Ramakrishna: The Nectar of Eternal Bliss, Ch. 3: Sing Her Name

Class 6, Ch. 3, p.70

Video Segment 13:56-19:17

Third Discussion

Ramakrishna: Tamasic devotion is like a burning fire. These devotees make demands of God, just like a thief who steals all of the goods. They are like thieves who demand blessings from God.

With great love and his beautiful, melodic voice, Ramakrishna began to sing.

Why should I go to Gaya and the Ganga River,

Allahabad, and Kashi (Benares)?

If you say the name Kali, Kali, Kali without count,

the recitation of mantras comes back.

What need is there of puja

if a man repeats the name of Kali

at the three times of prayer?

They never find a time

that is not the time of prayer.

Compassionate behavior, giving alms, and philanthropy

doesn’t enter into Madan’s mind.

In union with this beautiful mind,

you feel the presence

of the manifestation of the Supreme.

The name of Kali has many qualities

and contains so many divine moods

that no one can understand them all.

Even the Lord of all Lords, Shiva,

with all His five faces cannot express

all the qualities.

Ramakrishna went into an ecstatic bhava just as if he were singing the song of the initiation of the Divine Fire. In great ecstasy in the attitude of complete communion with God, he began to sing again.

If I die while singing the name

“Durga, Durga, Durga,”

how can You keep me from becoming liberated,

even though I may be unworthy?

[Swamiji: Ashambhav!

Shree Maa: Impossible!]

Ramakrishna (suddenly): What?! I have sung Her name. What sin can touch me? I am Her son. Her immortal qualities are mine by right to receive, and I have the right to be stubborn. When you give a spiritual turn to tamas, you can have the vision of God. Be forceful in your demands to God!! She is not a stranger. She is your very own.

Note: Madan was one of the disciples present while Ramakrishna was talking.