Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 080 Tuesday 29-03-2016
29-03-2016 Tuesday
Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 080
Awakening of Divinity – 14
While returning to Dakshineswar from her fourth visit, in February 1877, Sarada encountered a highwayman. On this occasion she showed exceptional courage, intelligence, and self-control. She was going on foot, as she usually did during these trips, accompanied by several companions, including Lakshmi and Sivaram.1 (1 son of Rameswar, Sri Ramakrishna’s elder brother, his pet name was Sibu.) Part of the way lat through a long and lonesome meadow infested by highwaymen, who not only robbed helpless travelers but also occasionally killed them. People did not dare to cross this dangerous place at night or alone. Sarada Devi arrived there with her companions sometime before sundown and resolved to cross it while it was still light. Tired and footsore, she could hardly keep up with her friends, and asked the others to walk fast, as they were afraid of the approaching night and the fearsome robbers. It was her nature never to inconvenience others for her own sake. So they moved on, asking her to hurry. Sarada was trudging on alone1 (1 According to some reports she was accompanied by two women, but this appears unlikely.) when the sun went below the horizon and twilight fell over the earth. Naturally she was worried. Suddenly she saw a tall, uncouth figure, with a chock of think hair, coming towards her in the dusk. Observing that he carried a long and stout stick on his shoulder, Sarada Devi realized what he was and stood still. The man wanted to frighten her and said in a stern voice: ‘Who is standing there all alone at this hour of the night” Where are you going?’ She said timidly: ‘I am going towards the east.’ The robber said: ‘You have missed your direction. You must go the other way.’ Sarada Devi still stood motionless and the man came nearer. As he looked at her face something strange happened within him, and he said gently: ‘don’t be afraid. There is a woman with me. She will be here presently.’
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Holy Mother - Being the Life of Sri Sarada Devi Wife of Sri Ramakrishna And Helpmate in his Mission By Swami Nikhilananda p: 52 – 53
