In this absorbing portrait, American-born author Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati weaves a breathtaking tapestry of exotic journeys, meetings with remarkable people, and practical wisdom from the extraordinary life of a renowned Indian spiritual leader, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati. The prodigal variety of stories ranges from evocations in a glass of milk to impossible constructions at the mountainous summit of the world, from cacophonous urban battlefields to silent forest retreats-an impassioned life, a one-man civilization drawn in bold strokes and bright colors. Here is a journey of the enlightened life to be cherished again and again. Practical wisdom, a connection to the Divine, and global action-these are the traits of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati that have made him one of India's most renowned and beloved spiritual teachers.
This commemorative volume celebrates his sixty years of devotional service to humanity, the environment, and the Supreme. The book traces Pujya Swami’s journey from childhood in the jungles of India to the company of world leaders, from Himalayan villages to the podiums of the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and other venues of global change. His projects are unprecedented, including a cleanup of the 1,560-mile-long Ganges River and a six-million-word encyclopedia of Hinduism. Swamiji’s teachings are profoundly simple, frequently wrapped in humor and applicable to all. Elaborately illustrated, this is a fascinating portrait of the life, achievements, and teachings of an acclaimed spiritual pioneer.
American-born Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, Ph.D., moved to India in 1996. She was officially ordained by Pujya Swamiji into the tradition of sanyas and lives at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh, where she serves Pujya Swamiji’s humanitarian projects, teaches meditation, gives discourses, and counsels individuals and families. She lives in Rishikesh, India.
Testimonials
Inspiring, Enlightening AND Entertaining!
We have been blessed to meet Swamiji in person both in India and in San Diego and hes the real deal, a true holy man who is committed to love and service. His life story is simply amazing and for me, very reminiscent of Autobiography of A Yogi, one of my all time favorite books. The rich and detailed stories of his childhood, from meeting his Guru at age 8, to the strict regimens he followed for many, many years, including living alone in the jungle with not even shoes or a shawl, provide much insight into his path to enlightenment. I am in awe of the many huge projects Swamiji has committed his life to... from raising hundreds of orphans, to massive projects to clean up the Ganges (with his holiness the Dalai Lama and other leaders) to his commitment for a green India. The writing is engaging and elegant and has a very rare and special quality to it.....you can feel Swamijis grace and blessings infuse you as you read the book! Love is literally coded into this beautiful book. Highly recommended.
- Arielle Ford
Author
Wabi Sabi Love
This is more than a book, it is an experience.
From the captivating images of Pujya Swamiji and the magnificent people with whom hes shared his life to the glorious and intimate photos of Mother India, By Gods Grace is a feast for the eyes and a catalyst for the heart to soar.
As a biography, it contains the inspirational story of a man who is a living example of one who exists only to serve yet whose life story is so rich and compelling that it rivals the greatest novels of our time and makes the book an actual page turner.
Yet perhaps most importantly, Sadhvi Bhagawati weaves Pujya Swamijis beautiful quotes and profound teachings so skillfully throughout, that every page contains wisdom so profound that the reader will experience one epiphany after the other. There is not a chance that anyone could complete this masterpiece without his or her life being powerfully transformed.
- Debra Poneman
Best-selling author and founder of Yes to Success, Inc.
Infinite Grace is how I think of H. H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj. I found his story, as told by Dr. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, in By god’s Grace, to be a heartwarming and inspirational . I have been blessed to experience his warmth and humanity in person. The students at Wright have been blown away by how readily his message translates to Christian, Muslim, and Jew as well as other religions. One born again Christian commented that being with Pujya Swamiji must be what it was like to be with Christ. This book has beautiful pictures and profound teaching that refreshed for me the profound sense of acceptance and Grace I experience when with him.
- Dr. Bob Wright
CEO of Wright, educator, thought leader in human emergence, and co-author of Transformed! The Science of Spectacular Living
Inspiring love in action, Pujya Swamiji, is a model of living grace to me. I treasure Sadhvi Bhagawatis beautiful biography of him. The pictures are stunning and the inspirational teaching hits home with the love I experience when with him. What a gift!
- Dr. Judith Wright
Bestselling author of The Soft Addiction Solution, inspirational speaker, and widely seen relationship and lifestyle expert
A Remarkable, Inspiring Life of Divine Consciousness
Pujya Swamiji is among the greatest living saints in the world. In this amazing book, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati reveals the remarkable childhood and subsequent journey of a person raised in the most ancient traditions of Indian sages; living in Himalayan caves, practicing years of silence, unfolding a profound inner wisdom and grace. The narrative grips you from the onset and the photographs are utterly stunning. As a bonus, great insights into Vedic Wisdom are woven in, and Swamiji offers teachings and practices at the end of each chapter. This book is a must for anyone on a spiritual path.
- Bhava Ram
Founder
Deep Yoga