God Alone : The Life and Letters of a Saint

Sri Gyanamata, one of the most advanced disciples of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, was a modern – day saint in whom the light of wisdom shone with special clarity. Her life was marked by a quiet heroism, an inner strength that never wavered in the face of suffering. In her letters she has left a lasting memorial of that life, a testimony that illumines with deeply penetrating insight both the transitory pains and the eternal beauty of the way to perfection she followed.

Born Edith Anne Ruth D’Evelyn on July 4, 869, in Canada, she grew up in a small town in Minnesota. Difficult childhood circumstances nourished an already strong desire to discover the deeper truths of life. She began to read widely in the world’s great religious and philosophical writings. But the more she read, the more she became convinced that for the highest realization it would be necessary to have a guide- one who had already reached the spiritual heights she herself wished to attain. When she met Paramahansa Yogananda in Seattle in 1925, this understanding and her innate spiritual receptivity enabled her to instantly recognize him as the God- illumined teacher she had been seeking.

In 1932, after the passing of her husband, Gyanamata entered Paramahansaji’s Self-Realization Fellowship ashram in Los Angeles, and took the vows of renunciation. It was then that he conferred upon her the monastic name and title, “Gyanamata” - Mother of Wisdom. Because of her deep understanding and spirituality, Paramahansaji assigned her much responsibility in training the other disciples and counseling the many Self- Realization members who requested spiritual guidance. She did this in part through instructive letters, many of which appear in this book.

Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, “The ideal of love for God and service to humanity found full expression in the life of Paramahansa Yogananda… Though the major part of his life was spent outside India, still (he) takes his place among our great saints. His work continues to grow and shine ever more brightly, drawing people everywhere on the path of the pilgrimage of the Spirit.”

In these words, the Government of India paid tribute to the founder of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/ Self- Realization fellowship upon issuing a commemorative stamp in his honour on March 7, 1977, the twenty- fifth anniversary of his passing.

Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, revered guru of Sri Gyanamata, founded Yogoda Satsanga Society of India’s delegate to an International Congress of Religious Liberals, and in 1925 established Self- Realization Fellowship international headquarters in Los Angeles. Through the international headquarters, and from Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, a series of printed lessons on the science of Kriya Yoga meditation and the art of spiritual living is made available to students worldwide. The emphasis of these teachings is on balanced development of body, mind, and soul; their goal is direct personal experience of God.