Spiritual GYAN

Sri Ramakrishna used to describe his attitude towards scriptures, etc in the following manner.  He used to say that the holy texts only point out the way to reach God .  After knowing about the way, there is no need for books and scriptures; then comes the time for action. A man received a letter from his house asking him to purchase certain gifts meant for his relatives.  The descriptions of the articles to be purchased were mentioned in the letter.  As he was about to go for shopping for the items, he suddenly found that the letter was missing.  He began to search anxiously for it with several others joining in the attempt.  When at last the letter was discovered, his joy knew no bounds.  With great eagerness, he read the letter once again line by line.  It had been mentioned in the letter that he was to buy 5 kgs of sweets, 2 pieces of clothes and a few other items.  Now that he knew the contents of the letter, he no longer need...

Sri Ramakrishna used the analogy of the mythical Homa Bird to explain the intense renunciation of certain special class of people.  According to him, the Veda mentions about the Homa Bird.  This bird lives quite high in the sky and at that height the mother bird lays her egg.  Because of the height the egg keeps falling for many days.  While falling, it is hatched and the chick continues to fall.  While this goes on for many days, in the meantime the chick opens its eyes and coming near the earth it becomes aware of the world.  It realizes about the impending death if it hits the ground.  Then it gives a shrill cry and shoots up towards its mother.  It keeps going in the upward direction and does not look behind. Explaining this story, Sri Ramakrishna used to say that rare individuals who are born with God-consciousness realize the danger of coming into contact with the world.  From their very childhood they are extremely apprehensi...