ISBN: 1-931816-00-X
ISBN 13: 978-1-931816-00-7
$ 16.00 , 216 pages
$12.80 Online Price
(Quality paperback)

Reviews:

Mysticism East and West,
Network Review, Journal of the Scientific and Medical Network, Winter 2004

Hourihan's wonderful book on Ramakrishna and Christ is both an excellent introduction to the 19^th century Hindu mystic and an exploration of a key Hindu idea: the distinction between devotional and non-devotional spirituality (known as bhakti and jnani respectively).... For Hourihan Ramakrishna represents that rarity, a great spiritual teacher who celebrated all the paths to 'God'.... More than this, Hourihan finds in Ramakrishna an unprecedented openness to the feminine. It is this complex of ideas that Hourihan explores so well: the devotional (bhakti) instincts of Ramakrishna, his openness to other paths including the non-devotional (jnani), and the role of the feminine, particularly the mother....

 Nowhere in the mystical literature of East and West can we find such a vivid and ongoing juxtaposition of bhakti and jnani, nor is it easy to find a skilled commentator like Hourihan to guide us through it. He shows us how women mystics in Ramakrishna's life helped him intensify his devotions to the goddess Kali; how a wondering naked monk helped him pursue and achieve the goal of the opposite jnani path.... For Hourihan to do this, he must have personally held both spiritual impulses in a considerably developed and balanced form....

 To conclude, I found both these books [Mysticism in American Literature being the other book] provided much thought-provoking detail and discussion on mystics from America and India. They are an important contribution to many of the key issues in mysticism East and West, including the better understanding of the devotional/non-devotional difference in the spiritual life, the role of sexuality and renunciation, and the possibility for spiritual pluralism illustrated by that extraordinary religion: Hinduism. I understand that other books by Hourihan might be published in the future, and look forward to reading them.
Full Review* (PDF)

          - Dr. Mike King, Director for the Centre for Postsecular Studies, London Metropolitan University, www.jnani.org/postsecular

" ...For newcomers, the book offers an engrossing introduction to a great Hindu mystic. By entering sympathetically into the well-documented spiritual life of this nineteenth century holy man, we should be able to understand better Jesus of Nazareth, his first-century precursor.... Paul Hourihan's book is a glowing tribute to his knowledge of Hinduism. He is masterful in his command of the information he incorporates into his text. By his profound understanding of Ramakrishna, he has in the bargain introduced us to a Jesus more plausible than the one usually presented in theology textbooks and Sunday school classes."  Full review * in PDF Format.

          - James M. Somerville, The American Vedantist, Summer 2002

"Ramakrishna and Christ: Supermystics represents the first comprehensive study to compare the lives and spiritual beliefs of Ramakrishna, the 19th century Indian saint, and Christ, his Western version. From interpretations of Christ from an India yoga viewpoint to insights into Ramakrishna's life, Ramakrishna and Christ: Supermystics is packed with intriguing comparisons and insights." 

       - Midwest Book Review , Oregon, WI USA

Readers' Comments:

"A finely crafted book that brings sensitivity and psychological finesse to the interpretation of two towering figures in the history of spirituality. In understanding Ramakrishna, we may come to better understand Jesus of Nazareth, and vice versa.... a lovingly conducted contemplation, well befitting the subject. This book exemplifies comparative religion at its best."

          - Dr. Georg Feuerstein, founder of Traditional Yoga Studies, and author of  The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga.

"This is an inspired work. Paul Hourihan's ability to understand perfectly the mind of a saint is truly amazing. I hope this book can reach as many people as possible."                       
                                                                                    - Fred Strohm, San Dimas, CA
 

"What a remarkable book!... Paul Hourihan's reframing of Ramakrishna's life as modeling the new understanding of the Feminine required to save the West, and the whole world really, from itself, was quite powerful. I loved how boldly he allowed his intuition free reign, and the treasures (with perhaps some fool's gold mixed in) he uncovered. The blend of obvious respect for his two subjects, and the much-needed de-mythologizing, was perfect.

           - Randall Keller, Mt. Shasta, CA.

"This is a wonderful book. Mr. Hourihan is deeply insightful, and expresses so eloquently his insights into this issue which has long been of supreme importance to me."
                                                                                 – Paravastha, Portland, OR.
 

"A masterfully written, scholarly work containing luminous insights and new interpretations of the lives and teachings of two great souls from very different cultural traditions.... Dr. Hourihan's exploration of the necessity of Jesus' crucifixion from an Eastern karmic perspective is the most convincing explanation I have ever read." 

- Bruce Hulbert, Redding, California
 

"In essence, Ramakrishna and Christ, The Supermystics applies a grace-filled salve to the mind, the heart, and the eyes to behold a larger Truth. It is recommended for the New Age meditator, contemplator in search of answers on existence, who/what God is ... and for guidance on forming a more true and inspired spiritual perspective." 

- M. Freitag, Chaplain, Unity Church, Bellevue, WA.