Guest guest Posted March 11, 2005 Report Share Posted March 11, 2005 This year Janmatithi (Birthday) of Sri Ramakrishna is being celebrated on March 12, 2005. On this ocasion here is a an extract from His life by Swami Sardanand- one of his direct disciple. Quote "Bodily changes inevitable with changing spiritual moods. Wonderful bodily changes, spiritual visions, etc. come on the aspirants in all spiritual states of consciousness, in the higher non-dual state as well as in the lower Savikalpa states. Again, these visions and transformations are seen to be different in different individuals; these changes are observed in some people after only superficial experiences; while very little of these is observed in others even when they have profound experiences. In illustrating this, Sri Ramakrishna used to say, "' If a couple of elephants get into the water of a small pool, the water is thrown into a violent agitation and it overflows; but the water in a vast lake remains as still as ever even when scores of them get into it." Nor is it a fact that mere bodily changes, visions etc., are inevitable signs of the depth of ecstasy. How to ascertain higher and lower ecstasies. If, however, the depth of spiritual experiences is to be measured, it must be done, as said before, from observing one's steadfastness, renunciation, strength of character, the attenuation of desires for enjoyment etc. It is by means of this touchstone alone, and by no other means, that the amount of dross in ecstasy can be assessed. One thing, therefore, is very clear, namely, the complete picture of the fully developed stage of one or another of the moods of Santa, Dasya, Sakhya, Vatsalya and Madhura can be seen only in those persons who have realised their nature to be pure, awakened and free, by giving up all kinds of desires, and not in those who are entangled in the pursuit of lust and gold. One blinded by desires feels the attraction of desires only; how can such a one feel those sentiments towards God, which could be experienced only by minds free from the slightest tinge of desire?" Unquote. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 12, 2005 Report Share Posted March 12, 2005 Thank you for reminding us of these passages on this special day. Om namo bhagavate Sri Ramakrishnaya namo namah Jai Jai Jai Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Ki Jai On Mar 11, 2005, at 7:05 PM, cvmerani wrote: > > > This year Janmatithi (Birthday) of Sri Ramakrishna is being > celebrated on March 12, 2005. On this ocasion here is a an extract > from His life by Swami Sardanand- one of his direct disciple. > Quote > "Bodily changes inevitable with changing spiritual moods. > > Wonderful bodily changes, spiritual visions, etc. come on the > aspirants in all spiritual states of consciousness, in the higher > non-dual state as well as in the lower Savikalpa states. Again, > these visions and transformations are seen to be different in > different individuals; these changes are observed in some people > after only superficial experiences; while very little of these is > observed in others even when they have profound experiences. In > illustrating this, Sri Ramakrishna used to say, "' If a couple of > elephants get into the water of a small pool, the water is thrown > into a violent agitation and it overflows; but the water in a vast > lake remains as still as ever even when scores of them get into it." > Nor is it a fact that mere bodily changes, visions etc., are > inevitable signs of the depth of ecstasy. > > How to ascertain higher and lower ecstasies. > > If, however, the depth of spiritual experiences is to be > measured, it must be done, as said before, from observing one's > steadfastness, renunciation, strength of character, the attenuation > of desires for enjoyment etc. It is by means of this touchstone > alone, and by no other means, that the amount of dross in ecstasy > can be assessed. One thing, therefore, is very clear, namely, the > complete picture of the fully developed stage of one or another of > the moods of Santa, Dasya, Sakhya, Vatsalya and Madhura can be seen > only in those persons who have realised their nature to be pure, > awakened and free, by giving up all kinds of desires, and not in > those who are entangled in the pursuit of lust and gold. One > blinded by desires feels the attraction of desires only; how can > such a one feel those sentiments towards God, which could be > experienced only by minds free from the slightest tinge of desire?" > Unquote. > > > > > Sponsor > > > <22305_0205_016_b_300250_a.gif> > <l.gif> > > Links > > • > / > > • > > > • Terms of > Service. > > Attachment: (text/enriched) [not stored] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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