Image: Compliments of www.belurmath.org

In honor of this auspicious occasion, we offer the following excerpt from the SRi Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita, entitled:

"Sri Ramakrishna’s Birth Anniversary Celebrated in Dakshineswar"

Sri Ramakrishna (to M.) "Oh, you have come! (To the devotees) One does not succeed if one has the feeling of shame, hatred and fear. How much joy you will have today! But the rascals who do not sing and dance, intoxicated with the name of the Lord, will never attain Him. Why feel ashamed of talking about God, why fear what others think? Come, sing together."

Bhavanath and Kalikrishna sing.

Song :

Blessed is this day so full of joy,

We are together spreading Your true religion in Bharat (India).

Every heart is Your abode, everywhere Your holy name is taken.

The community of devotees is singing Your glories,

Lord, we want neither wealth, nor friends, nor fame. We desire nothing.

Men and women pray to You with a longing heart.

O Lord, we have taken refuge at Your feet. Why fear? Why fear death?

Shouting, ‘Victory, victory to You,’ we have attained the mine of immortality.

Above Text Compliments of: www.kathamrita.org