Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers' Favorite

Following a spiritual path is never easy and cannot be undertaken superficially. Two soul partners were drawn together by mystical visions and shared a remarkable journey in their quest for higher consciousness. Faith met Ken in October 1986, and shortly after their marriage in 1988, they traveled to India. There, they met Madhu, who arranged for them to meet Sai Baba. After introducing them to the biography of Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Maharaj (Swamiji), she took them to his ashram in Bangalore. There, they found a Master Yogi who was a powerful Guru. A Yogi projects a powerful, awakened presence that radiates energy and love, embodying expanded consciousness that is fully God-realized. The couple embarked on a pilgrimage to Gangotri, remaining in India for a further three months before joining Swamiji in London. He asked them to plan his proposed three-month visit to America. The American trip was a learning experience, albeit not without its challenges, as were later visits, particularly in terms of scheduling, venues, and cooking. Swamiji worked tirelessly. He admonished Faith angrily on several occasions, which left largely self-inflicted wounds, but they were part of her training. The lesson is to go within to find your truth. These life-changing experiences are chronicled in The Master’s Fire and Grace: Awakening the Inner Heart, co-authored by Faith and Ken Rose.

The Master’s Fire and Grace reminds us that a Guru is not your friend and may use harsh reprimands to teach uncomfortable lessons, including shouting at devotees. This deeply affected Faith, whose reaction elicited the comment “a good heart and a bad mind” through Swamiji’s assistant. Faith retreated and distanced herself from his grace and love while she wrestled with her inner conflicts. Ken remained supportive throughout her withdrawal and pain. A Yogi believes that the physical body is of no consequence and is not constrained by physical limitations, being at one with the Supreme Consciousness. However, Swamiji’s body was subjected to strain as he used his expansive energies to spread peace wherever he went. His final tour to America in 1991 was followed by diabetes and later by kidney failure. He transitioned into spirit in 1994, to the dismay of his devotees, and a period of confusion followed. There were divided opinions and reactions as they tried to adapt to his loss. Nevertheless, he still provided guidance from higher realms through his devotees. Ken passed on in 2018. This is a sobering look into the depth of commitment and discipline required by the spiritual path and reveals a sharp divide between Eastern and Western thinking. This is book two of a series by Faith and Ken Rose and will be continued. An evocative photo gallery is included. The book is a frank, engaging, warm, and inspiring work that is exceptional.