Josephine MacLeod

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Josephine MacLeod (1858–1949) was an American friend and devoted supporter of Swami Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement. Born in Chicago on December 26, 1858, she came from a family with strong connections to Vedanta through her sister Betty Leggett.

MacLeod first heard Vivekananda speak in New York in 1895. She soon joined the Vedanta Society and became a passionate advocate of his message in the West. Although she was not a monk, she was known for her practical help and financial support, and Vivekananda called her a dear friend and praised her clear good sense. He also nicknamed her Tantine and Jo Jo.

Her efforts helped spread Vedanta in Europe and America and supported the growth of the Ramakrishna Order. She contributed to causes promoted by Sister Nivedita, including funding for education for Indian women and support for the Indian National Movement, especially in Bengal. Vivekananda honored her as a “lady missionary” of the Ramakrishna Order.

MacLeod traveled with Vivekananda to India in 1898 and stayed at Belur Math when he visited North India. She cared for him during his travels and helped with his work in the United States in the late 1890s and in 1900. After Vivekananda’s death in 1902, she continued to promote Vedanta for many decades and remained closely connected to the Ramakrishna Order and Sister Nivedita.

She also used her influence to defend the Ramakrishna Mission during political tensions in British India, and she helped publish important works related to Vivekananda’s teachings. MacLeod maintained friendships with leading intellectuals of her time, including George Bernard Shaw and Romain Rolland, and helped spread Vedanta in various languages.

Though deeply involved with a Hindu movement, she remained a Christian in faith, believing Vivekananda helped her become a better Christian. Josephine MacLeod died on October 15, 1949, in Hollywood, California, while living at the Vedanta Society of Southern California.