A testament to the strength of love, Grief is a compassionate guide during difficult times. Here, Swamini Sri Lalitambika Devi shares an intimate portrait of life and mind, as she cared for a loved one who was dying. The journal she kept during this time explores the natural feelings of sorrow that arise, as well as ways to find meaning and stay centered in faith, when someone we love is at the end of life. The book shares insights on making difficult treatment decisions, staying present with suffering, and deciding what to do when there is nothing more that can be done. As this death called into question the purpose of her life, she also contemplates spirituality in the midst of daily living, and how the ordinary being awakens. The teachings offered are profound, moving, and courageous. Swaminiji offers this journey as shared experience to support patients, families, and caretakers during times of loss. In her strength and steadfast wisdom, she brings forth glimpses of the infinite.

The Free Spirit: Simple Joys for Wise Living is a handbook for self-discovery.

Playful yet profound, the book touches on simple ways to be happy, including self-care, transformational thinking, emotional healing, relationship success, empowered communication, and spiritual awakening. Like any true teacher, the book doesn't answer all of life's questions. It encourages the seeker to look within, to that most trustworthy guide-the free spirit.

Through simple interactive exercises, The Free Spirit offers a personalized approach, so that we can each realize true happiness-just as we are

"The Free Spirit," accomplishes something wonderful. Here is a handbook for living that distills the great truths of masters past and present, and makes those truths accessible to everyone. The beginners on the journey to inner peace will find this a wonderful guide book to help them find their way, while the more adept will find the support and companionship of truths worth remembering. We can open the book to any page, and there, on that page, is exactly the lesson, information, and gift that is remarkably perfect for the place we are in. Parents and children, teachers and students . . . all of us traveling this path to inner knowledge and freedom will benefit by reading any part of this book each and every day. -Rabbi Roger Ross, Psychotherapist; Executive Director, Rabbinical Seminary International; Board Chair, International Seminary for Interfaith Studies (ISIS)

Inspiring and practical, "The Free Spirit" is a helpful offering to people in pain and their healers. In workbook style, this wise manual could be used by oneself, between a practitioner and a patient, or within a group, either led or peer supported. May "The Free Spirit" find its way to those in need, and may they be healed by its guidance. -Kathryn Fraser, MD, Medical director of the Recovery Resiliency Program at the University of New Mexico Psychiatric Center

"The Free Spirit" is a cheerful and profound guide for anyone who wishes to become healthier. Heartily recommended. -Janine Canan MD, Psychiatrist; Editor of "Messages from Amma"

"The Free Spirit" is a humble yet profound recording of Swamini Sri Lalitambika Devi's understanding of the problems that we face in life, but moreso, the solutions are offered in a most simple manner. Child-like simplicity is a necessary ingredient for a worry-free life, both in terms of communication and application. Readers and seekers will find this book enjoyable and beneficial. -Swami Parameshananda, Bharat Sevashram UN and International Representative; Author of "Eternal Answers"

Lalitamba is a journal of contemporary spiritual literature that was inspired by a pilgrimage through India. In early 2004, we traveled from city to city, working to alleviate the suffering that comes from poverty, illness, and plain loss of hope. The name "Lalitamba" means Divine Mother. In India, she is looked to as the supporter of the universe. Lalitamba 5 includes translation and commentary by Coleman Barks, as well as Haiku-inspired poetry by Sensei Gregory Hosho Abels and devotional verse by Janine Canan. An interview with Jayanta Mahapatra offers a glimpse into the life and inspiration of one of today's most beloved Indian English poets. Meanwhile, painter Pat Lipsky shares her thoughts on Proust, stained glass windows, and jazz.

The Lotus Within is a companion guide to inner peace. A tapestry of folklore, poetry, wisdom, and prayer, it includes teachings that have been collected from Swamini Sri Lalitambika Devi's early outreach work in New York City. These thoughts have been shared in psychiatric wards, recovery units, prisons, and shelters, with people whose courage continues to inspire. This heartfelt volume transcends tradition, culture, and time. Its gentle words will awaken any sincere seeker to the limitless potential for joy that lives in the heart. .

Lalitamba was inspired by travels through India with hugging saint Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. Lalitamba is a name for the Goddess, She who lives in the heart. Lalitamba 4 includes an interview with poet-translator Daniel Ladinsky. Known initially for his unique renderings of the fourteenth century Persian mystic Hafiz, Mr. Ladinsky is now internationally recognized for his deeply gifted renderings of Eastern and Western mystics. We are blessed to share in the ruby mine of his experience and insight, as well as several of his new poems. Writers from around the world explore themes of myth and dream, feelings of alienation, relationship, renewal, and what it means to be a woman in modern times. Lokanath offers a translation of the Sri Bala Sahasranama (a hymn in praise of the Goddess as an adolescent girl). This rare Tantric treasure reveals our inherent and limitless potential. Professor Sumalee Mahanarongchai writes on how to stay connected through compassion during difficult times. Plus, find forty verses on superhero devotee, Hanuman-ji--the Sri Hanuman Chalisa. Discover the new Lalitamba. It's nothing like you thought it would be.