The Divine Sri Ramakrishna: A Journey into Non-Duality and Divine Influence

Would it surprise you if I told you that there was a human being who stood above human limitations in terms of love, compassion, and spiritual understanding? What if I said he practiced various religions to find the truth behind them, and could connect with the divine realms? If we had such a person, would we call him a human being or a divine being? Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa was none other than a divine manifestation.

Studying the Life of Sri Ramakrishna

To fully understand Sri Ramakrishna, it is essential to read and study his life. The book Great Master by Swami Saradananda provides a profound insight into his life, teachings, and actions that modern readers can appreciate and learn from.

Reading or, more appropriately, studying the life of Sri Ramakrishna can be transformative. It invites us to explore his journey, his devotees, and his teachings in depth. Once one's interest grows, they might want to dive deeper, exploring the woods of spiritual knowledge. By doing so, one will uncover the profound depth and wisdom that Sri Ramakrishna embodied.

An Exemplary Teaching Moment

One of the most profound and insightful moments in the life of Sri Ramakrishna is described in Sri Ramakrishna the Great Master. On a particular day, the master conveyed the concept of non-dualism (Brahman and Atman) to Narendra (later known as Swami Vivekananda), who was a keen listener but initially could not grasp the idea.

The master expounded on the unity of the individual soul (Atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Narendra observed that it was a monumental idea, something that could be seen as revolutionary. However, his teacher ridiculed the idea, and both laughed about it as Hazra. But the master left the room in a state of partial consciousness, returning to them with a divine touch. When he placed his hand on Narendra's body, Narendra had a divine experience that changed his perception forever.

Narendrarsquo;s subsequent experience was a profound one. He felt an overwhelming sense of divine presence in everything, and spent his days in a state of spiritual intoxication. Narendra shares how the world appeared to be nothing but God. Food, surroundings, and the people around him—everything felt like an extension of the divine. These were not mere thoughts or beliefs; they were lived experiences.

The aftereffect of this divine experience was not just a fleeting moment. Narendra returned home with the same sentiments. For him, everything from taking a meal to walking down the street was a reminder of the divine presence. This experience didn't just change his perception; it transformed his overall existence.

The Indescribable Intoxication

The transition from rational understanding to a state of non-dual experience was a journey of deep spiritual awakening. For mentioning the words 'water pot is God' or 'the cup is God', Narendra could not see just words. Instead, each object and person around him became a manifestation of the divine. This sense of interconnectedness and divinity was so profound that resembling the state of paralysis or the feeling of having a severe illness.

The non-dual knowledge that Sri Ramakrishna conveyed was not just a ????? ?_series of teachings or concepts; it was a lifetime of lived experience. While the world seemed like a dream, the senses remained dull, and the body almost insensitive, all experiences became a reflection of the divine. This state of non-duality brought about an unshakeable belief in the inherent divinity of everything.

Closing Thoughts

The life of Sri Ramakrishna stands as a testament to the profound spiritual journey one can undertake. His teachings, especially those of non-duality, continue to influence and inspire people across the world. To truly appreciate the depth of his wisdom, one must read Great Master and delve into the life of this divine figure.

Through his life and teachings, Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa teaches us about the unity of human souls with the divine, the importance of seeking truth in various forms, and the transformative power of divine connection.