Kathamrita , 100th Visit of M. 7-Sept-1884 Vol 4, Section 18, Chap 2
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Chapter II
Sri Ramakrishna and the harmony of religions – why all scriptures and all religions are true
Sri Ramakrishna: “You see how many doctrines there are? Every belief is a way to reach God. Innumerable are the beliefs and paths.”
Bhavanath: “Then, what is the way for us?”
Sri Ramakrishna: “You have to hold on to one of the paths tightly. To reach the roof, you can climb brick steps. You can also climb a bamboo ladder or a ladder made of rope. Also a piece of rope or a piece of bamboo will take you up. But if you place your foot first on one path and then on another, your effort will be in vain. You have to hold tightly to one. If you want to attain God, you have to take one path resolutely.
“And you should think of all religions as so many paths. You must never entertain the idea that your path is correct and all others are false. You must have no feeling of malice toward other beliefs.”
To which path do I belong? The beliefs of Keshab, Shashadhar and Vijay
“So, to which path do ‘I’ belong? Keshab used to say, ‘You have the same path as we do – you are gradually accepting the formless God.’ Shashadhar used to say, ‘You belong to us.’ Vijay (Goswami) also used to say that I belonged to his path.”
Is Thakur saying that since he has reached God by treading all the paths, he knows all of them? And that people of all religions will come to him and find peace?
Thakur goes toward the panchavati with M. and one or two other devotees. He wants to wash his face. It is twelve o’clock. The flood tide is about to begin. Hearing about it, Thakur waits for a while on the path to the panchavati.
Essence of bhava and mahabhava – Thakur watches the tides on the Ganges
Thakur says to the devotees, “What a wonderful thing the flood and ebb tides are!
“But notice this – they only occur in the river when it is near the sea. Away from the sea, the current flows only in the one direction. What does this mean? Dwell on that fact. Only those who are very near to God experience divine emotions and love for God. One or two (ishvarakotis) may have mahabhava, intense love for God, and so on.
(To M.) “Well, why are there flood and ebb tides?”
M.: “Western astronomy says that they are caused by the pull of the sun and the moon.”
M. draws figures on the ground to show the movements of the earth, the moon, and the sun. Looking at them for a moment, Thakur says, “Oh, stop! It makes my head reel.”
As they are talking, the flood tide rises. Soon the sound of the rising waters begins to be heard. Striking the bank near the temples, the flood flows toward the north.
Thakur watches the tide fixedly. Noticing a boat in the distance, he suddenly exclaims like a child, “Look, look! What’s going to happen to that boat?”
While they are talking, Sri Ramakrishna and M. come to the foot of the panchavati. Thakur places his umbrella on the platform. He now talks about Narayan, whom he looks upon as the very manifestation of Narayana (the Lord Himself). He is very fond of him. Narayan is a student.
Instructions to M. – right use of money – his concern for Narayan
Sri Ramakrishna (to M.): “Have you noticed Narayan’s nature? He can associate with everybody – with the old as well as the young. This isn’t possible without some special power. Besides, everybody loves him. Is he really so simple and guileless?”
M.: “Yes, sir. He appears to be very guileless.”
Sri Ramakrishna: “Does he visit you?”
M.: “Yes, sir, he did come once or twice.”
Sri Ramakrishna: “Would you give him a rupee, or should I ask Kali about it?”
M.: “Very well, sir. I’ll give him one myself.”
Sri Ramakrishna: “Very good. It’s good to give to those who love God. That’s the right use of money. What good is spending everything in worldly pursuits?”
Kishori has children, but he doesn’t earn much – not enough to meet his needs. Thakur says to M., “Narayan was telling me that he would find work for Kishori. Do remind him of it.”
M. is standing in the panchavati. Thakur returns from the jhautala after a while. He says to M., “Please ask someone to spread a mat outside my room. I’ll be back soon. I’d like to lie down for a while.”
Reaching his room, Thakur says, “None of you remembered to bring the umbrella back. (All laugh.) A scattered mind doesn’t notice something even if it is nearby. A fellow went to a friend’s house to light some charcoal for his tobacco. And he was holding a lantern in his own hand!
“Another fellow, looking everywhere for his hand towel, found it on his own shoulder!”
Thakur’s midday meal – Baburam and other intimate companions
The prasad of Mother Kali is brought for Thakur. It is about one o’clock. After eating he wants to rest for a while, but the devotees remain sitting in the room. When they are told, they go outside. Harish, Niranjan, and Haripada will go to the dining room to have their midday meal. Thakur says to Harish, “Please take some amsattva (a thin cake made of mango juice) for yourself.”
Thakur rests for a while. He says to Baburam, “Baburam, please come sit near me.” Baburam answers, “I am preparing betel leaf.”
Sri Ramakrishna says, “Leave it. Don’t make the betel leaf.”
While Thakur rests, a number of devotees sit under the bakul tree in the panchavati – the Mukherji brothers, Chunilal, Haripada, Bhavanath, and Tarak. Tarak has just returned from Vrindavan. The devotees listen to him talk about Vrindavan. He was there with Nityagopal.
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