There are no contradictions in Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings. He did not make one rule for all. He used to see the inner tendency of a person and then advise him accordingly. His instructions were given differently to different people because of their varied temperaments and abilities to apply his principles in life. To those, who were young, energetic, intense with fiery enthusiasm, and in whom he saw the potential for becoming monks, his inspiring words were: “Now overlook all desires for name and fame and plunge headlong into spiritual disciplines. Never rest content until the realization of God has become an accomplished fact”. He would enkindle the smouldering fire in their hearts, saying: “Is it possible to realize God without renunciation? Renunciation of lust and greed is the most essential prerequisite for entering into spiritual life. What is there in the world except anguish, misery and trouble? Tell me, who is happy in the world? If you seek God and renounce everything for Him, God will lift you up and your consciousness will be filled with unending bliss”.
To those, who were encumbered with life’s heavy responsibilities, who were caught in the net of Samsara (the world) and had become old, his advice was: “I have cooked the food and placed it on the plate. Your task is simply to sit and eat. You will not have to do anything. You are merely to lift it up to your mouth and enjoy. I have taken the responsibility. You will not have to do any spiritual disciplines. I have already done them for you. It will be enough, if you give me the power of attorney and be at ease”. He knew that conditions were not favourable for them to do spiritual practice, and if asked, it would not be in their power to follow his instructions. Therefore, he would advise them to rely on him and take refuge in the Lord.
Swami Saradananda
(Swami Chetanananda “Ramakrishna: As We Saw Him”, Swami Saradananda, “Sri Ramakrishna Taught Us”)
No comments:
Post a Comment