One Life's Pilgrimage

Vedanta. India's age-old philosophy of peace through transcendence, was first brought to the West by Swami Vivekananda in 1893. It was Vivekananda's Dream that some day an Indian woman would come to America and preach the universal ideals of their ancient seers. During the first two decades of this century, America's interest in India;s spiritual treasures grew, and teachers were supplied to meet the demand. Not until 1926, however, did a young woman of India venture to consecrate herself to the religious life in the New World. One and a half years after taking up residence in the American spiritual community of Swami Paramananda (a disciple of Vivekanda), Gayatri Devi was ordained by him to teach Vedanta. As a member for half a century of one of the oldest spiritual communities in America, and since 1940 its head, Gayatri Devi has experienced all the possible challenges and trials of community life. In the fifty years that have elapsed since her coming, she has shared with countless seekers not only the tenets of her philosophy, but the richer gift of her example in living. One Life's Pilgrimage presents her talks on practical aspects on Vedanta and her articles on the lore and saints who have inspired her. Through her letters, which are full of counsel and direction, the reader will follow a life unique in its unfoldment. This book, compiled at the urging of Gayatri Devi's many students and friends, is the reading public's first exposure to what has up to now been a well-hidden life in God.