From the life of Shri Raamakrishna Paramahamsa by Swami

July 14, 2005

Light and Love

Shri Raamakrishna Paramahamsa used to ecstatically enjoy himself in the

worship of the Goddess in the temple built by Raani Raashmani. One night

thieves broke into the temple and carried away all the jewels on the idol of

Krishna in the temple. With a view to carrying on his regular priestly duties,

he went to Raani Raashmani's nephew, Mathuranaath, and told him, "Sir, thieves

have stolen all the jewels on the idol." Mathuranaath was angry and proceeded

with Raamakrishna to the temple. Losing his temper and balance of mind, he

burst out in anger: "Oh Krishna! Are you not ashamed of yourself? If you are

unable to protect your jewels on your own idol, how are you going to protect

the whole world? Were you paralysed when the thieves were carrying away the

jewels? Or were you asleep? This is a disgrace to your Divinity." Hearing

these words, Shri Raamakrishna said: "Mathuranaath! Shut up your mouth! For the

sake of your petty jewels and trinkets, is this the way you should berate God?

When the Goddess of all wealth, Lakshmi, is the Consort of the Lord, why do you

get so agitated over the loss of a few trivial ornaments? The Lord can have no

such petty feelings. You are feeling so much for the action of a few thieves

who loved some jewels and came to the Lord to get them. It is because of your

love for jewels that you are getting distressed so much. But the Lord has no

desires. He is ready to give Himself away. God is prepared to offer Himself.

Such a One, will he be worried about this petty loss? Hence, change your

vision. Don't comment on God."

Then, Raamakrishna sat near the idol of Shri Krishna and prayed: "Oh

Krishna! As long as one is caught up in the coils of the world, he will speak

like an intoxicated man. Only when he gets immersed in God will he become

oblivious to himself. Therefore, do not let me get intoxicated. Confer on me

the boon of self-forgetfulness." This is what is meant by the saying: "The

knower of the Brahman becomes Brahman himself."' When one experiences the

Divine, he sees the Divine in everything.

(Excerpts from, Sathya Sai Speaks. Vol. 26. "Beyond the mind," Chapter 20).

Namaste - Reet

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