Yamuna Devi: A Life of Unalloyed Devotion

Description

This illustrated memoir and biography unfolds the inspiring internal and external spiritual odyssey of Yamuna devi’s devotional life recalled in her memories, talks, journals and writings, as well as the remembrances of the author and other associates and friends. It is richly supplemented with 100s of rare photos, Yamuna’s calligraphic works, illustrations and art. In Part 1, Yamuna devi meets her spiritual preceptor, Srila Prabhupada, at her sister’s wedding in 1966 and begins her first tentative steps in bhakti. In San Francisco she and a group of friends establish a vibrant temple and celebrate Rathayatra. Yamuna is initiated, married and begins cooking for Srila Prabhupada. She, her husband, and two other couples then travel to London and ignite the fire of Sankirtan in England. She records with George Harrison at Apple Studios and helps establish a temple in London. Her Guru’s promise to take her to India is fulfilled in 1970, when she travels with the World Sankirtan Party throughout India. Despite hardships and obstacles along the path, the seed of Yamuna devi’s Bhakti grows and matures into a life of unalloyed devotion. In Part Two, Yamuna faces challenges and austerities while serving in Vrindavan. In 1974, she leaves the Krishna-Balarama Temple project and moves to Oregon with Dinatarini, to begin a women’s ashram. Her beloved Deities are installed there. In the ensuing years, Yamuna and Dinatarini move extensively, each move bringing its own challenges and inspirations. In 1984, Yamuna’s epic cookbook, Lord Krishna’s Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking, is released to unprecedented praise. In 1998, Yamuna and Dinatarini, seeking a simpler life, move Saranagati Village to live off-the-grid in a self-built Vastu designed home. Here, Yamuna lovingly shares kirtan, classes, deity seva, and devotional inspiration. Health issues later force Yamuna to move to Florida, where she continues to inspire others in bhakti until her passing.