Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

[Guest guest]

7.

 

41. He is truely a man to whom money is only a servant; but, on the

other hand, those who do not know how to make a proper use of it,

hardly deserve to be called men.

 

42. The sun can give heat and light to the whole world, but he

cannot do so when the clouds shut out his rays. Similarly, as long

as egotism veils the heart, God cannot shine upon it.

 

43. The young bamboo can be easily bent, but the full grown bamboo

breaks when it is bent with force. It is easy to bend the young

heart towards God, but the untrained herat of the old escapes the

hold whenever it is so drawn.

 

44. Men are two classes -- men in name only (Manush) and the

awakened men (Man-hunsh). Those who thirst after God are belong to

the latter class; those who are mad after 'woman and gold' are all

ordinary men -- men in name only.

 

45. Rain wter never stands on high ground, but runs down to the

lowest level. So also the mercy of God remains in the hearts of the

lowly, but drains off from those of the vain and the proud.

 

46. Those who wish to attain God or make progress in their

devotional practices should particularly guard themselves against

the snares of lust and wealth. Otherwise they can never attain

perfection.

 

47. Do you talk of social reform? Well, you may do so after

realising God. Remember, the Rishis of old gave up the world in

order to attain God. This is the one thing needful. All other things

shall be added to you, if indeed you care to have them. First see

God, and then talk of lectures and social reforms.

 

48. The true nature of the Jiva is eternal Existence-Knowledge-

Bliss. It is due to egotism that he is limited by so many Upadhis

(limiting adjuncts), and has forgotten his real nature.

 

49. If you can find out the nature of Maya, the universal illusion,

it will fly away from you just as a thief runs away when detected.

 

50. The cat catches her kitten with her teeth and they are not hurt,

but when a mouse is so caught, it does. Thus Maya never kills the

devotee, though it destroyes others.

 

Contd...