Beautiful book by an adorable, devoted lunatic about the incomparable Amma. ~ Russell Brand

It is a genuine privilege, and with sheer delight, that I bathe myself in Ram Das Batchelder’s “Rising in Love; My Wild and Crazy Ride to Here and Now, with AMMA, the Hugging Saint”. It’s a privilege because I am afforded the opportunity to see the intimate, clearly transparent inner workings of one who reveals the personal meanderings that have led him toward God Realization, our “essential purpose.” Indeed, to declare this to be an amazing compilation of light and love would be to minimize the empowerment one gains from his Wisdom and spiritual sensitivity. The sheer delight I feel comes from a deep inner connection to Ram Das Batchelder’s love for, and devotion to, Amma—the Divine Mother, the living Indian Saint—who, as he comes to clearly understand, leads him with the immense compassion that is found only in the fullness of spiritual awareness and a sense of completion: being God Realized, herself. In the end, he leads us to the clear understanding that it is the divine Source that continually opens the door to God’s calling, to the Voice—much like a beacon in stormy waters, that continually sheds light on the safe harbor of spiritual fulfillment and divine contentment. No stone of personal distraction is left unturned by the author’s deft writing and keen story-telling ability. To reveal such intricacies puts us in touch with our very own vulnerabilities, our very own awareness of being teased away from our innate, spiritual home by the vagaries of the ego conscious world of distraction. Particularly penetrating is his brief, but no less empowering, description of how drug use distracts and clouds one’s path from spiritual completion. Indeed, his descriptions of such episodes make it abundantly clear that the single focus on the “path less taken” is our purpose—and our journey, all in one. His devotion to Amma is stunningly beautiful, as are the many descriptions of how deeply and profoundly this living saint reaches into his innate being, helping him to see how he (as well as we) sabotage our own spiritual journey. Although one might, at first, be a bit suspicious of Amma’s amazing powers—just like, at first, she was seen in her own village in India—we are led by this inspiring commentary to feel a similar calling, a calling to be at One with God Realization. And to understand that there are many ways to reach our life purpose, dispelling the common notion that only one religion or system of belief is the way. Indeed, thinking out of the box is replaced by the understanding that there really is no box at all. I highly commend this amazing display of most accessible and sensitive writing—his compelling prose and poetic sensitivity—which also serves as a guide to our very own spiritual fulfillment. And his commitment to exercise resources gained from its sale to an orphanage in India only adds to his spiritual authenticity. Indeed, his generosity of Spirit is everywhere found. Do dive in, stay with Ram Das to the end, and you are sure to feel the ultimate invitation to celebrate your very own, innate spiritual Wholeness. There is plenty enough love in your heart to make God Realization a reality for you. Ram Das Batchelder has opened the door wide for us. In his own way, he dares us to be on our way. Surely, you can do this! ~ Dr. Jim Young, author of Aware in a World Asleep, Living an Extraordinary Life in an Ordinary World, As If From God, and other books.

Rising in Love is many things - a tribute to the author's guru, Amma, for her world-wide spiritual and humanitarian presence, a lively and accurate first-hand account of Hindu mysticism, and most of all, an autobiography portraying a fierce and passionate drive for God-Realization. You will meet Amma, which translates to Divine Mother, frequently in this book, so a little background is in order. Born in 1953, Amma showed herself to be a remarkable and spiritually precocious child, composing divinely-inspired devotional songs, caring generously for the poor around her, and manifesting miracles too many and too extraordinary to recount here. Amma now travels widely around the world giving darshan (divine blessing), which in her case translates to bliss-filled hugs to every attendee, in programs often going on for twenty hours at a stretch. The author describes Amma as the "full embodiment of the Universal Mother – the Source of All" - literally God in human disguise. Ram Das first discovered Amma at the age of twenty-five after a turbulent, often dangerous, and at times nearly psychotic adolescent search for the divine. With refreshing candor, zany descriptions, and wonderfully self-deprecating humor - and holding nothing back! - Ram Das describes his youthful roller-coaster ride that had me repeatedly fearing that the book would not end well; but the wonder and grace of it all led instead to Amma! His journey is one of power and ecstasy, inflation and self-deception, enlightened realization and ultimate breakthroughs. Ram Das is a born mystic willing to give whatever it takes to come home. This book is both fun and awe-inspiring, taking the reader deep into the author's search for divine love, and teaching us that we are never far from God – but that the journey to God will take every ounce of ego and personal identity we have. I kept thinking this must have been a challenging book to write, revealing as it does the 10,000 steps through burning coals and heavenly delights, leading ever deeper into the divine mystery. I ended with great admiration and respect for Ram Das' gift of language and of himself. In the end, you will be neither bored nor disappointed with this autobiography, mirroring as it will your own spiritual journey. Proceeds from the book will be donated to an orphanage in India. ~ John C. Robinson, Ph.D., D.Min., author of The Three Secrets of Aging

Ever wondered what makes a person give up everything, move to India and follow a guru? This book lovingly and thoroughly answers that question, making the choice of a life of ascetic devotion entirely understandable and yes, even relatable. With fresh, self-deprecating humor, Ram Das Batchelder unwinds the fascinating story of his own lifelong spiritual journey. Recounting the tales of his very high highs and alarmingly low lows, he writes with appealing candor and a complete lack of self-pity. Although parts of his story are quite unusual and very harrowing indeed, he looks back on them gently, with wisdom and generosity toward all parties involved. With divine grace and a magnificent teacher, this man has managed to achieve something few can lay claim to: against all odds, he moves not only from insanity to sanity, as the world would describe these terms—no mean feat in itself—but takes significant steps beyond ordinary sanity, getting a very long way down the road toward the true Sanity of Self-Realization. We’re privileged to go on that journey with him, via the pages of this book. It’s a wild ride, and definitely one worth taking. ~ Carrie Triffet, author of “Long Time No See” and “The Enlightenment Project “

Rising in Love is one of the best books I've ever read about spiritual growth – and I've read hundreds over the last thirty-five years. With candor and honesty Ram Das has woven an uplifting tale full of excitement, adventure and spiritual truths. This is a ‘must read’ for all dedicated seekers of Enlightenment. ~ Ted Zeff, Ph.D., author of The Highly Sensitive Person's Survival Guide, Searching For God and other books

This book is amazing. I laughed, I cried, I didn't want it to end. My only regret? There is not another page! More, more, more! ~ Robyne Conway, Founder and CEO of The Brave Foundation ~

With rare honesty and a delightful sense of humor, Ram Das portrays the amazing experiences he’s had and the miracles he’s witnessed, as well as the gut-wrenching personal struggles he’s been through. The result is an exciting ride to the heights and depths of the spiritual seeker’s path. This book gives us a delicious taste of how wide our hearts can open when we meet a great soul like Amma. ~ Matias Flury, author of Spiritual Experiments and The Secret Power of Yoga Adityam ~

Rising in Love is definitely the most honest autobiography I have ever read. With a rare sense of humor, Ram Das undresses himself for the reader, while sharing his journey of self-acceptance and surrender to his Guru and Divine Self. This is a spiritual classic! ~ Paula Bande, author of Yogapilates, Tantra Eterno, and Anotomía Tantrica ~

I started reading Rising in Love at 11:30 pm and found myself going for a one-hour nap before heading out to work at 8:00 am! I found it to be extremely honest, full of wisdom, persistence, surrender and humility… a rare combination of traits, and highly effective in a book! And so much humor – I laughed out loud many times! This book is a great mission of love that I feel will touch the very souls of all who read it. ~ Hector Rivera, lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the band No Matter What! ~

Ever wondered what makes a person give up everything, move to India and follow a guru? This book lovingly and thoroughly answers that question, making the choice of a life of ascetic devotion entirely understandable and yes, even relatable. With fresh, self-deprecating humor, Ram Das Batchelder unwinds the fascinating story of his own lifelong spiritual journey. Recounting the tales of his very high highs and alarmingly low lows, he writes with appealing candor and a complete lack of self-pity. Although parts of his story are quite unusual and very harrowing indeed, he looks back on them gently, with wisdom and generosity toward all parties involved. With divine grace and a magnificent teacher, this man has managed to achieve something few can lay claim to: against all odds, he moves not only from insanity to sanity, as the world would describe these terms—no mean feat in itself—but takes significant steps beyond ordinary sanity, getting a very long way down the road toward the true Sanity of Self-Realization. We’re privileged to go on that journey with him, via the pages of this book. It’s a wild ride, and definitely one worth taking. ~ Carrie Triffet, author of Long Time No See and The Enlightenment Project ~

“Rising in Love” is many things - a tribute to the author's guru, Amma, for her world-wide spiritual and humanitarian presence, a lively and accurate first-hand account of Hindu mysticism, and most of all, an autobiography of a fierce and passionate drive for God-Realization. With refreshing candor, zany descriptions, and wonderfully self-depreciating humor - and holding nothing back! - Ram Das describes his youthful roller-coaster ride that had me repeatedly fearing that the book would not end well. His journey is one of power and ecstasy, inflation and self-deception, enlightened realization and ultimate breakthroughs. Ram Das is a born mystic willing to give whatever it takes to come home. This book is both fun and awe-inspiring, taking the reader deep into the author's search for divine love. I kept thinking this must have been a challenging book to write, revealing as it does the 10,000 steps through burning coals and heavenly delights, leading ever deeper into the divine mystery. I ended with great admiration and respect for Ram Das' gift of language and of himself. In the end, you will be neither bored nor disappointed with this autobiography, mirroring as it will your own spiritual journey. John C. Robinson, Ph.D., D.Min., author of The Three Secrets of Aging and other books ~

Hold on to your seats, folks, as you journey with Ram Das on a captivating roller coaster joy ride towards Enlightenment! This book is witty, intelligent and very exciting – a real page-turner, I must say! The author is courageously transparent with his experiences and had me totally captivated from start to finish. His is a universal truth any spiritual aspirant can relate to. ~ Rev. Jayanti Iamonico, interfaith minister ~

This is my favorite kind of book. It follows a determined seeker’s search for Truth up down around and around again – only to see that the path leads to Self with no distance to travel – a lesson for all of us to discover in our own way and our own time. Thank you, Ram Das Batchelder, for your words, your perseverance and your courage. You show us it can be done with heart and with guts. With your book, you become a newly found friend for all of us to know, forever there to cheer us on as we too follow a fearless trail to the Absolute. Yes indeed, salutations to Amma, the Hugging Saint! ~ Elizabeth Griffin, author of “Love's Calling: A Journey to Self” ~

In this brave and intimate autobiography, Ram Das shares his journey to the realization that divine Grace shines in every experience. Since his path has been full of ups and downs, it makes for very entertaining reading. Anyone seeking Self-Realization, or just a glimpse into modern ashram life, will surely resonate and benefit. I loved it! ~ Johanna Sarjas, freelance journalist and Press Representative of M.A. Mission, Finland ~

To declare “Rising in Love” to be an amazing compilation of light and love would be to minimize the empowerment one gains from Ram Das’ wisdom and spiritual sensitivity. No stone of personal distraction is left unturned by the author’s deft writing and keen story-telling ability. His devotion to Amma is stunningly beautiful, as are the many descriptions of how deeply and profoundly this living saint reaches into his innate being, helping him to see how he (as well as we) sabotage our own spiritual journey. I highly commend this amazing display of most accessible and sensitive writing—his compelling prose and poetic sensitivity—which also serves as a guide to our very own spiritual fulfillment. And his commitment to exercise resources gained from sale of the book to an orphanage in India only adds to his spiritual authenticity. Do dive in, stay with Ram Das to the end, and you are sure to feel the ultimate invitation to celebrate your very own, innate spiritual Wholeness. He has opened the door wide for us. In his own way, he dares us to be on our way. ~ By Dr. Jim Young, author of Aware in a World Asleep, Living an Extraordinary Life in an Ordinary World, As If From God, and other books ~