Sri Sarada Devi : Consort of Sri Ramakrishna

The present book, a collection of writings on Sri Sarada Devi by great monks, eminent scholars and thinkers of international repute and by common men and women, points to the unique life of Sri Sarada Devi whom Sri Ramakrishna regarded as his Shakti.

These illuminating and scholarly writings are now buried in the forgotten columns and pages of old journals and books. Perhaps a generation hence these invaluable treasures will be lost forever. I have for some time been thinking of preserving those by bringing out a supplementary volume to my edition of Sri Ramakrishna in the Eyes of Brahmo and Christian Admirers and the idea of compiling the present volume has also come to my mind especially in view of the exaggerated importance attached nowadays to the movement for liberation of women. In the din and bustle of controversy over the ideal of independence of men and women in their married life it is forgotten that there can be no freedom without self-control and no self-respect without regard for the respect of others. Marriage today does not mean communion of soul and ideal. It has degenerated into mere fulfillment of lust and passion. Once the physical charm goes misunderstanding and quarrel ensue leading ultimately to divorce and break-up of family life. This social evil can be effectively controlled by developing understanding and harmony between husband and wife. The ideal of conjugal life, which Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi left as legacy to us, will go a long way to inspire married couples to lead peaceful and prosperous life. The society will be able to avoid confrontation between men and women if men show even a part of the respect shown by Sri Ramakrishna towards women and women exhibit a little more forbearance and understanding as evinced by Sri Sarada Devi.

In the midst of this difficult work, I was greatly inspired by the illuminating and thought-provoking questions put to me by my sisters and brothers' wives on the life of Sri Sarada Devi. I record my sense of gratitude to them for pushing me ahead in my task with renewed zeal.

By keeping me away from all domestic worries, my wife has greatly aided, abetted and encouraged me in the completion of the present assignment and I do not want to undermine her role by mere offering of thanks.

I gratefully remember the unstinted cooperation I have received from the authorities of Prabuddha Bharata and the blessings showered on me by Swami Balaramanandaji and Swami lyotirupanandaji. I am also indebted to Dilip Maharaj, Shashikanta Maharaj, Apurva Chaitanya, Bishwanath Maharaj and Brahmachari Shankar for their fund of good will for me.

Dr Subrata Gupta, Sri A. P. Sengupta, Dr Amar Pal, Sri R P. Sengupta, Sri Ashis Chatteijee, Sri Sukumar Upadhyaya, Sri Hemen Roy, Sri Amal Pal, Sri Shankar Mukherjee and Sri Lakshman Mandal deserve thanks for assisting me in numerous ways.

I shall be failing in my duty if I do not record my deep sense of gratitude to Sri Kanai Lal Mukhopadhyaya, the reputed publisher, for his eagerness to accept this publication-project which apparently appears to be less lucrative commercially.

Lastly, every conscientious endeavour has been made to give due acknowledgment, but if through any oversight some pilferage has been committed, by quoting from sources other than original, forgiveness is prayed for in advance, apology is offered and amendment assured in the later edition.