In Search of the Divine Mother: The Mystery of Mother Meera : Encountering a Contemporary Mystic

Rating:
Summary: A true guiding light
Review: The world of guru disciple relationship is a confusing one, and this book has hugely helped me in sorting out my own experience. It is the only reliable information on Mother Meera I have found, and it helps so much to know the human story of her life, after my experience of her as a great master. I wish everyone who is working wiht a teacher in any tradition could read this book, because I believe that it is the most healing and clarifying book on working with a guru that exists.

Rating:
Summary: a misleading book
Review: This book is not recomended by to anyone who is serious about Mother Meera,or in finding out true information about Her.
Throughout, Goodmans tone is one of anger and bitterness, which verges at times on hysteria. He was given a commission by Mother to write a book, and when She was displeased with the result, decided to quit being Her devotee.The problem is further compounded by Goodmans homosexuality on one hand, and the nature of his subsequent work on the other. Also, in this book, there is some minor discussion of the work of Sri Aurobindo and Sweet Mother - which M.G. seems dismissive of until he wants to try to use it as ammunition in his battle with Meera.It is very misleading.
One is left wondering just what is Mr. G's agenda?He seems to be among the growing army of those who expect to get all the benefits of yoga without actually submitting themselves to the conditions under which such graces are granted.It's all very well until his ego is challenged......
My advice is don't waste your money on this.

Rating:
Summary: An honest and personal account of spiritual growth
Review: This is a valuable contribution to spiritual literature, with a focus on the central problem of how Westerners can absorb Eastern wisdom without denying their own individuality. Perhaps we are finally coming of age, challenging the Eastern model of unquestioning surrender and finding the courage to affirm our own intelligence. The best part of the book is in the last few chapters where the author shares his hard-won insight and offers a sane view of the paradox of Mother Meera as both human and divine, as fallible and omniscient. I found the author's recounting of Mother Meera's life a bit unsettling, not being sure where exactly he was coming from. Apart from the inconsistency in point of view, I would recommend this book to anyone who is sorting out the difficulties inherent in dealing with a spiritual master, especially when that master is from another culture.