Swami Turiyananda’s life by Swami Indrashananda

Swami Turiyananda (1863-1922) was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, and one of the earliest monks of the Ramakrishna Order. He was born as Harinath Chattopadhyay in a small village in present-day Bangladesh, and was attracted to spiritual life from a young age.

As a young man, Turiyananda traveled to Calcutta (now Kolkata) to study, and soon became a devotee of Sri Ramakrishna, whom he met for the first time in 1882. He became a frequent visitor to the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where Sri Ramakrishna lived and taught, and was deeply influenced by the Master’s teachings and spiritual presence.

After Sri Ramakrishna’s passing, Turiyananda joined the monastery founded by Swami Vivekananda in Baranagar, and was one of the first disciples to take vows of monasticism. He was a deeply introspective and contemplative monk, and spent many years in intense spiritual practice and study.

In 1897, Turiyananda accompanied Swami Vivekananda to the West, and spent several years traveling and teaching in America. He was known for his simplicity, humility, and deep spirituality, and his teachings on Vedanta and Yoga had a profound impact on many Western students.

In later years, Turiyananda spent much of his time in seclusion, and continued to deepen his spiritual practice until his passing in 1922. He was known for his profound spiritual insights, and his teachings on the nature of the Self and the path to spiritual realization continue to inspire seekers around the world.

Overall, Swami Turiyananda’s life was a testament to the transformative power of spiritual practice and the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. His dedication, humility, and spiritual insight continue to serve as a source of inspiration for those on the path of spiritual seeking.