Inspiration
[2nd President and Spiritual Head: the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa]
DAILY READINGS
From Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji
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Occupy your life in such a way that it will have God and God-thought only. Like this the world would be a place of mirth – not birth and death.
The shanti [peace] hymn is a very beautiful hymn. It was written by Master's [Sri Ramakrishna's] direct disciples – they who saw the truth thereof in Sri Ramakrishna. Side by side with singing it, you should read up the meanings of these verses so you will know that it is not parrot-like to recite it but man-like.
If you talk on a subject that can inspire you then it can inspire the world. If someone says to me, 'Swamiji I liked the talk,' then I reply, 'But I like it more than you. That is why I spoke about it to you – otherwise why would I speak to you about something if I do not like it?'
If you love God's children (especially those who have devoted their whole lives to God) yours is not to see to what degree they have done this but to see the very fact that they have given their lives to God. Get hold of the books on the lives of saints and sages. By loving the saints and sages you will love God automatically. Saints and sages do not know any caste, colour or creed whatsoever.
Devotee: At Easter why do they call it Good Friday?
Swamiji: Because on this day the Lord [Jesus Christ] sacrificed himself for the billions of sadhakas [spiritual aspirants/practitioners] throughout the world. He gave his life as a ransom, having so much faith and trust in you, his children. That is why it is 'good' for us because he trusted us on the day he was crucified. He gave his life as a sacrifice for his many devotees.
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