Oh, the Black Lotus is an excellent book! It is lively and full of excitement. It reminds me of the Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta. The use of witnesses is very well done in the aural biography style. When this is done by Bhakti-tirtha Swami himself it is something wonderful, as in the sections about his visit to Jagannatha Puri. You have traced out his history from early boyhood all the way up to his sannyasa days beautifully. The whole thing is an exciting sleigh ride. What I like is it is deep.
Thank you very much, Satyaraja, for writing this exciting account. It will remain and resonate with many, many people for long time to come.
-- Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,
Satsvarupa Das Goswami
This precious book will transport readers into the extraordinary life of Bhakti Tirtha Swami. It brings to light his journey from a childhood of desperation to his blossoming as an internationally honored spiritual leader -- achieved not by political power, but by love, compassion and relentless courage. My sincerest gratitude to Steven Rosen for a vivid portrayal that will deeply affect the heart of the reader.
-- Radhanath Swami, one of the Hare Krishna Movement's initiating gurus and Governing Body Commissioners
When I journeyed down the pages of Black Lotus, I saw that the author had truly captured my uncle's life -- so much so that I felt like I had traveled back in time and was walking with uncle himself.
-- Renita Allen, Bhakti Tirtha Swami's niece
I've just begun "Black Lotus" which fills my mind before taking rest each night. After reading the introduction, I realized how much Satyaraja prabhu loved HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami. I relish my nightcap of reading Bhakti Tirtha Swami's pastimes of unalloyed service to Srila Prabhupada. Hollywood/Bollywood, are you listening?
-- Nrsimhananda Dasa (ISKCON TV)
Satyaraja has done a great service memoralizing the incredible life and gifts and His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami. Many generations can join us in learning from and celebrating his life and extraordinary passing.
-- Brahmatirtha Dasa
We are truly enjoying Satyaraja's new book "Black Lotus". His fluid writing style and impeccable research on Bhakta Tirtha Swami is very impressive. The portrayal of such a beautiful and spiritually powerful man is inspiring for all of us on the spiritual path. Thank you Satyaraja for such a wonderful contribution!
-- R and B Weinberg
These profound recollections are haunting and daunting in a way that makes us see the heroic glory of Bhakti Tirtha Swami, desire to be more like him, and keep him at the forefront of our memories. Through this wonderfully written work, Bhakti Tirtha Swami is (almost) as present as ever.
-- Raga Makeda Cannon
Thanks to Black Lotus, a greater number of people throughout the world now have the chance to step inside the deeply non-sectarian spiritual life of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami. Steven J. Rosen has written, with insight and love, an inspiring and heart-wrenching chronicle of a life that was nothing short of miraculous from beginning to end. I thank him.
-- Joe De Gise II (Yadunatha Dasa)
This book contains a history of ISKCON, America, and, best of all, the life of an exceptional devotee. Simply by reading this extraordinarily detailed and interesting chronicle of Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja's life, one receives deep purification and strong encouragement on one's own spiritual path. From the cover to the messages inside, the book bears universal appeal for all people. And, of course, this was one of Maharaja's special abilities. Somehow, Satyaraja has captured the essence of Bhakti Tirtha Swami -- his love of all, his commitment to the spiritual path, and his unceasing ability to live up to Srila Prabhupada's expectations. Satyaraja has done a great service to ISKCON with his laborious and talented effort to serve Srila Prabhupada with this book.
-- Campakalata Devi Dasi
The book you have written, with the intriguing title of Black Lotus, has given me a uniquely deeper insight into a vaisnava of extraordinary character. I read the entire book in a few days, not wanting to put it down until finishing another chapter in the life of this vaisnava pioneer. The interviews, the depth of your research and your obvious respect and love for Bhakti Tirtha Swami reverberate through out the pages. It is a glorious tribute to a glorious, inspirational, exemplary devotee and disciple. Many thanks for bringing his story to light. His life is a true testament to the principle for success in devotional service; the combined elements of bona fide guru (Prabhupada) and bona fide disciple (Bhakti Tirtha Swami).
-- Laksmi Nrsimha Dasa
How fortunate that this volume Black Lotus is available for readers. Until now I thought that those who were not blessed to have personally heard His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami speak, those who never saw him smile or saw him dance, those who never heard his laughter, those who never felt his compassion and gravity first hand, would be forever bereft of the miracle of his transformative association. I was wrong. This amazing book, chronicling the life and times of Bhakti Tirtha Swami, is a kind of incarnation of His Holiness. It offers a wealth of poignant memories, delightful anecdotes, and detailed accounts which afford the reader insights into just how it was that this saintly and powerful spiritual master came to share with us the abundance of his great love and wisdom. Even those who knew him personally will be thrilled and amazed to have their already profound regard for this beloved saint augmented by Steven Rosen's well researched and highly readable text. I cannot recommend this work too highly.
-- David Carter (Hladini Shakti Dasa), hospice chaplain.
I just received my copy of Black Lotus on Monday. I have been so encaptivated by our beloved Guru's presence and his affect on the planet. The more I read, the more I am moved. I am more and more grateful to be a part of a family led by a true spiritual general. I am not yet through the entire book, but it truely is a beautiful offering to the Lotus Feet of the Lord. This book helps us to see that Gurudeva (Bhakti Tirtha Swami) came out of his way to Earth to build a bridge to the Sprirtual World for the wretched like me.
-- Aparajata Devi Dasi, disciple of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami
I found Black Lotus: The Spiritual Journey of an Urban Mystic to be an accurate account of my friend, Johnny Boy's (aka Bhakti Tirtha Swami's), spiritual journey, which commenced during his childhood years. Your description of this remarkable soldier brings to mind and heart memories that I will cherish forever.
Looking back on our 45-year friendship reminds me of how much God loved Johnny Boy and myself. He is no longer a part of the physical plane but his spirituality will continue to effect lives for many years to come. There is no greater vocation than to be a servant to God and humanity.
-- Ronnie Cooper (Bhakti Tirtha Swami's childhood friend)
I am deeply indebted to Satyaraja Prabhu for his masterpiece, Black Lotus. My Gurudeva certainly knew exactly what he was doing when he asked him to write his biography. I was glued to my chair, neglecting other duties in my attempt to plough through its pages. I found myself relishing pastimes I had not heard before and reliving memories that I hold dear to my heart. Satyaraja expertly presents the exemplary life of Maharaja to both devotees and non-devotees alike and I sincerely thank him for using his literary talents to allow me to develop both a deeper relationship and appreciation for my spiritual master.
-- Tamal Krsna Dasa, disciple of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami
I read "Black Lotus" cover to cover. I could not put it down. I found it especially moving to read of the last days of His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami. What an inspiring life! What I appreciated most about the book is that for those not part of ISKCON or who didn't know him, we could really gain a sense of the history of the organization and his dedication to its ideals in such a moving and memorable account. To hear first hand from those who served with him, from those who had the opportunity to spend so much time with him, was what makes this book really transmit the feeling of the heart and soul of such a pure devotee. Because Satyaraja's book is so very comprehensive and inclusive, it tempered the feeling that I had missed the opportunity to know such a great soul. I am grateful and inspired by the life of devotion and service that filled the pages of "Black Lotus."
-- Rev. Prem Anjali
Senior Editor, Integral Yoga Publications
Executive Editor, Integral Yoga Magazine
I have just finished reading Black Lotus. I want to thank you so very much for your commitment to spread his message in the world. I am sure HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami is pleased and I know that Prabhupada and Krsna are blessing you for the fine work in writing the book.
Reading the book was an adventurous spiritual journey for me. I read it very slowly. It was like sipping nectar and I wanted to savor every taste. You did such a wonderful job of carrying me from one stage of Gurudeva's life to the next that I could not rush through.
As I got to the chapters where I was a member of the activities (esp., IFAST), I found it more difficult to continue reading. Memories and emotions surfaced that I had to examine and then move on. It also took me a while to begin chapter nine -- The Long Journey Home. But there again, you took me through with words of understanding and empathy.
I don't know if your ears were burning at anytime. There is a saying that if your ears are burning, someone is talking about you. Well, I found I could not discuss the book without commenting about the great work that you did and what a fine writer you are.
My dear, somehow I wish I had more scholarly words but this is from my heart. Thank you for a fantastic book! Krsna bless you!
-- Mother Indrani, disciple of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami
Though Bhakti Tirtha Swami and I were born only two years apart, our childhoods could not have been more different. While he grew up comfortably ensconced in the black culture of Cleveland's Forgotten Triangle neighborhood, I, a white-looking individual of partial African ancestry, never felt at ease embracing the black identity that society imposed upon me.
That said, it is interesting that we were both attracted to Krishna Consciousness, and his life story, as delineated by Steven J. Rosen in Black Lotus: The Spiritual Journey of an Urban Mystic is a great read for anyone seeking to transcend race-consciousness and cultivate spiritual self-realization.
-- Charles Michael Byrd, author of "Beyond Race: The Bhagavad-gita in Black and White"
In Black Lotus, Steven Rosen -- already acclaimed for dozens of insightful spiritual works -- takes his readers on yet another thrilling journey into the revolutionary world of transcendental, non-sectarian truth. This book gives us a rare chance to witness firsthand the intimate life of a modern saint of the highest caliber. John Favors, a Baptist child preacher severely discriminated against racially, socially and economically, rose to become not only president of his class at Princeton University and an initiated African royal chief, but also a revered spiritual master in the exalted bhakti-yoga tradition. Known as His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami, John was a trusted advisor and confidante of influential leaders ranging from President Nelson Mandela of South Africa and boxing champion Muhammad Ali, to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam. I think that whoever reads Black Lotus will, like myself, be deeply moved and uplifted by Bhakti-tirtha Swami's inspiring example of totally selfless love for others, his profound wisdom transcending all religious, racial and political boundaries, and his all-encompassing compassion that transformed the lives of thousands.
-- Dr. Allan M. Keislar, Professor of History and Pakistan Studies Forman Christian College Lahore, Pakistan
BLACK LOTUS: THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF AN URBAN MYSTIC is Steven J. Rosen's encomium and appreciative biography of the late Bhakti Tirtha Swami, who began life as John Favors in the black ghetto of Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Princeton University, Favors was initiated by Swami Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. He was one of the first African-Americans to receive such initiation, and to excel as a disciple. In his later lifetime of celibate sannyasa, Bhakti Tirtha Swami wrote many books and traveled and taught in African and other countries besides the U.S.A. He became recognized in his own right as a powerful mystic teacher before his early death. In the words of Steven J. Rosen, 'It is the story of a true spiritual seeker who achieved an extraordinary level of accomplishment and then enthusiastically shared his gain with all who would have it. The same treasure will also be shared with anyone who enters into the mood and message of this book.' BLACK LOTUS is superbly written and should be read by anyone interested in religion in contemporary America.
-- Charles S. J. White, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion at the American University in Washington, DC.
I have been reading the biography of HH Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja - "Black Lotus" these days. I haven't met Maharaja personally, just seen him once many years back. But, he comes alive in the pages of your book.
I wanted to express thanks to you for writing such an inspiring book and sharing with the world the wonderful persona of HH Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja. Especially, I liked your additional inputs in the form of backgrounds to certain events that you have described in your book. The vivid description helps one transport himself to a different era, when Maharaja was at a particular stage in his life and then one can relate to Maharaja's accomplishments better. It would have been impossible for people like me, who are far from Maharaja geographically to come closer to him without your help. We certainly owe you one on that.
Again, thank you very much for writing such an inspirational piece of literature.
-- Nanda Dulala Dasa (Chowpatty, Mumbai, India)
I've been reading Black Lotus and gaining a tremendous appreciation for Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja. I did not meet Maharaja until the last couple of months of his life, so thanks for filling in the rest of the picture. His is an inspiring example.
The book is captivating. I especially liked the way you anticipated the reader's doubt and objections early on to the stories of healing (the blind woman, the withered arm). I have to confess that I tend to be a skeptical reader, so had you not offered that bit of evaluative intervention at precisely that moment, I would have lost faith in you as the author and put the book down. It seems that no matter how real and sincere mystical experiences are, they tend to sound almost flaky and incredible when rendered into words (at least to outsiders). I liked how you showed an awareness of this and satisfied the less credulous reader with your intervening words. All in all, the book strikes a fine balance between scene, quotations, and mediation by you. Thank you for an inspired book!
-- Dr. Marguerite Regan, Newman University
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your two new books, "Black Lotus" and "Essential Hinduism." They are excellently written, informative and a great pleasure to read.
I especially loved "Black Lotus," since it brilliantly portrays a marvellous example of bhakti-yoga applied to our modern times, as exemplified by the life of H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami. How much I regret it now that I did not spend more time with Maharaja and take better advantage of his association!
Your inclusion of GALVA in the book, along with your fair and clear portrayal of Maharaja's views on homosexuals as a minority group as well as homosexuality in general, was also greatly appreciated and well done.
Thanks again for your wonderful writing services to the Vaishnavas. I can only imagine how much Srila Prabhupada and H.H. Bhakti Tirtha Swami are pleased with you!
Your Godbrother and servant,
-- Amara dasa, GALVA-108
This is a fascinating, well-researched account of an extraordinary soul's spiritual journey. Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja's life is an inspiraton because it reveals how one person can make a profound difference in the lives of many thousands. The book begins with the little known account of a child evangelist in a Cleveland ghetto, early mystical experiences, and life-changing influences. It then moves to the counter-cultural 60's, the involvement with African-American social movements, his meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King, and his studies of the paranormal at Princeton. His interest in religion and self-realization is well-documented by accounts of the personalities who influenced him in a life of spiritual dedication. The seeds of mysticism were planted in very fertile ground, and Krsna consciousness was the natural, inevitable result. The use of eyewitness accounts and the dozens of interviews with the disciples of Srila Prabhupada and his own disciples, as well as many other friends, family members and acquaitances, gives the book a rich and detailed tapestry of Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja's wonderful rise to prominence and influence. The only fault of this book is that it merely whets the reader's appetite for more. There should be a multi-volume account of this inspirational personality's life, which will serve as a beacon for those who aspire to create transforming and uplifting change in a troubled world.
--Rupa-vilasa Dasa