My Spiritual Journey began on a lovely spring day in April 1956.
My Sister asked me to drive her to an appointment she had agreed to keep with a spiritual teacher, minister and guru from India. Little did I know that this interview for my sister, would become my own appointment with my future destiny.
The long winding road led us to the Anand Ashrama located at the top of a beautiful mountain in La Crescenta, California. The setting was serene with tress and wildlife so bountiful.

Upon introduction I was immediately drawin to my future teacher and guru, Srimata Gayatri Devi, who all her devotees affectionately called Mataji. After attending several Sunday services, I became her secretary shortly thereafter, handling all of her personal correspondence and book orders. After thirty five years of being Matajis devotee and secretary, I decided to take her recommendation and write a book.

Matajis practical advice and pearls of wisdom coupled with her high lever of mysticism influenced so many people on so many levels. She had the most incredible, compassionate brown eyes that seemed to see right through me. She emanated an innerpeace and traquility and seemed ethereal ,note of this world. she transformed my life, Changing completely my interests and priorities.
Now as I approach the end of my life I wanted to share some of my most memorable experiences as a devotee, Matajis Secretary and a homemaker


Ruth E Knowlton

A JOURNEY

CONTENTS
Principal People and Places...
Introduction
Early Years in India....
Return to India....
My Appointment with
Destiny.....
First Meeting....
Easter Sunrise Service
My New spiritual Home
Mothers Day
Divine Discontent
My First Interview
Tuesdays with Mataji
A Surprising Suggestion
Our Move to La Crescenta.....
Initiation...
Intimate Glimpses...
Remembering Didu...
Significant Changes....
Mataji Takes Charge....
A Date with Mataji....
The Seventies....
Retreat Houses....
Ananda Ashramas Fiftieth Anniversary
Our Two-Month Trip to India
Driving to New Delhi( From my Journal).....
Invitation to the United Nations
Step by Step-A Sunday
Sermon by Mataji
Mastery of the Ego--A Sermon by Mataji.........
The Eighties.....
Sudha Ma........
1983--Sixteeth Anniversary
1984-Swami Paramanandas Centenary
1986--Gayatri Devis Eightieth
Birthday
Flow with Life--A Sunday Sermon by Mataji
Letters
Letters to New Devotees
Letters to Jaduma
Matajis Letters and Reflections Regarding Herself-----
Inspired thoughts.....
Fullness of being
Regarding our Separation from the Ramakrishna Order
Letters of Instruction....
to One of the monastics in Cohasset...
To another.....
To an ailing devotee......
Letters of comfort..
Spiritual Instruction To Devotees ...
Visiting the Sick and Elderly....
The Nineties--Growing old Gracefully.....
Matajis Passing.....
Memorial Service...
Afterword.....
In Gratitude....
About the Author......