Saradananda's visit to New York from 1896 – 1898 also influenced two particular women, who played a critical role in American Hinduism
WAYNE, N.J., May 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Vedanta, one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, has a focus on knowledge and liberation. In the late nineteenth century, Swami Saradananda, a direct disciple of well-known Indian Hindu mystic and spiritual leader Ramakrishna, travelled to America to preach Vedanta.
In her book "Like Rolling River Free...," author Vandana M. Jani highlights three central characters: Swami Saradananda, Sara Bull, and Sarah Farmer, who she says played a critical role in the growth of American spirituality. The life of Swami Saradananda is examined in detail, especially his trip to the United States in 1896, when he meets Bull and Farmer, who's family history is also documented and provides a detailed view of nineteenth-century America.
"This book is a result of ten years of research," said Jani, "for an idea that has been in my mind for much longer."
The author examines Swami Saradananda's life in detail, weaving together strands from America's religious and cultural history. In the process, she reveals the importance of the two women: Bull, the daughter of a senator and the wife of a famous musician, who became one of Swami Vivekananda's most significant supporters and trusted disciples; and Sarah J. Farmer, the creator of Green Acre Conferences, a unique place to experience and spread the 'oneness of truth' in all religions.
The book details the family history of both Bull and Farmer, but the book's portrayal of Saradananda, who was one of Sri Ramakrishna's most influential disciples, is most prominent. His contributions to the Ramakrishna Order, one of the largest religious orders in India today, provided it with essential guidance that continues to resonate.
"Swami Saradananda, Sara Bull, and Sarah Farmer, with their various components of life and work, all came together at the Greenacre Conferences in 1896-1897," said Jani, "which seeded the flowering of American spirituality and religious harmony."
"Like Rolling River Free... The Story of Swami Saradananda in the West Along with Lives of Sara C. Bull & Sarah J. Farmer"
By Vandana M. Jani
ISBN: 9781665731621 (softcover); 9781665731607 (hardcover); 9781665731614 (electronic)
Available at Archway Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author
Vandana M. Jani, Ph.D., who has enjoyed a career as a post-doctoral research associate and science educator, is the co-founder of Vivekananda Vidyapith, a nonprofit organization focused on character-building education for K-12 students. Based in Wayne, N.J., the institution has thrived under her guidance for the past 45 years. Following the Vedanta tradition by her late guru, Swami Adiswarananda, she has devoted her life to spiritual pursuits. To learn more, please visit http://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/834007-like-rolling-river-free-.
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SOURCE LAVIDGE
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