Compiled by Joan Suval, I hold the Lion’s Paw is a disciple’s collection of wise and powerful statements from letters of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, written to her between 1963 and 1970. Included are spiritual drawings by artist Blossom Folb, and practical, yet philosophical, responses - inspired by Shri Brahmananda - to questions raised by seekers. This book offers the reader a rare insight into the sublime relationship between a spiritual master and his close disciple. These statements of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati have never been published before, and are, in themselves, well worth the content of a classic book. But there’s much more. The book consists of 21 short stand-alone sections. The first 20 are individual statements by Shri Brahmananda, followed by wondrous full-page drawings, and then by questions and responses - practical advice inspired by the wisdom of an enlightened Master. The 21st section is an extraordinarily open letter from Shri Brahmananda to his disciple, who compiled the book. Readers will probably want to first read the whole book in sequence. But this is not a book that one reads and then places on a shelf. Each of the 21 sections can serve as a meditation, so the book can be opened anywhere - to any page at any time - whenever a few moments of peace and inspiration are needed. As stated by one of the reviewers, This is a book to keep close by. ‘I hold the Lion’s Paw’ is a unique thesaurus of East -West union, highlighting the best of the best of our material, intellectual and spiritual lifestyles - as revealed through a disciple’s ‘dialogue’ with an eminent Guru of gurus, Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati (formerly Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D.). - Professor Ram Karam Sharma, University of Pennsylvania This book is a wondrous gift! In it, the deep river of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati’s loving, peaceful wisdom is channeled into smaller streams that bring water and nourishment to the baby seedlings of our limited understanding. It is a gift of Loving Peace. - Krishna Das ‘I hold the Lion’s Paw’ has managed the extraordinary achievement of articulating a ‘compassionate detachment’ - enabling those who are struggling, externally and internally, to find a simple path to reduce these struggles. Blossom Folb’s intricate and loving artwork enhances the enjoyment of this book in a way that is sweetly subliminal. - Stuart Ross, Playwright/Director I loved ‘I hold the Lion’s Paw’! It comes from the heart and connects me more to mine. This is a book to keep close by. - Kelly Reilly, English Actress
