Introduction-kn

Introduction

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was one of the most prominent religious figures of India during the nineteenth century. Born in a simple Bengali rural family in 1836, he pursued the divine sadhana throughout his life in various forms and believed in divine embodiment of the Supreme Being in every individual. Sri Ramakrishna was the embodiment of spiritual salvation to the troubled souls from all walks of life.

Sri Ramakrishna opened the eyes of the Indians to the beauty, grandeur, and strength of Hinduism at a time when their faith in it had weakened. He was born not only to revive faith in Hinduism but in all other Faiths.

During his life, Sri Ramakrishna practised other religions too besides Hindus and experienced all to be true. His experiences revealed that a person belonging to any religion, can, strengthen his faith and experience His God. Proper study of the life of Sri Ramakrishna is sure to stem the tide of the general disbelief in religions all the world over.

Sri Ramakrishna explained complex spiritual concepts in a lucid and intelligible manner. In essence, his teachings were as traditional as that of ancient sages and seers, yet remains contemporary at any point of time. His teachings and principles were continued by his most prominent disciple Swami Vivekananda.

[Illustrations by Smt. Hema Satagopan]

References:

• Sri Ramakrishna The Great Master by Swami Saradananda, Translated by Swami Jagadananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004
• The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Translated by Swami Nikhilananda (Madras: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1974)
• The Path Divine, Sathya Sai Balvikas Magazine, Dharmakshetra, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai – 400 093
• A Short Life of Sri Ramakrishna, published by Swami Tattwavidananda, Adhyaksha, Advaita Ashrama, Uttarkhand, Himalayas from its Publication Department, Kolkata
• The Story of Ramakrishna, Published by Swami Bodhasarananda, Advaitha Ashrama, Uttarkhand, from its Publications Department, Kolkata