God-realisation the highest knowledge
[2nd President and Spiritual Head: the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa]
DAILY READINGS
Selected from Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji.
Day 810
Swamiji speaking on one of the Upanishads
The Rishis [Saint-Sage-Seers or 'Wise Ones'] always believed in and practised satsang [spiritual gathering together] in the Naimisharanya forest. People from all the states of the world assembled there and the Rishis were prepared to exchange thoughts and also teach the others. This in itself shows the broadness [generosity] of their hearts. The result was that the whole of humanity was uplifted and equally educated, for they did not place any bar [barrier, precondition or obstacle] as far as knowledge was concerned.
When King Parikshit was given an indication by one of these Rishis that he would pass away within seven days from a snake bite, he collected all the wisest people together and asked the most vital question: "I am given seven days to stay on Earth, how will I be able to save my soul?" Then, as an apparently guileless child of about six appeared in the assembly, all the Rishis (who were by now advanced in age) stood up with hands folded in humility and offered their pranams [salutations] to this young boy [Sukadeva – a God-realised saint]. The King was surprised because the law was that the younger man should first make pranam to the older men. That was the law at that particular time. So Raja [King] Parikshit asked the Rishis, "O great ones, you have assembled here but it is surprising that when this young boy, who hardly looks wise at all, enters, you all stand up. Why is that?"
The reason they advanced [gave] was this: "O King, the answer is that we may be able to tell you the different paths to save your soul but this young man will not only tell you this but will actually tell you the particular method that will make you save your soul."
Now, in the culture of the Rishis what did they respect most? Whilst they respected seniority and different people's cultures, above all they respected knowledge and he who had the knowledge (knowledge secular and knowledge sacred). This Science of the Self [Self or God-realisation] is the greatest knowledge in the eyes of the Rishis.
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.
For more about the Holy Trinity, and also the founding Swamis of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, please mouse over their names below:
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