Knowledge leads to Unity, Ignorance to Diversity (Sri Ramakrishna)

Mahendranath Gupta (M): The disciple who recorded the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

The preservation of spiritual truth depends entirely on the dedication of those rare individuals capable of capturing the pure words of a saint. In the history of modern spirituality, Mahendranath Gupta—known affectionately to millions of readers as "M" or Master Mahashay—stands as an essential figure who recorded the profound dialogues found within The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna.

As a householder who combined the analytical clarity of a scholar with the devotion of a mystic, M was uniquely chosen by Sri Ramakrishna to fulfill a historic mission: to teach the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and share these beautiful spiritual conversations with all humanity.

This text, translated and commented on by Pedro Nonell—a Spanish expert on the Bhagavad Gita, Vedanta, Sri Ramakrishna, and Swami Vivekananda—serves as a bridge connecting seekers to this priceless source of universal wisdom.

Pedro Nonell, expert in Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta
Professor: Pedro Nonell (Expert on Swami Vivekananda, translator, and commentator of the Bhagavad Gita into Spanish)

The disciple who recorded the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna: Mahendranath Gupta (M)

Sri Mahendra Nath Gupta, known to readers of the Gospel by his pseudonym M, and to devotees as Master Mahashay, was born on July 14, 1854. In his last days he took charge of the Morton School, and spent his time managing the school and preaching the message of Master Sri Ramakrishna.

Keshab Chander Sen, aroused a powerful response in the impressionable mind of Mahendra Nath and prepared him to receive the great light of Sri Ramakrishna. His path was both that of a Jnani and that of a Bhakta.

Sri Ramakrishna recognized in this disciple a divinely commissioned companion in the fulfillment of his Spiritual mission.

“The Mother has told me that you have to do a little of Her work; You will have to teach the Bhagavad Gita, the word of God to humanity.” Sri Ramakrishna

Subject Syllabus:

  1. The importance of “M" (Master Mahashay) in the Mission of Sri Ramakrishna by Swami Tapasyananda
  2. "M"'s meeting with Sri Ramakrishna
  3. Recognition of Sri Ramakrishna as part of his Mission divine: you will have to teach the Bhagavad Gita, the word of God to humanity
  4. How a householder can rise to the highest level of wisdom
  5. His life as a Bhakta and Jnani Yogi
  6. After the death of Sri Ramakrishna
  7. Approval to publish the Gospel by Sri Sarada Devi (The Holy Mother) and acclamation by Swami Vivekananda
  8. “M” as missionary of Sri Ramakrishna
  9. A true Vedic Rishi

The Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell has wished to honor Sri Mahendra Nath Gupta with the translation of this section, because we largely owe it to him that the message of Sri Ramakrishna and the Bhagavad Gita has reached us.

Mahendranath Gupta (M) disciple who recorded the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: Who was Mahendranath Gupta, also known as "M"?

Answer: Mahendranath Gupta, writing under the pseudonym "M", was a close householder disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. He meticulously recorded the daily conversations, songs, and spiritual instructions of the saint, compiling them into the world-renowned book The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna.

Question: What unique spiritual mission did Sri Ramakrishna give to Mahendranath Gupta?

Answer: Sri Ramakrishna recognized "M" as an essential companion in his spiritual work, specifically stating that he had a duty from God to teach the message of the Bhagavad Gita and communicate eternal truths to humanity.

Question: Who is Pedro Nonell and what is his connection to these texts?

Answer: Pedro Nonell is a prominent Spanish expert, author, and translator specializing in the Bhagavad Gita, Advaita Vedanta, Sri Ramakrishna, and Swami Vivekananda. Through the Gita Institute, he works to share these illuminated teachings across English, Spanish, and Portuguese language communities.

Question: Did spiritual authorities approve M’s recording of the Gospel?

Answer: Yes, the text received the full spiritual blessing of Sri Sarada Devi (the Holy Mother) and was highly praised and acclaimed by Swami Vivekananda for its absolute accuracy and profound philosophical value.

Conclusion

In short, the legacy of Mahendranath Gupta shows how an ordinary professional life can be completely transformed by devotion and spiritual wisdom. Without his dedication to writing down these everyday conversations, much of the deep harmony shared by Sri Ramakrishna would have been lost to time.

By studying his life alongside the commentaries provided by Spanish author Pedro Nonell, modern readers can find practical guidance on balancing everyday responsibilities with real inner growth. Ultimately, M's work remains a brilliant guide that makes the ancient paths of the Bhagavad Gita accessible, inspiring, and fully alive for generations to come.

Help me spread the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Ramakrishna, Vivekananda

Bhagavad Gita in Spanish Mahendranath Gupta (M): Evangelio of Sri Ramakrishna Bhagavad Gita in Portuguese Mahendranath Gupta (M): Evangelho of Sri Ramakrishna.

Bhagavad Gita recited in Spanish (Pedro Nonell) and Sanskrit with music (Dr Ghazal Srinivas)
Bhagavad Gita recited in Spanish (Pedro Nonell) and Sanskrit (Dr Ghazal Srinivas)

Course: Realization of the Bhagavad Gita. Teachings Sri Ramakrishna Swami Vivekananda. Vedanta

Realization of the Bhagavad Gita Course

Course Subjects Realization Bhagavad Gita. Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda


Philosophy Bhagavad Gita Training, Vivekananda, Yoga

General overview (Gita Courses).

Life of Swami Vivekananda

  1. Childhood-death of Ramakrishna
  2. Cape Comorin illumination
  3. Chicago Parliament of Religions
  4. Stay in London
  5. Back to India
  6. Life in Belur Math
  7. Mahasamadhi

Influence of the Bhagavad Gita on the West, Swami Sarvapriyananda

Nirvikalpa Samadhi of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa thanks to his guru Totapuri
Ode to Sri Ramakrishna

Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles


(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell

Religions, Ethics, and Global Business

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