Ramakrishna & Christ, the Supermystics: New Interpretations
Hourihan's wonderful book on Ramakrishna and Christ is both an excellent introduction to the 19th century Hindu mystic and an exploration of a key Hindu idea: the distinction between devotional and non-devotional spirituality (known as bhakti and jnani respectively).... For Hourihan Ramakrishna represents that rarity, a great spiritual teacher who celebrated all the paths to 'God'.... More than this, Hourihan finds in Ramakrishna an unprecedented openness to the feminine. It is this complex of ideas that Hourihan explores so well: the devotional (bhakti) instincts of Ramakrishna, his openness to other paths including the non-devotional (jnani), and the role of the feminine, particularly the mother.... Nowhere in the mystical literature of East and West can we find such a vivid and ongoing juxtaposition of bhakti and jnani, nor is it easy to find a skilled commentator like Hourihan to guide us through it. He shows us how women mystics in Ramakrishna's life helped him intensify his devotions to the goddess Kali; how a wondering naked monk helped him pursue and achieve the goal of the opposite jnani path.... For Hourihan to do this, he must have personally held both spiritual impulses in a considerably developed and balanced form.... To conclude, I found both these books [Mysticism in American Literature being the other book] provided much thought-provoking detail and discussion on mystics from America and India. They are an important contribution to many of the key issues in mysticism East and West, including the better understanding of the devotional/non-devotional difference in the spiritual life, the role of sexuality and renunciation, and the possibility for spiritual pluralism illustrated by that extraordinary religion: Hinduism. I understand that other books by Hourihan might be published in the future, and look forward to reading them. --Mike King, Network Review, Journal of the Scientific and Medical Network, Winter 2004For newcomers, the book offers an engrossing introduction to a great Hindu mystic. By entering sympathetically into the well-documented spiritual life of this nineteenth century holy man, we should be able to understand better Jesus of Nazareth, his first-century precursor.... Paul Hourihan's book is a glowing tribute to his knowledge of Hinduism. He is masterful in his command of the information he incorporates into his text. By his profound understanding of Ramakrishna, he has in the bargain introduced us to a Jesus more plausible than the one usually presented in theology textbooks and Sunday school classes. --James M. Somerville, The American Vedantist, Summer 2002"Ramakrishna and Christ: Supermystics" represents the first comprehensive study to compare the lives and spiritual beliefs of Ramakrishna, the 19th century Indian saint, and Christ, his Western version. From interpretations of Christ from an India yoga viewpoint to insights into Ramakrishna's life, "Ramakrishna and Christ: Supermystics" is packed with intriguing comparisons and insights. - --Midwest Book Review , Oregon, WI USAFor newcomers, the book offers an engrossing introduction to a great Hindu mystic. By entering sympathetically into the well-documented spiritual life of this nineteenth century holy man, we should be able to understand better Jesus of Nazareth, his first-century precursor.... Paul Hourihan's book is a glowing tribute to his knowledge of Hinduism. He is masterful in his command of the information he incorporates into his text. By his profound understanding of Ramakrishna, he has in the bargain introduced us to a Jesus more plausible than the one usually presented in theology textbooks and Sunday school classes. --James M. Somerville, The American Vedantist, Summer 2002"Ramakrishna and Christ: Supermystics" represents the first comprehensive study to compare the lives and spiritual beliefs of Ramakrishna, the 19th century Indian saint, and Christ, his Western version. From interpretations of Christ from an India yoga viewpoint to insights into Ramakrishna's life, "Ramakrishna and Christ: Supermystics" is packed with intriguing comparisons and insights. --- Midwest Book Review , Oregon, WI USA