Holy Trio and Their Mission

It is my wish to convert this Math (Ramakrishna Math) into a chief centre of spiritual practices and the culture of knowledge. The power that will have its rise from here will flood the whole world and turn the course of men’s lives into different channels: from this place will spring forth ideals which will be the harmony of Knowledge, Devotion, Yoga and Work; at a nod form the men of this Math a life-giving impetus will in time be given to the remotest concerns of the globe; while all true seekers after spirituality will in course of time assemble here.

More than a century ago, Swami Vivekananda exhorted, ‘India can only rise by sitting at the feet of Sri Ramakrishna. His life and his teachings are to be spread far and wide’. Keeping in mind these prophetic words of Swamiji and to mark the 175th birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna, we are glad to place this publication before our readers.

Ever since Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna’s divine play began to unfold 175 years ago, numerous books of various sizes, in different languages, have been published, elucidating diverse aspects of his life, personality and teachings. The present booklet attempts to present the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, his divine consort, Swami Vivekananda, his chief disciple; his monastic disciples as also some of his lay and women disciples. A comprehensive treatment of the divine mission of Sri Ramakrishna’s life too dwelt upon.

This book is based on the short monographs on this subject written by Swami Bhajanananda. These were primarily aimed for the visitors of the website of Belur Math (www.belurmath.org). A former editor (1979-1986) of Prabuddha Bharata, the English monthly started under the inspiration of Swami Vivekananda in 1 890s, and presently one of the Assistant Secretaries of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Bhajanananda is well known for his insightful thoughts and incisive writings. We are indebted to him for permitting us to publish them in the present form. Some additional matter from his other writings has been included to make this publication more comprehensive and complete.

We offer our prayers to the Holy Trio for their blessings on all who have helped in the publication of this book.

All readers, especially devotees and newcomers to Sri Ramakrishna-fold, will welcome this publication, we hope.