Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 185 27-July-2016
27-07-2016 Wednesday
Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 185
Anguish and Reassurances – 09
Embodiment of patience that she was, Holy Mother did not speak of her suffering to anyone, but word of it got out through other sources. A maidservant who used to keep her company at night spoke to the villagers about the Mother’s plight, and soon the news reached Jayrambati. Shyamasundari was grieved beyond words. One of her sons, who lived in Calcutta, reported the matter to Golap-Ma, who in turn spoke about it to some of Sri Ramakrishna’s disciples, both lay and monastic, who were greatly distressed. They raised a little money and sent it to her with the urgent request that she come at once to Calcutta, where she would be taken care of. But this request created a new problem. After all, she was a young widow in her middle thirties, and the disciples of the Master, with few exceptions, were personally unknown to her. The villagers, when appraised of the situation, said among themselves: ‘How can she live with those young men?’ Though her inner voice told her that in the future she would live with the Master’s devotees, yet she wanted to sound out the villagers. Some of them approved of her going to Calcutta, while the majority raised objections. Prasnnamayi again came to her rescue. When Holy Mother asked her opinion, she wisely said: ‘Why are you hesitating? Of course you will go to Calcutta. Gadai’s1 (1 The nickname by which Sri Ramakrishna was known among the villagers.) disciples are like your own children. Do not listen to the village gossip. Surely you will go.’ She also sought the advice of her own mother, who, after ascertaining the views of her neighbours, approved of Holy Mother’s departure.
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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: 111 – 112