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In due course, Gadadhar became the
priest of the Kali temple at Dakshineswar. His intense yearning for
God realization blessed him with the vision of the Ultimate Infinity
- “a shoreless space of Light, a sea of Consciousness”.
Mata Chandramani arranged his
marriage to Sarada, daughter of Ramachandra Mukhopadyaya of
Jayrambati in 1859. The marriage remained unconsummated; but it
paved way for the greatest achievement possible.
Initiated by Bhairavi Brahmani in
1861, Sri Ramakrishna attained perfection in all the sixty-four
methods of Tantra. He practised Vatsalya Bhava under the guidance of
Jatadhari and also experienced Madhura Bhava. Totapuri initiated
him into Sanyaa and enabled him to attain Nirvikalpa Samadhi
according to Vedanta.
Great is to appreciate ‘Mother’ in
every woman. Greater still is to look upon one’s wife as mother.
Greatest, indeed, is to see the Universal Mother in one’s wife! Sri
Ramakrishna worshipped ‘Shodasi’ in the person of his wife as
culmination of his sadhanas.
In 1866, Sri Ramakrishna had full
realization of Islam after Govinda Ray, a Sufi, introduced him to
Islam. In the year 1873, Sri Ramakrishna heard from the Holy Bible,
read to him by Sambhu Mallick. On one occasion, as he was
contemplating Jesus for three days, he had a brilliant vision of
Christ, who merged into his body.
Having thus realized the Truth
behind the different faiths, Sri Ramakrishna proclaimed, “As many
Faiths, so many Paths”.
“The purpose of life is to realize
God” - declared Sri Ramakrishna. His divine play demonstrated the
harmony of all religions and helps us understand the relation
between man and Nature.
In him we find all ideals fulfilled.
He is the glowing example of the Ideal Son, Sadhaka, Devotee,
Brahmachari, Sishya, Husband, Householder, Sanyasi and Guru. He is
beyond polarities. Any true aspirant will certainly find convincing
and elevating answers to all his problems in the life of the Master.
The
great spiritual lineage, the Math and the Mission carrying his name
improving the cultural, social and spiritual life the world over,
bears testimony to the greatness of Sri Ramakrishna. |
