Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836-1886) was born in the village of Kamarpukur in West Bengal. Born to pious parents, Gadadhar Chattopadhyaya (as he was named) grew up in the idyllic village settings, surrounded by loving family and friends. He was a cheerful boy with a natural tendency to inspire love and attraction from anyone who met him. He soon endeared himself to the simple villagers of Kamarpukur with his story-telling, singing, dramatics, clay-modeling etc. His formal schooling was limited to the Bengali alphabet, but his education came from his keen insight into the understanding of the ways of the people around him. Early in his teens, he resolved not to waste time on the so-called ‘bread-winning education’. Instead his discriminating mind chose the way of self-surrender to the family deity, Raghuvir. He had already chosen to lead a life free from sense enjoyments which he somehow fathomed to be ephemeral, even at that young age.

Entering his 17th year, Gadadhar moved to Calcutta to aid his elder brother, Ramkumar. Soon Gadadhar became the priest of the Kali temple at Dakshineshwar, built by Rani Rasmani on the banks of the Ganges. His dormant spiritual fervour was awakened and he soon dived deep into spiritual practices. His intense sadhana led him to the vision of the Goddess Kali, to whom he stayed as a simple son for the rest of his life.

Not satisfied with his vision of the Mother of the Universe, Sri Ramakrishna soon sought out ways to realize God in different bhavas (moods) such as the mood of a handmaid of God, a servant of the Lord, etc. With his powerful power of concentration, he was able to reach the apex of all these spiritual paths. His experiments continued with his exploration of Advaita Vedanta, Islam and finally with the experience of his spiritual union with Jesus Christ. Drawing from his own strivings, Sri Ramakrishna made a solemn statement: “Jotho mat, tatho path” (As many faiths, so many paths). He was married to Sarada Devi, who grew up to be his spiritual consort. Their pure family life, devoid of any physical relations, continues to inspire thousands of householders. As time passed, she went on to be the support of the fledgling Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.

Many devotees were drawn by his sweet, unfailing words. Many householders lay bare their aching hearts and the soothing words of the Master acted as a balm. He constantly urged them to condemn ‘Kamini-Kanchana’ (as in lust and money) and to divert one’s attention completely to God realization as the only aim of human life. His lively parables and teachings enlivened and illustrated the sublime thoughts enshrined in the hoary Hindu scriptures. Many pure young men such as Narendranath Dutta and Rakhal Ghosh cast themselves in his service and soon were transformed into spiritual giants such as Swamis Vivekananda and Brahmananda.

His words of wisdom were recorded by a devotee and later published as the 'Kathamrita' or 'The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna'. The words of Sri Ramakrishna were in simple Bengali, but disguise the loftiest teachings of religion. People of all walks of life find solace in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna according to their individual capacities.

Words of Sri Ramakrishna

• More are the names of God and infinite are the forms through which He may be approached. In whatever name and form you worship Him, through them you will realize Him.
• One should not think, 'My religion alone is the right path and other religions are false.' God can be realized by means of all paths. It is enough to have sincere yearning for God. Infinite are the paths and infinite are the opinions.
• Water and a bubble on it are one and the same. The bubble has its birth in the water, floats on it, and is ultimately resolved into it. So also the Jivatman (individual soul) and the Paramatman (collective soul) are one and the same, the difference between them being only one of degree. For, one is finite and limited while the other is infinite; one is dependent while the other is independent.
• Men are like pillow-cases. The colour of one may be red, that of another blue, and that of the third black; but all contain the same cotton within. So it is with man; one is beautiful, another is ugly, a third holy , and a fourth wicked; but the Divine Being dwells in them all.
• The relation of Brahman to Shakti is that of fire to its burning property.
• As the cloud covers the sun, so Maya hides God. When the cloud moves away, the sun is seen again, when Maya is removed, God becomes manifest.
• Rain-water never stands on high ground, but runs down to the lowest level. So also the mercy of God remains in the hearts of the lowly, but drains off from those of the vain and the proud.
• If you feel proud, let it be in the thought that you are the servant of God, the son of God. Great men have the nature of a child. They are always a child before Him; so they are free from pride. All their strength is of God and not their own. It belongs to Him and comes from Him.
• As a piece of rope, when burnt, retains its form, but cannot serve to bind, so is the ego which is burnt by the fire of supreme Knowledge.
• That knowledge which purifies the mind and heart alone is true knowledge, all else is only a negation of knowledge.
• A boat may stay in water, but water should not stay in boat. A spiritual aspirant may live in the world, but the world should not live within him.