~Is it really possible to know God~?

[Guest guest]

Pratibeshi[a neighbor] to Sri Ramakrishna: "Sir, You advise us to

first know God, and then to do our work in the world. Is it really

possible to know God?"

 

Ramakrishna: "It is not possible to know God through the senses or to

think your way to God through the mind. It is possible for those with

a pure heart, those who have no ulterior motives and who are free

from selfishness, to know Him."

 

Pratibeshi: "Who is there that is capable of knowing God?"

 

Ramakrishna: "True. Who is there that can know Him fully and

completely? But it is enough if we get what is necessary for us, if

we get that much, it is enough. When I am thirsty, I have no need for

a whole pond of water. If I get one cup, it will be enough for me.

 

"Once an ant came upon a whole mountain of sugar. Was it necessary

for the ant to carry off the whole mountain? He removed only a few

grains of the sugar. That was more than enough for him."

 

Pratibeshi: "But we are so greedy! Is it possible to be satisfied

with only one small cup of water? I want to know Him completely!"

 

Ramakrishna: "True, but there is a medicine that will cure your

greed."

 

Pratibeshi: "What is that medicine, Sir?"

 

Ramakrishna: "Aha! Stay with the Sadhus, sing God's name, and praise

Her divine qualities. Always pray to Her. I would pray, 'Mother, I

don't want Wisdom. Take Your wisdom, and take Your ignorance. Give me

only pure devotion to Your lotus feet. I want nothing else.'

 

"The cure is appropriate to the disease. In the Gita, Krishna

says, 'Oh Arjuna, take refuge in Me. I will deliver you from all

sin.' He will give you divine understanding. He will take all the

responsibility, and then the disease of the world will be far away.

 

"Can you understand such things with your intellect? Is it possible

to pour four quarts of milk into a one quart container? If She

doesn't reveal Herself, then who is going to explain Her to you? That

is why I am saying to you, take refuge in Her. Let Her desire guide

you. She is the Mother of all desires. How much power does a mere man

have?"

 

~Taken from "Ramakrishna The Nectar of Eternal Bliss" by Shree Maa

and Swamiji Satyananda Saraswati [first edition, 2005 Pg's 168 & 169]