A BIOGRAPHY about a leading Indian spiritual leader has become a best-seller among books on Hinduism on Amazon.com, the online retailer.
By God’s Grace is the story of His Holiness (HH) Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji (HH Pujya Muniji), head of Parmarth Niketan of Rishikesh and founder of Ganga Action Parivar.
Almost 300 pages long, the coffee table book has a foreword written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and is published by California-based Mandala Publishing.
The book features HH Pujya Muniji’s journey from a young student doing sadhana (introspection) to becoming president of one of India’s largest spiritual institutions; his work on the 11-volume Encyclopaedia of Hinduism as well as his current project to clean and preserve the holy Ganges.
There are also chapters on HH Pujya Muniji’s travels around the world, including visiting the Kremlin as a guest of Mikhail Gorbachev, meeting former US President Bill Clinton, Israeli President Shimon Peres, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
In his foreword, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote: ‘In the twenty-first century, if spirituality is to contribute to positive change in the world, I believe well-intentioned words are not enough; the meaning of such words needs to be put into effect by taking practical action. There are many instances in the book of Swamiji doing this.’
The book has been praised by academics and authors writing about religion.
Amazon.com says, ‘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.’
By God’s Grace: The Life And Teachings of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati
Publisher: Mandala Publishing (July 31, 2012)
ISBN-10: 160887141X
ISBN-13: 978-1608871414