At the time of her birth in 1858, Rama was an unlikely candidate for Christian recognition. Her father was an itinerant shastri who took his family from temple

to temple. He recited scripture for alms. It was a hard existence for Rama, her brother, and her sister. There were two other unusual aspects to her childhood. Rama’s father taught her to read, and he didn’t arrange a marriage for her.

In 1876 famine took everyone in Rama’s family, except her brother. They continued to wander and recite until they arrived in Kolkata, where Indian reformers were enchanted to meet an educated woman, a woman who hearkened back to an earlier age. Rama lectured, married, and bore a child. She lost her brother and husband to cholera. Most people would have given up on life, but Rama made friends with nuns from England who sponsored Rama’s journey to their mother house at Wantage, and her education.

At Wantage, Rama accepted baptism for herself and her daughter. She also decided to open a school for Hindu half caste widows, and went to America to raise the funds.

Rama went back home and opened her school. She also founded an ashram at a small village near Pune. The ashram, Mukti, still cares for women and children. All of these accomplishments are noted in the church explanation for recognizing Pandita Ramabai.

But they don’t discuss Rama’s exploration of a more personal, emotive faith led to the first pentecostal revival in 1905. The narrative passes over that to emphasize Rama’s translation of the Bible into Marathi, a massive undertaking Rama completed just before her death.

In writing Rama’s Labyrinth, A Biographical Novel, I was continually struck by Rama’s shear force of will, a tsunami that removed all obstacles in her path. I didn’t find her personally likable, zealots seldom are. But she was mesmerizing. Learning about and writing Rama’s story, I sometimes felt I could sense her approval and/or disapproval of what I wrote.

I’m glad the Episcopal Church honors Pandita Ramabai for her life’s work. I wish they mentioned the Holy Ghost Revival she ignited in 1905.

Black & white illustrations in public domain.

Rama’s Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel. Publication details at bottom of page.

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Wednesday, April 5th is Pandita Mary Ramabai’s saint’s day in the Church of England and Episcopal Church. In commemoration and as a special thank you, the Kindle edition of Rama’s Labyrinth is available at no charge until Thursday, April 6.

WHO WAS MARY RAMA?

Mary is Rama’s baptismal name. When Rama traveled to the Community of St. Mary the Virgin at Wantage, England in 1883, she was a widowed single mother determined to serve India’s high caste widows. The Sisters sponsored Rama’s education at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Both female communities inspired Rama’s decision to found a school for high-caste widows and Mukti, her House of Salvation for widows and orphans from all castes. At Wantage Chapel Rama and her daughter accepted Christian baptism.

WHY DID THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND MAKE RAMA A SAINT?

I checked two Church Calendars. One cited Rama as Translator of Scriptures. Her last major project was to translate the entire Bible into colloquial Marathi. Rama learned Greek and Hebrew so she could translate from original sources. In 1913 Rama completed her translation of the New Testament. The Mukti Printing Press published her entire translated work in 1924, two years after Rama’s death.

The second calendar I consulted described Rama as Prophetic Witness and Evangelist in India. I think she would have preferred that description. As Rama fought adversity, her faith became increasingly evangelistic. The first Pentecostal Revival occurred at Mukti in 1905. Many consider Rama a founding member of the Pentecostal Church.

Rama’s life was one of loss and adversity, but also of triumph and joy. She never gave up. And never turned away those who came to her for help.

There’s more to Rama’s story. Her unusual childhood in which her father named her a Scholar and supervised her education. Her unconventional life as a lecturer. Her brief marriage. Her courage.

If you haven’t read Rama’s Labyrinth, download the Kindle Edition. It’s free through Thursday,                      April 6.

Rama’s Labyrinth is also available in print and audio editions.

More photos of Rama and Mukti on my Pinterest Board.

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Photo of Pandita Ramabai in Public Domain.

All other photos by Author. All Rights Reserved.

Sandra Wagner-Wright. Rama’s Labyrinth. Wagner-Wright Enterprises. 2015.

The post RAMA’S LABYRINTH – Free Kindle Edition April 2-6 first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.

I first encountered Mary Pigot while researching Rama’s Labyrinth. Now I want to learn Mary’s story more fully, and where else to begin but at the British Library which holds one of the largest collections relating to British India.

Portrait of George III

The collections at the British Library are composed of many parts. In 1753 Parliament established the library as part of the British Museum. A few years later George II donated the royal library. But the core of the new library was the royal donation of George III’s book collection in 1827.

George III was an avid book collector with agents acquiring volumes from throughout Europe. When George III’s collection became part of the British Library, it was with the stipulation that it could never be broken up. Initially, it was housed in the King’s Gallery of the British Museum. Now the King’s Library Tower is literally at the core of the British Library collection.

British Library courtyard walls with turrets

of St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in the background.

Over the years the British Library became one of the largest libraries in the world due to the privilege of Legal Deposit which meant that most books, periodicals, newspapers, maps, and printed music produced in what is now the United Kingdom were added to the collection. Other collections, including the India Office Library and Records which includes the entire archives of British India from the foundation of the East India Company in 1600 to Independence in 1947, joined the main collection. Among the national treasures hosted in the British Library and open for public viewing are the Magna Carta, Lindisfarne Gospels, and original Beatles’ lyrics.

Initially access to the collections proved challenging because there was no adequate building in which to house them. In 1972 Parliament passed the British Library Act to establish an entity separate from the British Museum. Two years later the government purchased a derelict goods site near St. Pancras tube station for £6 million. Construction costs were about £445 million. The library opened in 1998.

Dominating the library piazza is Sir Eduardo Paolozzi’s sculpture of Isaac Newton.

William Blake’s 1795 painting inspired the massive sculpture. Blake didn’t approve of Newton and other rational scientists. A display caption from the Tate Modern suggests Blake saw Newton as a man who couldn’t see past his compass. In the painting Newton sits on a rock representing the natural world.

Paolozzi viewed both Blake and Newton as men representative of nature, poetry, and art. The synthesis embodied in the conflicting approaches of these men would, Paolozzi thought, embody the spirit of the knowledge to be found in the British Library.

I find the British Library to be a perfect place to delve into my subjects. When I researched Rama’s Labyrinth, the bulk of the materials were in print. This time the collections I accessed were preserved on microfilm. But the British Library holdings are one of a kind, and well worth the effort to access them.

Next stop in the trail of Mary Pigot – the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Rama’s Labyrinth now in audio format.

While I was engaging with my new project, the final piece of Rama’s Labyrinth fell into place.

Rama’s Labyrinth is now available as an audio-book through Audible, iTunes, and via Amazon Whispersync. Deepti Gupta’s voice brings all the characters to life.

You can listen to the Audible Sample here.

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Featured Image: Entry to British Library. Photo by Author

Pictures:

George III in Coronation Robes by Allan Ramsay. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons.

British Library with turrets of St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in the background. Photo by Author.

“Newton” sculpture by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. Photo by Author.

Painting of Newton by William Blake. Public Domain. Wikimedia Commons.

British Library at St. Pancras Receives Highest Listed Building Status. 

Jonathan Glancey. “What Took Them so Long?” Independent. July 10, 1994.

William Blake & Newton. Tate Modern.

Eduardo Paolozzi & Newton. Tate Modern.

The post “MALICE” AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.

November is National Novel Writing Month, a time when every aspiring writer can set her or his challenge to complete a 50,000-word novel in thirty days. Last year 325,142 participants registered at the official web site, and a large number of people wrote without bothering to register.

At the end of the month, every participant, known and unknown, is a winner. She or he has put 50,000 connected words on paper. The product isn’t done yet. There will be edits and rewrites, gnashing of teeth and tears of frustration. But the basic premise, the seed that could bloom into a novel, is done.

Writing is portable. Even before laptop computers, there were various options. This damsel with a quill pen has a portable writing desk placed on a table. But since she’s sitting on a sofa and leaning forward, I would guess her arms, shoulders, wrists, back and neck were all complaining before she finished her letter.

Rama, the subject on my historical novel, used a lap desk. I can’t sit the way she does, and can’t comment on whether she was comfortable or not. Rama exhibits excellent posture for the portrait, but I would guess she was leaning forward quite a bit while actually writing.

This charming lady seems to have perfect posture – and also to be ambidextrous.

Jessamyn West, contemporary librarian and blogger, sits at a desk which many writers can relate to. Reasonable lighting, clutter, water bottle, and coffee cup at the ready.

WRITERS WRITE
But Environment is Important

Through my own experiences I have discovered that most of the advice for a productive home office is relevant. Here’s what I find most useful.

      1.    Every home office should have a door. It allows the occupant to separate from everything else. Walk in and close the door. You’re at work. Day over? Walk out and close the door. You’re off duty.

      2.    Surround yourself with what makes you happy and positive. Pictures. Souvenirs. Anything that sparks the creative muse. Build a space you like to be in.

     3.     Try to keep desk clutter to a minimum. Otherwise, you’ll keep losing things. Trust me, I know about this hazard.

     4.     It’s important to have adequate storage and office supplies. Otherwise, you’ll keep leaving to find more folders, or the stapler, or whatever.

5.    Bring in some life. Hardy plants. Flowers that last. Plants boost positive energy and help clean the air. But pay attention. Dead plants are not helpful.

6.    Pay attention to lighting, windows, and furniture. Get a desk chair that supports your back and encourages you to sit upright. Configure your keyboard at the proper distance for your hands.

7.    Remember to get up and walk around. Sitting all day isn’t good for you. Your eyes need to take breaks.

I’ve moved my office upstairs. Can you see how many of these principles I’ve managed to use?  Answers below.

Answers:

I’ve got lighting covered and the lower desk for the keyboard. My main desk is on the messy side. Did you catch the jar of peanuts I keep for stress munching? I usually keep anthuriums as fresh flowers because they last so long.

Though you can’t see it, there is a door. And this space is upstairs. Once I arrive, I can’t hear anything going on in the house. A luxury.

What’s your Home Office like? How many of these features do you have? Remember, if you have to, you can make a work space in any spare corner. Lots of ideas on Pinterest.

Acknowledgements:

Featured Image: The desk I used while writing Rama’s Labyrinth. Photo by Author.

National Novel Writing Month. Here.

“17 Surprising Home Office Ideas.” Real Simple. Here.

Annie B. Bond. “13 Do’s and Taboos for Feng Shui Office.” April 15, 2008. Care2. Here.

Amy-Mae Elliott. “10 Tips for a More Beautiful and Functional Home Office.” July 30, 2012.Mashable. Here.

Alyssa Gregory. “Check List for Setting up Your Home Office.” About Money. Here.

John Patricik Pullen. “5 Secrets to Making Your Office Ultra-Productive.” Oct. 23, 2015. Time.com. Here.

Rodika Tchi.”Increase Your Office Success with Feng Shui.” Here.

Jessamyn West. Web Page.

The post The Writer’s Lair first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.

Rama’s Labyrinth is a biographical historical novel. We meet Rama in India when she’s a child of eight and follow her through her marriage, widowhood, and travel to England and America. The reader is with Rama when she establishes a school for child widows, converts to evangelical Christianity, and builds a community for famine victims near Pune, India. It’s an amazingly captivating journey.

Almost as exciting as the book itself is the video trailer, which captures the essence of Rama’s struggle.

There’s also a Pinterest Board for Rama’s Labyrinth. I’ve been posting roughly one photo per day of the people and places associated with Pandita Ramabai’s life.

New Look for the WebPage

No doubt you’ve noticed that the webpage has undergone a modernizing refreshment. The camel is having a well-deserved rest, and we’ve left the desert for a land of tropical flowers. Take a few moments to look around. Let me know what you think.

The post Rama’s Labyrinth first appeared on Sandra Wagner-Wright.