Indian saint Swami Ramdas was also a spiritual guide and writer. His birth name was Vittal Rao, and he was born in Kerala, India. He was a prosperous businessman in his early years, but he felt a deep spiritual pull and left the world to live a life of meditation and service.
The Anandashram, a spiritual community devoted to the practise of selfless service and devotion to God, was established by Swami Ramdas in Kanhangad, Kerala. He published a number of spirituality-related works, such as "In Quest of God," "In the Vision of God," and "Life and Teachings of Swami Ramdas."
Swami Ramdas' teachings place a strong emphasis on the "saranagati" practise of self-surrender to God. He advised his disciples to develop an attitude of simplicity, detachment from worldly interests, and humility and to dedicate their lives to serving others. He thought that through engaging in this practise, one could achieve the ultimate aim of life-union with God.
