Embracing death
DAILY READINGS
From Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji
696
Swamiji continues speaking on death
Only when you know what death is can you go above death. That is why Krishna says, 'I am never born, I never die.' He knows how to die, he knows there is no such thing as death in an ordinary sense. He is passing from one room to another – that is what Sri Ramakrishna said to Sri Sarada Devi. When he wants to kick the body he kicks it – that is the real 'kicking the bucket'. Instead you are all 'carrying the bucket'. [Swamiji laughs]
Devotee: Swamiji, how did fear come to be associated with death?
Swamiji: We are fearful of everything unknown. When you were getting married how fearful were you? You say you love the man and yet when the marriage day comes there is fear of the unknown. If you know it then there is no fear. And if you know it is dangerous then you will avoid it – still there is no fear.
We must start loving God in whatever we do. As long as we love God, we want God, we yearn for God, our minds and our lives are blessed. But how to get there?
Concentration occurs when the five senses give up their strength and they become united and think about God all at once. In unity there is almighty strength. In purity there is almighty strength. All your senses must give up their strength and unite in only thinking about God. That is called will-power. When your whole being thinks and wants that One thing, it is called will-power. If the senses do not unite their strength to think about that One thing then you will not get God.
1) Care should be taken by the reader to understand and take Swamiji's words in these postings, in context. Every teaching or instruction that he gave was specific to the people who were with Swamiji at the time. 2) Mouse-over the words highlighted in red in the posting for further explanation or links.
There are currently available, over 100 different CDs or DVDs with mp3 files, of Swamiji speaking. Please email timhoare@webmail.co.za to order. Click HERE for the second website on Swamiji's life and teachings.
Sri Ramakrishna Sri Sarada Devi Swami Vivekananda
Swami Nischalananda Swami Shivapadananda
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna - read online
Reference websites – please mouse over the name and click to connect:
Ramakrishna Math and Mission Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa Ramakrishna Dham