About the Book

Known in his lifetime as India’s most famous convert to Christianity, Sadhu Sundar Singh (1889–1929) would not approve of that characterization. He loved Jesus and devoted his life to knowing him and following him, but he never accepted Christianity’s cultural conventions, even as he embraced its stark original teachings.

A modern Saint Francis, Sundar Singh left the wealth of his home at sixteen to live as a sadhu, or wandering holy man. His beggar-like existence, his intense devotion, his mystical encounters with Jesus, and his simple yet profound parables became the stuff of legends. No one who met him – including the thousands who flocked to hear him during his visits to Europe, the Orient, and the United States – remained unaffected.

Wisdom of the Sadhu, a collection of anecdotes, sayings, parables, and meditations, brings together the best of Sundar Singh’s teachings. Couched as they are in a distinctly Indian idiom, they probe the essence of the Gospels with unusual freshness and offer insights of great depth and value to every serious seeker.

Softcover, 5.5 x 8.5
ISBN: 978-0874869989

Book Trailer

Praise

Sadhu Sundar Singh is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic spiritual guides of the twentieth century. Rooted as it is in a distinctively Indian style, his Christian wisdom challenges Western readers to step beyond theological ideas and taste the Gospel itself. Plough has done a great service by publishing the work of this wise and holy teacher.

Robert Ellsberg, author, All Saints

In Sadhu Sundar Singh, Christianity and Hinduism meet, and the former stands like a flower that blossoms on an Indian stem.

Friedrich Heiler

Penetrating, relevant, and easy to read. This is an inspiring collection.

Jetti A. Oliver, National Council of Churches, India

Sadhu Sundar Singh’s dramatic encounter with the living Christ, his refusal to clothe his faith with western trappings, and his absolute devotion to the way of Jesus make for compelling reading. I highly ­recommend this book.

Richard J. Foster, author, Celebration of Discipline

Tablet of Contents

I. SCENES

II. CONVERSATIONS

  • the pilgrim
  • darshana • the divine presence
  • avatara • incarnation
  • the lovers
  • karma • bondage
  • moksa • release
  • the prince and the thief
  • dyva vileenam • oneness with god
  • dhyanam • contemplation
  • three seekers
  • seva • service
  • tapas • suffering
  • the king and the farmer
  • amrita • eternity
  • a warning to the west
  • seeker and master
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