Sri Ramakrishna on Wife interference in Spiritual life

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M. (to Sri Ramakrishna): " What should one do if one's wife says: 'You are

neglecting me. I shall commit suicide?' "

 

Sri Ramakrishna: (in a serious tone): " Give up such a wife if she proves an

obstacle in the way of spiritual life. Let her commit suicide or anything else

she likes. The wife that hampers her husband's spiritual life is an ungodly

wife. "

 

Immersed in deep thought, Sri Ramakrishna stood leaning against the wall.

Narendra and the other devotees remained silent a few minutes. The Master

exchanged several words with them; then, suddenly going to M., he whispered in

his ear: " But if a man has sincere love for God, then all come under his control

– the king, wicked persons, and his wife.

 

Sincere love of God on the husband's part may eventually help the wife to lead a

spiritual life. If the husband is good, then through the grace of God the wife

may also follow his example. "

 

This had a most soothing effect on M.'s worried mind. All the while he had been

thinking: " Let her commit suicide. What can I do? "

 

M. (to Sri Ramakrishna): " This world is a terrible place indeed. "

 

Sri Ramakrishna (to the devotees): " That is the reason Chaitanya said to his

companion Nityananda, 'Listen, brother, there is no hope of salvation for the

worldly-minded.' "

 

On another occasion the Sri Ramakrishna had said to M. privately: " Yes, there is

no hope for a worldly man if he is not sincerely devoted to God. But he has

nothing to fear if he remains in the world after realizing God. Nor need a man

have any fear whatever of the world if he attains sincere devotion by practising

spiritual discipline now and then in solitude. Chaitanya had several

householders among his devotees, but they were householders in name only, for

they lived unattached to the world. "

 

Source: Chapter 4,Gospel of Rama Krishna Paramahamsa

 

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Om namo Bhagavate Sri Ramanaya

Prasanth Jalasutram