vishwa bhanu february march 2013
DESCRIPTION
bi monthly bulletin of Vivekananda KendraVedic Vision FoundationTRANSCRIPT
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 1
A Bi-monthly bulletin of Vivekananda Kendra Vedic Vision Foundattion
♦ SURYA KIRAN
♦ GANAPATHI
PRATISTHA DIVAS
♦ YOUTH CAMP
♦ BHAGAVATHA
SAPTAHAM
♦ VIVEKANANDA CLUB
♦ ANNUAL DAY OF
SANDEEPANI SISUVI-
Editors pen
It Is Culture That Withstand Shock , not a simple mass of knowledge
Swami Vivekananda
Come summer there is a plethora of Personality
Development Camps. Each organization conducts
programmes which they think are best to expand the per-
sonality of the candidates. Pondering over that, we came
across four formulae from our treasure house of spiritual
heritage to help Personality Development of an individual.
Chidlren usually think that eating good food, putting
on weight, wearing good dress and ornaments are all ways
of developing their personality. This has to be modified
with a new programme. Our great rishis with their deep in-
sight into the personality of the human beings have given
us these formule for a wholesome expansion of the human
being.
“Sareeramadhyam khalu dharma sadhanam”
Children should be made to understand the glorious
idea of making use of the body as an instrument to carry
out Dharma. Truth must blossom into dharma through
their lives. So all those activities centred on Truth like rec-
ognising others as our own, serving them, giving up selfish
desires and motivations, carrying out activities for the
propagation of good, etc. can be brought under dharmic
activities which will bring spiritual strength and vigour to
FOUR TIME TESTED FORMULAE FOR FOUR TIME TESTED FORMULAE FOR FOUR TIME TESTED FORMULAE FOR FOUR TIME TESTED FORMULAE FOR
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENTPERSONALITY DEVELOPMENTPERSONALITY DEVELOPMENTPERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 2
the body. Our youth are totally unaware of this
blissful expansion which they can effortlessly
achieve.
“Vasudhaiva kutumbakam”
The above concept centered in the
awareness of one Truth, visualizing the whole
Universe as one’s family leads to an unparal-
leled expansion of human mind which provides
a homely remedy for all the ills which are
creeping into one’s mind spoiling our interrela-
tionships with people and the environment.
The statement says that ‘the whole
universe is one family’. The welfare of the
family rests on the proper exercise of the rights
and responsibilities by all its members individ-
ually and collectively. Respect, regard, love,
sacrifice, service – manifold are the expressions
through which those rights and responsibilities
are exercised in real life. In the togetherness,
mutuality, each member responsibly carrying
out one’s duties remaining as part of the whole
and ever keeping at bay his individualistic
egotism, lie the wholesomeness of a family. To
get at this magnificent cohesiveness what else,
but the awareness of the spiritual solidity of
the whole, could be the basis?
This formula works at the mental level
and is the most important factor in deciding
the total health of a person including his out-
look on life. Here the mind is made to expand
absorbing unto itself everything around with a
feeling of one’s own. This helps to eliminate all
the negative vibrations and bad qualities like
jealousy, hatred, etc. from the mind which
obstruct the expansion of one’s personality.
With such an expansion one finds the whole
universe as one’s friend aiding and also
bestowing blessings. Peace, happiness, achieve-
ments are all by-products of one’s attunement
with the cosmos.
Unity in Diversity
The third level of expansion concerns
the intellect which is presently used by us to
gather only information for achieving materi-
al benefits like name, power and pelf etc.
Intellect should be used for better purposes,
to detect the Infinite in the finite, to see God
in everything, living and non living.
To see Unity in diversity is the formula
ideally suited for this expansion in our under-
standing at the intellectual level. That auto-
matically keeps one aligned on the path of
seeking Truth. Intellect becomes subtler and
sharper and it starts, like a torch light, re-
vealing knowledge deeply hidden or long for-
gotten in the depths of our being.
“Each soul is potentially divine”
Last but not the least guidance for
expansion comes from Swami Vivekananda’s
famous observation “Each soul is potentially
divine”. This is the ultimate source of
knowledge and energy which can illumine all
the layers of human personality from body to
the Self within. This formula brings into the
grasp of every human being that he is Divine
and the goal in his life is to manifest that di-
vinity. This can be done only by controlling
nature external and internal and the first
three formulae are ideally suited to bring
about the control of nature external and inter-
nal which in turn leads to real expansion of
the human personality. Such an expanded
personality is a blessing unto himself as
also to the whole world.
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 3
On 17th of February, which fell on Ratha Saptami day,
900 children from class VII to class X representing
fifteen different schools gathered in the Gurushree
Public School ground, Chapara at 630 a.m. in the morn-
ing, to participate in the Samuhika Surya Namaskar
programme “Surya Kiran”. Circle Inspector of Kodun-
gallur Shri M. Surendran was the Chief Guest. S.N.D.P
Youth Secretary Sri Baby Ram and Sri Pavitranji, well-
wisher of Vivekananda Kendra were on the dias along
with Lakshmi Didi.
The programme started with prayer by Kum Radhika
followed by Deepa prajwalan by the Chief Guest. Didi
related the significance of Samuhika Surya Namaskar in
her introductory address. Sri Surendran also spoke to
the children regarding the benefits of Suryanamaskar.
Inspite of his busy schedule Sri Surendran stayed on
to watch the students’ programme. After 12 consecu-
tive rounds of Surya namaskar, there was a beautiful
demonstration of yogasanas by the students of
Gurushree Public school. Sri Pavitranji delivered the
vote of thanks.
After the programme, all the children and their parents
were treated to a sumptuous breakfast. The local
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 4
SAMUHIKA SURYA NAMASKAR
Sri Ramakrishna Jayanthi Day, 18th February, was selected for Samuhika Surya Namaskar throughout
India. In Anandadham too, forty-five yoga yoga varga participants, 20 of them ladies and 25 gents
took part in Samuhika Surya namaskar. Sri Bhanuji, all India General Secretary of Vivekananda Kendra ,
attended the programme and took part in the Samuhika Surya namaskar. Shri Bhanuji briefed the par-
ticipants about the Sarda Shati Programme, in his benedictory address
GANAPATHI PRATISTHA DIVASAM
Ganapathi Pratistha Divasam was celebrated on
the 20th February, Wednesday. Early in the
morning there was Ganapathi Homam followed
by Kalasha puja and Abhishekam. Puja was
conducted by the Karumatra Gurupadam group.
Except for the inmates, only few devotees could
attend as it was a day of bandh. Ganapati Homam
was performed in the temple premises.
branch of State Bank of Travancore sponsored the breakfast. Every participant received a book on
Swamiji and a certificate of appreciation. Cost of the books was borne by Canara Bank, Kodungallur.
Best three schools got awards for performance in Surya Kiran and every school was given the
book ‘Incredible India, Love India As Swami Vivekananda Loved Her’ on Swamiji’s thoughts com-
piled by Lakshmi Didi, for their library, as a token for their active participation in the programme.
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 5
YOUTH CAMP
In association with Sri Ramakrishna Mission and Department
of Sports and Youth Affairs, Govt of Kerala, we conducted a full day
Youth Camp as part of 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of
Swami Vivekananda, for the age group of 18 to 30 years, on 24th
February. 104 students from 8 different institutions participated.
Resource persons were: Dr Harisankar, well known parenting special-
ist Smt Rema – Principal of a Teachers Education College, Poyya,
Sri P.N.Easwaranji and Dr N.M. Vijayan, well-wisher of Vivekananda
Kendra. Sri Sudhakarji who was the coordinator of the camp and
Mananeeya Lakshmi Didi who is also a member of the State Coordi-
nating Committee, were also present. The Village Officer, Kodungal-
lur Smt.Shyamala, inaugurated the camp. Sri Pavitranji, delivered
the welcome address. All the students were provided lunch and
snacks during intervals. The following topics were covered during
the camp
Dr. Hari Shankar Subject : The Need of an Idealogy
Sri . Sudhakar Subject: The Goal of Life
Smt. Rama Menon Subject: Personality Integration
Sri Eswaranji P.N Subject: Youth and their role in National
Integration
Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari Subject : Personality integration
Concluding session, Dr. N.M Vijayan and Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari
Each student received a participation certificate, a T-shirt with
Swamiji’s logo and a book on Swamiji.
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 6
The annual Bhagavatha Saptaha jnana yajnam began on 2nd of
March with Mahatmya Parayanam and continued till 9 th of
March with distribution of Yajna prasadam by the Acharya. Ko-
zhikode Vasudeva Prasad Namboothiri who was the main Yaj-
nacharya. On the fourth day,
‘Sri Krishna Avataram’ was rec-
reated with a little Krishna
decorated and kept in a cradle
so that after the session devo-
tees could make their obeisance
to Him. Next attraction was
’Rukmini Swayambara’ on the
evening of the fifth day.
Rukmini ’s idol, well decorated
was carried by a young girl to-
wards the altar where Sri
Krishna was already kept.
After the session there was a
traditional ’Thiruvathira’ group dance by Smt Padmaja and her
troup. On the 9th was the concluding day. Over a hundred dev-
otees attended the programme on all the seven consecutive
days .
Place Photo Here,
Otherwise Delete Box
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 7
DIDIS DIDIS DIDIS DIDIS PRABHASANAMSPRABHASANAMSPRABHASANAMSPRABHASANAMS DURING FEBRUARYDURING FEBRUARYDURING FEBRUARYDURING FEBRUARY----AND MARCHAND MARCHAND MARCHAND MARCH
7th February SV Jayanthi Celebration, MG University Kottayam
9th February National Teachers’ Union-Annual conference; Topic – SV & Education.
17th February Suryakiran– -Kodungallur and Samvardhini — Ernakulam
20th February Sri Krishna Temple Mukundapuram. Topic– SV His Life and Mission
24th February Vidya Gopala Puja– Chandrapini and Satsangh at
Sangameswara Yogam - Irinjalakuda
1st March Varuna Yaga - Valapad
3rd to 9th March Bhagavatha Saptaham — Anandadham-
Kodungallur
A Vivekananda Club of 150
children from Bharatiya Vidya
Bhavan Vidya Mandir – Irinjala-
kuda, was inaugurated by Didi
and Sri Sudhakarji on 14th
March. From the next academic
session in the month of June, it
will become a regular fortnight-
ly programme. Selected children
from classes 6,7 & 8 have been
registered in the club. Three
of their school teachers, allot-
ted specially for the club ac-
tivities along with the Viveka-
nanda Kendra Vedic Vision team
of workers, will meet once in
every fortnight. Subject will be
based on Swami Vivekananda
literature.
VIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUBVIVEKANANDA CLUB
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 8
13th March SRK Jayanthi at Sri Ramakkrishna Sarada
Math—Ernakulam. Prabhasanam on Sri Rama
krishna and release of Didi’d book “ Incredible
India Love India As Sw Vivekananda Loved
Her”, by Pravrajika Avyayaprana Mataji.
14th March Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-IJK– Inauguration of
Vivekananda Club
14th March Dhanwantari Temple- Konnatthukkunnu
24th March Book Release Programme—By Bharatiya
Vichar Kendram in Thrissur.
30th March Samvardhini-Kishori Shibiram – Thuravoor
31st March Nivedita Kishori Camp—Samvardhini-
Tripoonithura
VIVEKANANDA KENDRA VIVEKANANDA KENDRA VIVEKANANDA KENDRA VIVEKANANDA KENDRA
VEDIC VISION FOUNDATIONVEDIC VISION FOUNDATIONVEDIC VISION FOUNDATIONVEDIC VISION FOUNDATION
ANANDADHAM, SRINGAPURAM KODUNGALLUR,
PIN 680664. KERALA Ph. No : 0480-2803349, 2805780, 2812780
Email ID : [email protected]
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 9
Each year the Annual Day celebration of Sandeepani Sishuvihar coincides with the
birthday celebration of Sri Ramakrishna. This year it was celebrated on 23rd March,
Saturday. Smt Radha Teacher, Vice President of Bharatiya Vidyaniketan, Thrissur, pre-
sided over as the Chief Guest. She inaugurated the programme lighting the lamp. A
short prayer was chanted by the UKG children. Mini Convocation of the kids followed
when certificates, shawl, a book and a tiny lamp were given to each outgoing child. Five
children received certificates, calling upon them to grow as Karma Veeras – Dhar-
maveeras in the service of our Motherland. This was followed by cultural program and
prize distribution.
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 10
Yoga SatrasYoga SatrasYoga SatrasYoga Satras
6 gents and 10 ladies attented yoga satras
for men in the morning ( 6am to 7:15 am )
and ladies in the afternoon (11am to 12
noon) and evening ( 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm).
10 ladies consisting of students and their
lecturers of the Maliankara College Yoga
Club are attending the yoga satras held
twice every week on Tuesdays at the college
premises
Yoga Varga
10 gents and 5 ladies separately attend
yoga varga daily in the morning and after
noon respectively. Once a month the gents
have planned to have their varga on the sea
beach near by.
Yoga for children
Regular Saturday morning classes for chil-
dren were conducted during the months of
February and March. On an average 10
children participated.
Pranayama and meditation
Pranayama classes for men were conducted
in the early morning from 5:15 am to 5:45
am and for the ladies from 10:30 to 11am.
REGULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE CAMPUS
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 11
Samskar Varga
Samskar Vargas were conducted at four places, the regu-
lar Sunday class in the campus, once in a month at Vina-
yakapuram on Sundays and once a week on every Satur-
day at Pullut and twice a week at Konnatha kunnu. 10 chil-
dren were present in the Sunday class, 15 and 20 and 25
children attented the other three Vargas.
Swadhyaya Varga
Every Second Sunday there is a Swadhaya Varga. On an
average 10 people attended. Topic was on Swami Viveka-
nanda’s Raja Yoga.
Pournami Puja
Ganapathi Homam and Sri Chakra Puja were conducted
on Pournami days, on 25th February and 27 th March.
Inmates of Anandadham attended.
Lalitha Sahasranama study
Sri Girishji conducted Sri Lalitha Sahasranam classes on
16th and 17th of March. Fifty devotees attended
Kala Sadas
During the months of February and March a musical
evening by Kunjunni Tamburan Smaraka Kala Sadassu,
Kodungallur, in collaboration with Vivekananda Kendra
Vedic Vision Foundation, conducted a ’Kathakali’ pro-
gramme ‘Karta Veeryarjuna Vijayam’ on 17th February.
The artists were Kalamandalam Balasubramanian as
Ravana, Kalamandalam Kasinatham as Mandodari and
Kalamandalam Sajan as Narada. 150 people attended
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 12
In the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna we hardly
come across Sri Ma in person nor is there
any mention about her except once or twice.
At the same time in the mega stage of
Bhavatarini Temple at Dakshineswar, stand-
ing behind the curtain there She is, either
engaged in her own plays or leading the
plays of others.
Searching for the Divine presence of
Sri Sri Ma in the pages of the Gospel was
On the 31st March there was a Karnatik
Vocal Recital by the Kumari Parvathy Nara-
yanan and Kumari Pooja Narayananan
(Students of VII th and Xth standard) with
Sudha Marar on the violin and Kallekulangara
Unnikrishnan on the Mridangam.
indeed a difficult task, but was delightful
also. Like Sri Hanuman searching for Sita in
Lanka this search started from the very ob-
vious. The first place of search was Sri Ra-
makrishna’s room, where naturally one ex-
pects to find her occupying a venerable seat
beside him, as his Sahadharmini. No, she was
not to be found there. May be she could be
in the temple of Bhavatharini, where Master
spent most of his times, helping him in his
priestly duties. No she was not there too.
A SEARCH FOR SRI SRI MA A SEARCH FOR SRI SRI MA A SEARCH FOR SRI SRI MA A SEARCH FOR SRI SRI MA
IN THE GOSPEL OF SRI RAMAKRISHNAIN THE GOSPEL OF SRI RAMAKRISHNAIN THE GOSPEL OF SRI RAMAKRISHNAIN THE GOSPEL OF SRI RAMAKRISHNA
Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 13
led to the ecstasy of all who listened to him
‘Chintanakale pranagatha’ – during the
hours of his deep meditation She was his very
prana invigorating each and every cell in his body
with Divine Energy.
‘Tatwavichare sarvagatha’ – when he was
elaborating the intricate principles to the never
ending stream of curious visitors She personi-
fied as the substance, meaning and relevance of
his utterances.
‘Ujjwalaroope nritakari’ – when in ecstasy
Sri Ramakrishna forgot himself and took to
dancing, bubbling with bliss within, She was
there as his sruthi, laya and thala.
‘Nishprabharupe suptakari’ – when on rare
occasions he appeared asleep it was in the lap of
the Mother whocomforted him as the Goddess
of sleep.
‘Gopitharoope siddhakari’ – She kept Herself
hidden within him as infinite miraculous siddhies
which none could fathom.
‘Gochararoope bandhakari’ – in the visible
living form She kept him, for the sake of the
well being of the entire humanity as Sri Rama-
krishna in the temple of Dakshineswar as the
establisher of Eternal Dharma, as an embodi-
ment of all Dharmas and as the Best among ava-
tars. There as his consort Sarada Devi, she was
ever at his service.
* * * * * * *
When we study the life of Sri Ramakrish-
na often a doubt crosses the mind. Did Sri Ra-
makrishna incarnate to do Mother’s work or did
She must be with him in the wonderfully ele-
vating boat journeys he undertook along the
Ganges – No chance at all. Was she with him
in the very many visits he paid to the great
souls in and around Calcutta? Not possible.
How can she, a newly married woman in purdah
go about with her husband, in the orthodox
society of Calcutta! Would she be in Pan-
chavati, keeping silent watch over her Lord’s,
meditations – no, there also she was not pre-
sent. It was obvious that Master never pro-
jected his consort in front of the public.
Most of the people who visited him did not
even know that Master’s wife was staying in
the nahabath. So very meek and humble she
was and unobtrusive was her presence at
Dakshineswar.
Continuing the search, taking it from
the visible to the invisible levels, from the
coarse to the subtle Mother was very much
there as a Divine Presence which slowly led to
the most unusual revelation that it was She
who filled up his thoughts, words and actions,
and made Vachanamrita such a heavenly com-
pilation .The lines from an old hymn sprang up
in the mind……………
‘Archanakale rupagatha’ – when Master
was worshiping the Mother, She was present
as the object of his worship and accepted his
offerings.
‘Samstuthikale sabdagatha’ – when he
sang in praise of Her she was there in his
voice producing the superfine effect which
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 14
Mother take birth for Master’s work !
‘Prakritim svamavashtabhya sambhavamyatma-
mayaya’ or ‘Karanguli nakhotpanna Narayana da-
sakriti’ which is more valid? More acceptable?
It is up to the Bhakta to choose.
Coming back to the Gospel, the corridor opening
into the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Gospel is
the first visit of Mahendra Nath Gupta (M) to
the Master. ‘M’ felt deeply attracted to the
Master which prompted him to go again and
again to meet him. It was during the second vis-
it that the very enlightening conversation took
place, which serves as a clue to unearth the
presence of the Holy Mother in the Gospel. Af-
ter some preliminary enquiries Master asked ‘M’
if he was married and if he had children. His
positive answer somewhat disappointed the
Master and he expressed it to his nephew Ram
Lal who was standing by his side. ‘M’ was
shocked and his pride received a blow. After a
few minutes Sri Ramakrishna looked at him
kindly and said affectionately: “You see, you
have certain good signs……..Tell me, now, what
kind of a person is your wife? Has she spiritual
attributes, or is she under the power of
avidya?” ‘M’ replied “She is all right. But I am
afraid she is ignorant.” Master (with evident
displeasure): “And you are a man of knowledge?”
‘M’s ego was again badly shaken. However in the
above words of the Master is hidden a great
revelation and warning to all men who feel
‘superior’ to their wives.
‘M’ could understand the implications
of these observations only much later, when,
after being accepted as a close disciple he
came to know of Sri Ma and how reverently
Master treated her.
No wife is to be taken as granted as an
ignoramus. All women have in them sparks of
Divinity hidden deep within, which becomes
manifest in her married life with the help
and understanding of her husband, especially
through her attainment of Motherhood. In
fact, Motherhood is a manifestation of the
Perfection or Divinity which is already in her.
Unfortunately most of the men are not sensi-
tive or sensible enough to understand it. Un-
fortunately women themselves are ignorant
of it. The world will be a much better place
to live in if this ignorance and illusion of both
men and women are removed, a pointer to
which we find in this second meeting of ‘M’
with the Master. It is here that Sri Ma
makes her first subtle appearance in the
Gospel.
After receiving the blessings of Sri
Ramakrishna when ‘M’ himself started as-
cending the steps to real knowledge then only
he could understand the real significance of
Master’s words. It is through a mother that
the crest jewel of human thought, Advaita,
manifests itself in human life as love, sacri-
fice, surrender, service and a host of such
human feelings which make a mother one with
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 15
her children and make her family a mini uni-
verse. She then moves from avidya to Vidya and
becomes the positive force which decides the
destiny of her family.
Sri Ramakrishna could evoke in the appar-
ently ignorant village girl, Saradamani the best
of Divine attributes and transform her into
Goddess Sarada. Only he could have trans-
formed a simple child into a mother par excel-
lence, as well as an embodiment of all wisdom
and spiritual knowledge. Whenever, wherever
and in whatever way Sri Ramakrishna extolled
the Glory of Motherhood in the Gospel, it was
this Mother that shone in and through his ut-
terances. To provide for such an expansion in
their wives is the responsibility of every hus-
band. Therein lies Sri Ramakrishna’s message to
all householders – to discover in their wife’s the
essence of Sri Vidya Herself.
A woman, who is not getting an opportuni-
ty for expansion turns into an embodiment of
Avidya, with false ideas, desires and aspirations.
Such a wife would then drag her husband into
the abyss of misery. Sri Ramakrishna wants eve-
rybody to keep away from such women. At the
same time his own life was a magnificent exam-
ple of how blessed life becomes if one recogniz-
es and nurtures Vidya sakthi in his wife. He used
to cry out again and again to Mother Kali “who
can fathom the depths of Your Being, but as a
child with a grief stricken heart when one calls
to Mother, without hesitation She takes him on
Her lap”.
His ritualistic worship was centered on
Mother Kali,but he reiterated again and
again that the object of his worship was
none other than Parabrahma. To some She
was pointed out as the latent Kundalini. At
another time there She was a most terrible
dark form of Kali, dark, yet enchantingly
beautiful, full of grace, love, compassion and
blissfulness. Sometimes to emphasise the
importance of worshipping Divine Mother in
names and forms he would present Her as
one who grants the prayers of the devotees
through offerings made to Her. When
Kesahab was very ill, Master offered coconut
and fruits to the Mother of the Universe to
relieve Keshab’s suffering. Oftentimes he
was mad singing Her glory, chanting Her
name or just visualizing Her in the lotus of
his heart. At times, identifying himself with
Mother, he on Her behalf as it were, assured
devotees full realisation of dharma, artha,
kama and moksha, if only they would deign to
call to Her as Her innocent child. During mo-
ments of utter surrender he considered Her
as the Yanthri and himself as the Yanthra
and fully recognized that he is nothing but a
play thing in Her hands. He used to repeat
“You are the driver, I am Your cart; I am the
home, You are the Mistress, I move as per
Your wishes and commands. I talk as You or-
der me to – not I, not I, but You and You
alone”
Neglecting the pursuit of Vidya, men
VOLUME 2 - ISSUE –5 Feb-March 2013 16
who run after worldly desires are of ignoble be-
haviour according to him. He also made it clear
to all that mere bookish knowledge leads no-
where, least of all to Her presence. That was the
reason why he kept himself away from all shallow
pursuits of knowledge. Even during his strenuous
ascent to Paramahamsahood , Sri Ramakrishna
never thought that his married life was an ob-
struction to his sadhana, he never rejected it.
Here again is a great message to humanity. To a
devotee of Divine Mother, Dharma and Moksha
are easily available. He can enjoy Artha and Kama
also if he so desires. Sri Ramakrishna harmo-
nized all these, always praying to Mother for un-
adulterated Bhakti. For the sake of the welfare
of the humanity he also prayed “O Mother don’t
make me lose my consciousness through Brah-
majnana”. May be it is for this that he prayed to
Mother to give him disciples and when they
started arriving Sarada Devi became the Head,
the Holy Mother and also Universal Mother.
When Master became ill She undertook his ser-
vice with full devotion, braving all difficulties
and inconveniences thus revealing a rare facet of
tapas. All this ‘M’ came to understand watching
Master’s life in the temple of Dakshineswar and
later at Cossipore. It is our good fortune that
this chronicler par excellence has shared it all
with us through the Gospel.
As the curtain started falling in his life we
find in Sarada Devi tapas personified, not the
tapas which we read about in Puranas, but a total
centering of all her being on the Divine Mother
whom she adored and worshipped in her husband
Sri Ramakrishna. What was the fulfillment of
that tapas? Sri Ramakrishna conferred on her
that mighty spiritual will and power making
her inherit the Fountainhead of his own love
and compassion for humanity from which Mas-
ter’s own disciples were to charge their spir-
itual batteries in the formative years of Sri
Ramakrishna Math and Mission.
On 16th August 1886 with the Samadhi
of Sri Ramakrishna, the Gospel folds itself.
But the Sadhanas and Tapas of the Holy
Mother did not stop, but continued, providing
a fitting Finale to what Master had started.
The Holy Ganges of Mother’s life continued to
flow adding to the all round beauty and gran-
deur to the family that Sri Ramakrishna had
left behind.
As a wife, a true brahmacharini, a most
devoted disciple, the head of the family and
as Sanghajanani, Matrudevi continued to
shower benediction to all who came to her.
From where did She get the training for this
incomparable work? Who gave it to her and
when? It is here that the first conversation
between the ‘M’ and Master throw light. Every
woman’s Wifehood and Motherhood, through
spiritualization, can be raised to Universal
Motherhood. If a husband recognizes that
truth like Sri Ramakrishna, he can raise his
wife into heights of spirituality and discover
in her the embodiment of Vidya, the destroy-
er of samsara and make her a centre of ref-
uge for the entire humanity. Meditating thus
one often feels that the entire Gospel is an
answer to this all important question of recog-
nizing Vidya and eliminating avidya in our lives.