Mother of All

I am going out on a limb to declare that Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi is the real spirit behind the birth, growth, and success of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission.

- Meera Alagaraja

She is one of the founders of the movement, and also the spiritual force behind them. Even though she appears to perfectly share a venerated space alongside Sri Thakur and Swamiji, the world has not yet begun to witness the fullness of her power and glory. So buckle up everyone, for the best ride of our lives. She is only getting started.

Holy Mother represents the past, the present, and the future. She is the ideal karma-yogi. Her life with Sri Ramakrishna, their extended and immediate family members, direct disciples, and other householder disciples—all offer evidence of someone who creates the perfect balance among work, life, and family responsibilities. She draws everyone to her and yet she leads her life with authenticity and a deep sense of nonattachment. How does she pull it off?

I will leave it to monks, nuns, and experts of the Ramakrishna and Sarada tradition to speak of her personality and qualities—her dispassion, unique marriage, and aspects of everyday living that hold so many lessons for us. Because she is my Mother, I gathered enough courage to say what I think and feel in my heart. Consider this to be a letter I would have shared with the Holy Mother on Mother’s day.