaks—Volume
1 Swami Ramdas Swami Ramdas left the Indian subcontinent only once,
to go on a round-the- world tour from August 1954 to January 1955. He
was prompted by Ram (God) to promote the values of Universal Love and
Service. He spoke to small and large groups in Europe, New York, Minnesota,
Washington State, California, Japan and other countries in Asia. His ever
faithful chronicler, Swami Satchidananda, recorded the talks he gave and
they make up these five volumes. Volume one covers his time in Switzerland
and France. Softcover/220pp (Indian edition) #AA19 $7.95
Ramdas Speaks—Volume
2 Swami Ramdas This volume covers Papa's speeches, etc., from September
1 - 14, 1954, in Switzerland, Germany and France. Softcover/298pp (Indian
edition) #AA20 $7.95
Ramdas Speaks—Volume
3 Swami Ramdas This volume covers Papa's speeches, etc., from September
to October 1954 in France, Belgium, Holland, England and America. Softcover/311pp
(Indian edition) #AA21 $7.95
Ramdas Speaks—Volume
4 Swami Ramdas This volume covers Papa's speeches, etc., from October
to November 1954, in the United States. Softcover/290pp (Indian edition) #AA22 $7.95
Ramdas Speaks—Volume
5 Swami Ramdas This volume covers Papa's speeches, etc., from November
to December 1954, in Japan, Malaya, Singapore, and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
Softcover/312pp (Indian edition) #AA23 $7.95
World is God Swami Ramdas Swami Ramdas' account of his world tour (see description of Ramdas
Speaks.) Includes numerous absorbing meetings with various people, such
as his conversations with the abbot of a French Catholic monastery, the
well-known Science of Mind author Henry Thomas Hamblin of England, his
old friend Paul Brunton, and, in Japan, the famous proponent of Zen Buddhism,
D.T. Suzuki. There is a even a description of the visits to Shakespeare's
childhood home and Milton's cottage (two writers whom Swami Ramdas felt
were particularly inspired). Softcover/376pp (Indian edition) #AA32 $10.95
Ramdas' Talks Swami Ramdas
A compilation of talks Papa gave on a tour of India in 1951/52.
Lots of interesting questions and answers. Like all of Papa's works it
is fresh and immediate. Softcover/154pp (Indian edition) #AA24 $6.95
The Sayings of Ramdas Swami Ramdas This book contains 379 sayings designed to help the aspirant
in her or his spiritual life. Softcover/68pp (Indian edition) #AA25 $3.95
Stories as Told by Swami Ramdas Swami Ramdas This collection brings together 108 stories that are
humorous, inspiring and instructive. Some of the stories are actual occurrences
in Swami Ramdas' life, some are from the Puranas (the Hindu epics) and
other sources. A delight to read. Softcover/149pp (Indian edition) #AA26 $7.95
Swami Ramdas on Himself Swami Ramdas
The thoughts and reflections of the great Master filled with frankness
and simplicity. Softcover/168pp (Indian edition) #AA27 $6.95
Passage to Divinity Chandrashekhar This booklet sketches the life of Vittal Rao from his birth to
the time of his renunciation and the start of his pilgrimage, when he
became Swami Ramdas. An excellent companion to In Quest of God. Softcover/150pp
(Indian edition) #AA15 $5.95
Many of us feel that Swamiji is India's best kept
secret: gentle, approachable, loving, quiet, yet God Realized and a fountain
of grace and power. It is by Swami Satchidananda's grace that Blue Dove
Press exists. He is not given to talks and speeches on the spiritual life
- what he does say is exceedingly inspired. We highly recommend his books
(and even a visit to South India to meet him in person).
The Gospel of Swami Ramdas Swami Satchidananda This book was compiled by Papa's direct successor and
gives a day-to-day picture of his lila (divine play). Provides an intimate
look at a God-realized master, his divine vision, spontaneity, love and
the inspired way he meets the day-to-day challenges and situations of
life. Though the book recounts the events in another culture and time
(1951 to 1957) its freshness and charm are not lost to the modern Western
reader. Hardcover/624pp (Indian edition) #AA08 $19.95
Points to Ponder Swami Satchidananda Swami Satchidananda is not known for lecturing on the subject
of spirituality. On the rare occasions when he does, his talks are especially
compelling. Softcover/129pp (Indian edition) #AA18 $6.95
Mundane To Spiritual—Compiled
Messages of Swami Satchidananda This book, hot off the press, is immensely practical
and yet inspired. Part one consists of excerpts from letters. Part two
is a compilation of talks. We highly recommend this book, especially to
people doing the spiritual practice of constant remembrance of God. Softcover/198pp
(Indian edition) #AA34 $11.95
Vishwamata Krishnabai (Some
Glimpses) Swami Satchidananda Vishwamata means universal mother. This book gives a revealing
and intimate look at Mother Krishnabai, a realized saint utterly devoted
to her Guru, Swami Ramdas. Mother Krishnabai was the foremost disciple
and successor of Swami Ramdas. Contains five recorded conversations between
Mother Krishnabai and others. Filled with valuable insights in applying
the message and teachings of Swami Ramdas in our everyday lives from one
who reached the highest goal by doing so. It reveals her incredible love
for the downtrodden and the inspiring ways this manifested through her
constant giving, of both material and spiritual gifts, as well as her
penetrating insights into people and situations. Her way of reflecting
back to individuals their actions that miss the mark is fascinating. Softcover/138pp
(Indian edition) #AA30 $5.95
Swami Satchidananda(A
Thumbnail Sketch) Sri U. S. Ramachandran Those who visit Anandashram today are blessed with meeting
the extraordinary saint, Swami Satchidananda. This booklet gives an outline
of his life and struggles. Softcover/84pp (Indian edition) #AA28 $4.95
With The Divine Mother Sriram This unique account of the day-to-day activities and interactions
of Mother Krishnabai was written by the grandson of Swami Ramdas, a
very successful journalist before taking his current position as the
manager of the Anandashram. Mataji's generosity, her love for everyone
she encounters, and her pure devotion to her guru, come through in an
especially compelling way. Softcover/120pp (Indian edition) #AA31 $8.95
