06-12-2016 Tuesday

Holy Mother By Swami Nikhilananda: 284



Chapter 13 – In the Role of Teacher : 003



One of the remarkable features of Holy Mother’s spiritual ministry was her catholicity. She did not ask all her disciples to accept Sri Ramakrishna as their Ishta or Chosen Ideal, though she often emphasized the fact that one’s spiritual life would be more easily unfolded through the Master, who was the greatest manifestation of Divinity in the present age. She knew that the austerities practised by Sri Ramakrishna were not for his own sake but for the welfare of the world. As the Master taught, while excavating an old city an archeologist may find a rare coin of great value, a precious museum piece, but it cannot be used for everyday purposes, for one can transact business only with modern currency. Holy Mother often asked her future disciples about the deities worshipped in the family and initiated them in accordance with that tradition. Sometimes a seeker would not be sure about the choice of a spiritual ideal and would ask the Mother to select one for him. Before giving initiation she would become introspective and thus discover what would be best for the disciple. In these moments of introspection she would often come to know about the disciple’s spiritual future. When the present writer went to Holy Mother for initiation he was a college student and lived with his family. After the ceremony, he placed a silver coin near her feet as the customary fee. The Mother said that she did not accept any money from her monastic disciples. The writer protested that he was not a monk. Still the Mother refused to accept the fee, giving the same reason. Thrice the disciple offered the money, and each time he received the same reply.



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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: 178 – 179

Location: Bangalore