Samarth Bharat Parva - Smt. Muthiah Vanitha

O India! Forget not that the ideal of thy womanhood is Sita, Savitri, Damayanti; forget not that the God thou worshippest is the great Ascetic of ascetics, the all-renouncing Shankara, the Lord of Umâ; forget not that thy marriage, thy wealth, thy life are not for sense-pleasure, are not for thy individual personal happiness; forget not that thou art born as a sacrifice to the Mother's altar.

-- Swami Vivekananda
{CWSV - 4 : Translations: Prose : Modern INDIA }
{Swami Vivekananda's Rousing Call to Hindu Nation : The Message:  The Task of Regeneration : Its Basis and Direction}

The name Smt. Muthiah Vanitha is widely recognized as a great example of utmost respect and simplicity within ISRO. Her journey at ISRO, starting as a junior engineer and then ascending to the position of Project Director of the Chandrayaan 2 mission, stands as a remarkable inspiration. Her contribution to space research is commendable.

Born on August 2nd, 1964, in Chennai, M. Vanitha grew up in an ordinary yet inherently humble family. She is the best example of simple living and high thinking, having attended Boiler Plant School in Trichy and completed her graduation in Design Engineering at the College of Engineering, Guindy.

With over three decades of service at ISRO, M. Vanitha started as a junior engineer, specializing in various hardware systems. Over time, she ascended to managerial roles, overseeing the telemetry and telecommand division in Digital Systems Group of ISRO's Satellite Centre.

Throughout her tenure, she handled data operations for multiple satellites as Deputy Project Director. Notably, she was part of the successful 2013 Mangalyaan Mars mission. Elevated from Associate Director to Project Director, M. Vanitha led the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission, marking the first female mission commander in ISRO's history. She also worked as a decoder during the Chandrayaan-1 mission. Additionally, she played a key role in several projects like Cartosat-1, Oceansat-2, and Megha-Tropics.

Recognized for her extensive contributions, she received several awards, including the 'Best Woman Scientist' award from the Astronomical Society of India in 2006. Esteemed seniors have appreciated her specialized contributions to astronomical services over the years.

In an interview, she confessed being initially hesitant about leading the Chandrayaan-2 mission. However, after thorough explanation and conviction by Project Director Annadurai, she finally changed her mind. Excellently planning and executing the Chandrayaan-2 mission, though not entirely successful, remains a testament to her commitment. We extend our best wishes for her future endeavors.

- Sarvesh Fadnavis,  courtesy : https://sarveshfadnavis.blogspot.com

Samarth Bharat Parva - Smt. TK Anuradha

Smt. TK Anuradha remains a revered scientist in ISRO, celebrated for her exceptional career as a scientist. Even after retirement, her dedication to the country's space research became evident during the Chandrayaan mission.

Back in 1969, when Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon, Anuradha, a schoolgirl at the time, dreamed of doing something in space. Though young, her unwavering fascination with space often led her to discuss this passion with family. In time, that childhood dream materialized, and Anuradha joined the prestigious organization ISRO.

Her most notable achievement came as the Project Director of the GSAT-12 satellite at ISRO. Anuradha successfully navigated GSAT-12 to its final orbit, orchestrating crucial operations from the control facility in Hassan. Notably, it marked the pioneering feat of an all-women team from ISRO, led by TK Anuradha.

Growing up in Bangalore, Anuradha enjoyed a supportive family environment. Her father, a Sanskrit professor, and her mother, a homemaker. She had four sisters and was always inspired by her mother, who nurtured her right from childhood. Her mother always encouraged her to advance in any field and succeed in competitive exams. TK Anuradha's elder sister took up medical field and two younger sisters took up engineering field.

After primary education in Bangalore, Anuradha pursued electronic engineering at Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, Nagpur. Fueled by a childhood fascination with science and aspirations in space exploration, she took admission in electronics. Upon completing college, Anuradha turned down an opportunity to study Master of Science at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and joined the Space Agency.

Marriage introduced Anuradha to a family equally passionate about electronics. Her husband served as General Manager at Bharat Electronics. Her daughters, one a computer science engineer in the US and the other in electronic engineering, reflect her family's shared enthusiasm. In an interview, she advises, "Don't think there is a limit to what you can do. If you want to do something, start creating an environment conducive to it."

Starting at the Satellite Center in Bangalore, Anuradha's first job involved satellite testing under the mentorship of Prof. U.R. Rao. Her journey continued as Chairperson of the Agency from 1984 to 1994, contributing significantly to electronic equipment development for satellites.

Specializing in communication satellites, she played pivotal roles in GSAT-12 and GSAT-10 launches. Recognized as one of the senior-most women scientists at ISRO since 1982, she received the prestigious 2012 ASI-ISRO Team Award for her outstanding contributions. Anuradha's passion for space exploration remains unparalleled, and we wish her continued success in future endeavors.

- Sarvesh Fadnavis,  courtesy : https://sarveshfadnavis.blogspot.com

Samarth Bharat Parva - Nandini Harinath

Therefore, whether you believe in spirituality or not, for the sake of the national life, you have to get a hold on spirituality and keep to it. Then stretch the other hand out and gain all you can from other races, but everything must be subordinated to that one ideal of life; and out of that a wonderful, glorious, future India will come — I am sure it is coming — a greater India than ever was.

{CWSV-3 : Lectures from Colombo to Almora : Reply to the Address of Welcome at Ramnad}
{Swami Vivekananda's Rousing Call to Hindu Nation : The Message:  Religion, The Soul of India : Keep firm hold on Spirituality}

Scientist Nandini Harinath, who worked on such a successful Mars mission, never thought that she would ever work in ISRO. A childhood TV show called 'Star Trek' sparked her interest in science and she never looked back. They feel proud of themselves after successfully sending the Mars probe into space. Indomitable will and vision are evident in her nature, and scientist Nandini Harinath, who is keen to encourage women in space, continues to lead the way anywhere in the world.

Nandini Harinath was born in Tamil Nadu. Since most of the family members were teachers and engineers, she developed a natural interest in science and technology from an early age. Mother being a math teacher and father being an engineer, the home environment was educational. She completed her schooling and college education in Tamil Nadu.

Eventually, after completing her education, she joined ISRO. She has worked on about 14 missions. She has worked tirelessly for 12-14 hours for some time while taking care of family responsibilities and taking care of children. In one of her interviews, she says, "Today, when we are recognized as scientists, it feels like cheese. It's been 20 years at ISRO, and there is no looking back." Being a part of the Mars mission was the most significant moment of her life." In fact, the Mission Mars mission was a very important mission not only for ISRO but also for India. After the success of this mission, the world changed its view of Indian scientists, and today, international organizations look forward to the help of our scientists.

In fact, Mission Mars was the first time ISRO allowed people to see what was going on inside. Today, many scientists are on social media. Such achievements make her a role model for the youth today, and Nandini Harinath, a scientist, is proud of and relishes it. She insists that she came here with hard work and effort. When scientist Nandini Harinath was working for Mission Mars, Nandini's mother used to come to Bangalore from Andhra Pradesh. Because, at that time, Nandini Harinath's daughter was studying in the 12th class. They used to get up at 4 am to give time to the girls, and both of them used to study together.

Nandini Harinath was very pleased to see the picture of the Mars mission on the Rs 2000 note. Initially, during the mission, the scientists worked for about 10 hours a day, but as the launch date approached, the work went up to 12 to 14 hours, and during the actual launch, they barely left the office. Scientist Nandini Harinath and her entire team made the Mars mission a success through hard work. A few days before the launch of Mangalyaan, scientist Nandini Harinath was not even going home. Scientist Nandini Harinath is the best example of how dedication can be towards work. She expresses determination that the success of Mangalyaan's mission is a thing of the past; now, we have to think about the future. Salute to scientist Nandini Harinath for her commitment to her work. We wish them all the best for their future endeavors.

Listen her on Mission Aditya : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLtCrcnuFDQ

- Sarvesh Fadnavis,  courtesy : https://sarveshfadnavis.blogspot.com

Samarth Bharat Parva - Kalpana K

If there is any land on this earth that can lay claim to be the blessed Punya Bhumi, to be the land to which all souls on this earth must come to account for Karma, the land to which every soul that is wending its way Godward must come to attain its last home, the land where humanity has attained its highest towards gentleness, towards generosity, towards purity, towards calmness, above all, the land of introspection and of spirituality — it is India.

{CWSV-3 : Lectures from Colombo to Almora: First Public Lecture in the East (Colombo)}

{Swami Vivekananda's Rousing Call to Hindu Nation : The Message: Our Punya-Bhumi and Its Glorious Past}

Kalpana K i.e. Kalpana Kalahasti became known to the country after the successful flight of Chandrayaan 3. During the launch of Chandrayaan 3, Beside ISRO chief S.Somnath, many of us saw there was a woman present as Project Associate Director, Kalpanka K, the scientist of today.

Kalpana K was born in Bangalore. She completed her schooling in Bangalore and then completed her graduation in Aeronautical Engineering from IIT Khadakpur. Her father was an employee of the High Court, while her mother was a housemother. Kalpana K dreamed of working in ISRO since childhood. She fulfilled her dream with determination, hard work and perseverance. She joined ISRO as a scientist in 2003. First she worked in Sriharikota for five years and then in 2005 She was transferred to the satellite center in Bangalore. She participated in the design of five satellites there.

Kalpana K was also involved in the Chandrayaan-2 project which was launched from the rocket center in Sriharikota in 2019. She also played an important role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission. And currently she is working as Associate Director of Chandrayaan-3 project. The entire world has experienced the joy on her face when Chandrayaan 3 successfully flew. When any mission is successful, the working scientists are definitely more than happy. She is unique in that she is constantly engaged in overcoming the numerous difficulties encountered while working on the mission.

After the success of Chandrayaan 3 mission, Kalpana K as Associate Project Director said, "This is the most memorable moment for me and my team, we have been striving for this for many years and we have achieved our goal." Her journey to the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission is an inspiration to everyone.

It usually takes more than five years to build a satellite. First the design, then the rest of the process takes place. After all this is done, several tests are to be done. It is then re-tested and attached to the rocket for trials, followed by satellite flight. Her expertise in designing and optimizing the lunar lander system has been instrumental in overcoming many challenges during the Chandrayaan-3 project.

After the rover's successful landing on the lunar surface, the entire nation witnessed the joy on her face while addressing the team. This monumental achievement not only strengthens India's position in the global space community but also highlights the exemplary contribution of the dedicated individuals who made this feat possible. Kalpana K with her team made the journey successful with determination and hard work. We wish 'Team ISRO' all the best for their future endeavors.

- Sarvesh Fadnavis,  courtesy : https://sarveshfadnavis.blogspot.com

Samarth Bharat Parva - The Rocket woman - Ritu Karidhal Srivastava

Mark me, every one of you will have to be a Govind Singh, if you want to do good to your country. You may see thousands of defects in your countrymen, but mark their Hindu blood. They are the first Gods you will have to worship even if they do everything to hurt you; even if everyone of them send out a curse to you, you send out to them words of love. If they drive you out, retire to die in silence like that mighty lion, Govind Singh. Such a man is worthy of the name of Hindu; such an ideal ought to be before us always.  -- Swami Vivekananda

{CWSV - 3 : Lectures from Colombo to Almora : The Common Bases of Hinduism,  Swami Vivekananda's Rousing Call to Hindu Nation : The Message}

The Rocket woman - Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
The name Ritu Karidhal Srivastava actually became known to the whole country because of Mission Chandrayaan. Scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava who is known as the rocket woman who raised the name of the country with the brilliance of her achievements is the scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava.

Scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, who gave due justice to every relationship like wife, mother, daughter-in-law, sister, friend, reached every household due to the second mission Chandrayaan. Carrying out the responsibility of being a conscientious, successful and talented scientist is certainly not easy. For this, Ritu Karidhal Srivastava's identity as a scientist who planned and completed the work with full dedication will be real today.

As a woman scientist in ISRO, she has elevated the name of India with her work. A walking example of simple living and high thinking is scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava. Born in an ordinary family in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Ritu Karidhal Srivastava first proved herself. Coming from an ordinary family, Ritu Karidhal Srivastava completed her graduation and post graduation in Physics with her intelligent skills and determination. Later he started research in Lucknow for the degree of Acharya. After that, after passing the GATE exam, he took admission in the post-graduate course in Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and this turned out to be a decisive phase in his life.

After completing the course he tried for the job in ISRO and got selected and after the result Ritu Karidhal Srivastava joined ISRO. The dreams seen since childhood now began to become reality and the journey of a new dream and goal began. Initially working with senior scientists, he gained the ability to meet the challenges. Scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava has more than 20 research papers published today and has received many honors and awards. In it, Dr. A.P.J. She has been honored with many awards like Young Scientist Award by Abdul Kalam, ISRO Team Award for Mom from Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Indus, Women Achievers in Aerospace from ASIT.

He has completed his responsibilities as Chandrayaan-2 Mission Director and Deputy Operations Director of the Mangalyaan mission. The role played by actress Vidya Balan in the popular film 'Mission Mangal' is inspired by the personality of Ritu Karidhal Srivastava. Chandrayaan 3 Mission, which should make every Indian proud, is led by Scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava easily manages the will and responsibility to work hard and be honest with his duties with the support and satisfaction of his family. She happily carries out all the family responsibilities of raising two children Aditya and Anisha, taking them to school, playing with them, making and feeding them their favorite foods.

Scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava has been working in ISRO since 1997 and has worked in many projects. She clearly believes that the moments spent with her husband Avinash Srivastava and children give energy to work. Scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, who is insists on women entering the space field and is always willing to mentor female students for it. Today's scientist scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, who overcame extreme odds and established herself as a rocket woman.

- Sarvesh Fadnavis,  courtesy : https://sarveshfadnavis.blogspot.com/2023/10/blog-post_14.html

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मुक्तसंग्ङोऽनहंवादी धृत्युत्साहसमन्वित:।
सिद्ध‌‌यसिद्धयोर्निर्विकार: कर्ता सात्त्विक उच्यते ॥१८.२६॥

Freed from attachment, non-egoistic, endowed with courage and enthusiasm and unperturbed by success or failure, the worker is known as a pure (Sattvika) one. Four outstanding and essential qualities of a worker. - Bhagwad Gita : XVIII-26

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti and Samartha Bharat Parva - Concept

Swami Vivekananda meditated on the Rock at Kanyakumari on 25, 26 and 27th of December 1892. His meditation was unique. It was not for his personal salvation but for the regeneration of Bharat. His meditation became a land-mark because it was here that he took the decision of going to West for representing Hindu Dharma and culture of Bharat. Till then for few centuries, Bharat has been degenerating under the invasions of Muslims and the rule of British. It was as if Bharat had reached nadir of its misfortune. His participation at the Parliament of Religions became the turning point. It became the beginning of the process of getting self-confidence of Indian people and also of national regeneration. The nation which was sleeping, which was being termed as the backward, jungli country realized its worth and so India awoke to her purpose.

Thus, meditation of Swami Vivekananda on these dates became a land-mark in the history of Bharat. Therefore this is the occasion to be celebrated every year by awakening the youth to the mission of Bharat. The confidence of the youth in themselves and in their nation need to be strengthened. Therefore, it was decided to celebrate this period starting from 25 December to 12 January – beginning on the day Swamiji's meditation on rejuvenation of Bharat to the date of his birth anniversary - as Samartha Bharat Parva. During this period all out efforts need  to be taken to reach out to the youth making Bharat's mission of guiding the world in spirituality as the mission of their life.

The world is also increasingly realizing that in today's interconnected and interdependent world only India can guide them. Just to quote, for example,  the Professor Jean Pierre Lehmann,  the advisor to the World Trade Organisation, in the 'Globalist Paper' under the title "the Dangers of Monotheism in the Age of Globalisation"  wrote, "Perhaps the most encouraging development in this early 21st century is the emergence of India as an increasingly global force, economically, politically and culturally…But India is a microcosmic reflection of how globalization can work, especially in its generally remarkable ability to have managed multiculturalism to such a brilliant extent…India's one billion plus population is the most heterogeneous in the world. There are far more ethnic, linguistic and religious groups than in, say, the European Union. Yet, a far greater degree of unity has been achieved among India's disparate ethnicities than among the tribes of Western Europe. …in a global environment desperate for ideas, philosophy and religion, India is the most prolific birthplace of all three — because of the great synergy of democracy and diversity, and the much greater degree of self-confidence that Indians now feel. Indians and members of the enormous Indian Diaspora — over which the sun never sets — are the thought leaders in economics, business, philosophy, political science, religion and literature…The planet needs quite desperately a sense of moral order, spirituality and an ethical compass. The Indian religious and philosophical traditions can provide a great deal of all three…Hence the importance of the role India must play in this respect — both because of its innate qualities and because there is no other serious contender. The 21st century better become the century inspired by the virtues of Indian polytheism — or else we are headed for disaster." This professor sees many problems, he does not seem to know in depth about India and yet he write this in 2006.

But it is also true that those who cannot tolerate the rise of India are getting more organised and strident in opposing all that defines India. Thus we have to be alert and also well organised to face these challenges. These quotes from Professor Jean Pierre Lehmann's article are only a sample. Increasingly people the world over are realising the need for deeper life, a life which can help them to relate to everything around them and also make their own life meaningful. In that respect, only Bharat can help. We have to realise this historical responsibility on us. For this Samartha Bharat Parva is to be celebrated.

Maa Sarada Jayanti and Geeta Jayanti - Special Message - Importance of Karma

मय्येव मन आधत्स्व मयि बुद्धिं निवेशय |
निवसिष्यसि मय्येव अत ऊर्ध्वं न संशय: ||12 : 8||
अथ चित्तं समाधातुं न शक्नोषि मयि स्थिरम् |
अभ्यासयोगेन ततो मामिच्छाप्तुं धनञ्जय || 12 : 9||
अभ्यासेऽप्यसमर्थोऽसि मत्कर्मपरमो भव |
मदर्थमपि कर्माणि कुर्वन्सिद्धिमवाप्स्यसि || 12 : 10||
अथैतदप्यशक्तोऽसि कर्तुं मद्योगमाश्रित: |
सर्वकर्मफलत्यागं तत: कुरु यतात्मवान् || 12 : 11||
श्रेयो हि ज्ञानमभ्यासाज्ज्ञानाद्ध्यानं विशिष्यते |
ध्यानात्कर्मफलत्यागस्त्यागाच्छान्तिरनन्तरम् ||12 : 12||

Once Surendranath Sarkar asked Holy Mother whether prarabdha karma could be counteracted by repeating the name of God.

The Mother replied: "One must experience the result of prarabdha karma. No one can escape it. But japa, or repetition of God's holy name, minimizes its intensity. It is like the case of a man who was destined to lose his leg but instead suffered only from a thorn in his foot."

A lady came to Udbodhan House and informed the Mother that some of her relatives were passing through a difficult time. She asked: "Mother doesn't the Master see the sufferings of these people? Why does he not prevent them?"

Holy Mother replied: "Does anything happen without the will of God? Even a leaf on a tree does not move without His wish. According to His will this universe and all beings are functioning. Can a material object function if there is no consciousness behind it?" The woman asked, "Is God fully aware of these sufferings?" "When a person does anything wrong, does he or she always remember it?" Holy Mother responded "God made the law: Each action has its an effect. He is conducting this world with this law." Then how can human beings escape from the grinding results of their terrible actions? Is there no forgiveness in God regarding this law of karma.

Holy Mother replied: "Is it possible for you to survive without His forgiveness? Can you see the karma of your innumerable past lives? If so, you would not ask this question. Even Arjuna did not know the karma of his past lives, what to speak of ordinary human beings. He who has made the law can change it also. Moreover God has given human beings the sendency towards good karma; and good karma reduces the impact of bad karma. He gave human beings the freedom to perform good and bad actions that is the reason His lila is continuing. Although He has given us a little freedom, the main key is in His hand. Both good and bad are un front of you: you select. This is the way He plays. The play cannot con tinue if someone does only good or only bad. In a game of hide-and-seek the running about soon stops if in the beginning all the players touch the granny Her pleasure is in continuing the game. There are many meth-ads mentioned to counteract the results of bad karma in the scriptures, such as rituals for peace [shanti swastyana), sacrifice [yajna), charity [dama], austerity [tapesya), and so on. It is God who prescribes these methods." "Many people perform those rituals but we do not always see the results the woman commented.

Holy Mother replied: "If a ritual is performed correctly, the result is bound to come. It takes time to yield the results of one's actions. One cannot get a ripe mango as soon as the blossom appears on the tree. It takes time for the bloom to develop as a mango. Does the chariot descend from heaven the moment you have finished a sacrifice? Let me tell you one thing. If you want to escape the results of good and bad karma, then chant God's name, repeat your mantra, worship the Lord, and read the scrip- tures. Always discriminate between the real and the unreal. Good karma subdues bad karma, but cannot destroy it. The good and bad karmas of an individual soul are destroyed only by chanting God's name, which also purifies the mind Then one can know one's true nature.

Holy Mother also demonstrated the ideal of a Karma Yogi as described in the Bhagavad Gita.

This year Gita Jayanti is on 22 December. Additionally, 22 December also happens to be Sri Sarada Ma Jayanti. Let's chanting and study of Srimad Bhagavad geeta as part of our daily routine. By the implementing the "Amrut" Message of Sri Krishna in our family - Parivar to make our family Amrut (Amrut Parivar).

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Celebrating 50 Glorious Years of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial : विवेकानन्द शिला स्मारक - एक भारत विजयी भारत : www.vrmvk.in
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समत्वं योग उच्यते

आत्मौपम्येन सर्वत्र समं पश्यति योऽर्जुन |
सुखं वा यदि वा दु:खं स योगी परमो मत: || 32||

Holy Mother was the embodiment of patience and forbearance. She did not speak to anyone about her suffering. Holy Mother was supposed to receive a monthly pension of seven rupees from the Dakshineswar temple authorities, but Ramlal and the temple cashier Dinu told Trailokya Nath Biswas, the owner, that Holy Mother was being taken care of by the Master's devotees. As a result, Trailokya stopped her monthly pension. However, the Master had left a small amount of money with Balaram. Balaram had invested this money and he gave the interest of five or six rupees to Holy Mother every month.

The Master's monastic disciples were themselves struggling to sur- vive and were not aware of Holy Mother's difficult situation. In addition, her own mother and brothers were extremely poor and could not help her. Holy Mother had rice from the paddy fields, one of which had been bought by Ramakrishna in the name of Raghuvir, the family deity. She husked that paddy to make rice and grew some spinach and vegetables behind her hut. Sometimes she could not even afford to buy salt. Swami Saradananda later remarked: "We never dreamed that Mother did not even have the means to buy salt." Whatever she cooked, she offered to Raghuvir and then ate the prasad. Generally, orthodox Hindu widows eat one vegetarian meal a day and at night have a light meal of what- ever is available, such as sweets, fruits, or milk. Holy Mother had only a few saris, which gradually became worn out. Sometimes she patched the cloth, or else closed a hole by tying a knot in the fabric.

In Kamarpukur Holy Mother's initial problems were financial, but she soon started to face social difficulties as well. As long as Golap-ma stayed with her, no village woman dared say anything about Holy Mother's life- style. But when Golap-ma left for Calcutta, some narrow-minded, conservative village women and men began criticizing Holy Mother. They complained that she did not behave as a brahmin widow should: she did not shave her head, and she wore gold bracelets and a red-bordered sari.

Holy Mother ignored the villagers' criticism and continued to wear her bangles and red-bordered sari. The village women went to Prasannamayi whom everyone respected for her piety and mature judgement, and asked for her opinion of Holy Mother's unorthodox conduct. Prasanna- mayi, who had insight into Ramakrishna and Holy Mother, said: "Do not criticize either of them. They possess a divine nature." This silenced the villagers for a while.

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Celebrating 50 Glorious Years of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial : विवेकानन्द शिला स्मारक - एक भारत विजयी भारत : www.vrmvk.in
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Attached - Detached

On 18 August 1886, Holy Mother, accompanied by Golap-ma, Lakshmi, and Latu, paid a visit to Dakshineswar. They returned to Cossipore the same evening.

Difficulties soon arose. How would the Cossipore garden house be maintained? What should be done with the Master's ashes? Many years later Holy Mother said to a disciple that she always looked upon the Master as Mother Kali.

Narendra and the other young disciples wanted to keep the house, but Ram Datta and some other householder diesciples, who were bearing the experie disagreed. They decided that Holy Mother should move elsewhere, the young disciples should return to their respective homes, and the Master's ashes should be installed at Ram Datta's Kankurgachi garden house The young disciples were helpless Narendra tried to keep Holy Mother at Cossipore for a few days longer, so that she could recover somewhat from her griet, but he was unable to do so. As some of the monastic disciples did not want to give all of the Master's relics to Ram Datta, they put large portion of them into another urn so that they could worship the Master on their own. As this squabble was going on between the young disciples and the householders, Holy Mother said to Golap-ma with a long sigh: "Such a golden person has left us, and now, Golap, they are quarrelling over his ashes!"

The young disciples had no money to buy or rent a house for Holy Mother, so that she could live near the devotees of the Master But Balaram's home was always open to Holy Mother and the disciples of Ramakrishna. He was truly a blessed soul and all the members of his family were great devotees of the Master On Saturday, 21 August 1886, Balaram invited Holy Mother to stay in his Calcutta home. Holy Mother must have gone upstairs for one last time and bowed down to the Master's relics that were kept on his bed before she took her bundle of clothes and climbed into the carriage that Balaram had sent for her that evening. As the carriage neared the garden gate, however, the gatekeeper stopped the driver and demanded the unpaid rent. Narendra was terribly embarrassed and somehow had her released."

Holy Mother later described her mental condition at this time: "The Master's passing away was unbearable for me. I constantly asked myself. 'Such a golden man has left. Why then should I stay in this world?" Life became tasteless and meaningless for me, and I had no desire to talk to anyone.... The Master then appeared to me and said: 'No, you shouldn't leave the world. Please stay. You have many things to do. Balaram decided to send Holy Mother on a pilgrimage to give her some peace.

After few months temple authorities also discontinued her pension of seven rupee per month. She remarked "They have stopped my pension. It is alright. Such a golden Master has gone. What would I do with money? 

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Cossipore Days

One day while Holy Mother was cleaning the wound in the Master's throat with a cotton swab, he cried out in pain. "Uh! What are you doing?" Then he withdrew his mind from his body and said: "All right. You are cleaning with a swab. Go ahead. He remained silent. Another day the Master said to Holy Mother. "All sufferings have gone through this body. None of you will have to suffer anymore. I have suffered for everyone in the world."

Ramakrishna was nearing the ocean of Satchidananda, he began to give his last instructions to Holy Mother. "Let me tell you something. Do not stretch out your hand to anyone, even for a penny. You will not lack simple food and clothes. If you hold your hand out to anyone, remember, you will sell him your head also. It it is absolutely necessary, you may beg for your food, but never live in anyone else's house. Devotees may welcome you in their houses with great respect and affection, but never allow your own hut in Kamarpukur to fall into disrepair."

"Please stay in Kamarpukur. Grow some spinach and eat that spinach with rice. Chant the name of God."

One day shortly before his death, the Master was gazing intently at Holy Mother. She said: "Tell me what is on your mind."

He pointed to his body and replied in a tone of complaint: "Look here, won't you do anything? Must this do everything?"

"But what can I do?" she protested. "I am a mere woman." "No, no," the Master insisted. "You will have to do many things."

Another day at Cossipore, Holy Mother carried the Master's food to his room and found him lying in bed with his eyes closed. She said aloud: "Please get up; it is your mealtime." When the Master opened his eyes, he appeared to have returned from a faraway realm. He said to her, in an abstracted mood: "Look at the people of Calcutta; they are like worms squirming in darkness. You must bring light to them. This is not my burden alone. You too shall have to share it."

Ramakrishna promised Holy Mother: "Those who come and take refuge in you, I will come to them during their last moments. I will hold their hands and accompany them."

A few days before the Master passed away, he sent for Holy Mother. He taught her eight mantras, and then said: "These are all siddha mantras [mantras for attaining illumination]. Please teach these mantras to those who come to you for initiation. Those who receive one of these mantras will have the vision of their Chosen Deities during their lifetime or at least at the time of death. Later many people will come to you for initiation. Initiate them with these mantras."

Latu recalled: I have never seen such an intelligent woman as the Mother. While serving the Master, if any of us were depressed or disappointed, she understood. After the Master passed away. Dinu, the cashier, and others conspired to stop the pension. My relatives [Ramlal and others] treated me asan ordinary mortal and joined with them." (Udbodhan, 27 11-13) She would send encouraging words through Jogin to that disciple: "Ask him not to be depressed The Master's health is better today and the opening of the wound seems outwardly dry." This is how the Mother inspired us.

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An Ideal Husband

The Master was interested in nothing but God. When I asked him what I should do with the saris, conch shell bracelets, and other things with which he had worshipped me when he performed the Shodashi Puja, he said after a little thought, "Well, you can give them to your mother, but be careful that when presenting the gifts, you don't look upon her as your personal mother but as the Mother of the Universe." I did so. Such was his teaching.

My mother would grieve, "I have married my Sarada to such a crazy husband that she can't enjoy ordinary married life or have any children and hear them call her 'Mother." One day the Master heard her and said: "Don't grieve over that, Mother. Your daughter will have so many children, you will see, that her ears will ache at hearing the cry of 'Mother." He was quite right. Everything he said has come to pass.

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Manifestation of Divinity

Whenever an opportunity arose, the Master would give spiritual instructions to Holy Mother and Lakshmi. One evening he spoke at length to them about the gopis' love for Krishna. At the end of his talk, he said to Lakshmi: "Discuss what you have heard from me with your aunt tonight. You have seen the cows eating grass in the field during the day- time, at night they chew the cud. Similarly, you should go over with your aunt what you have learnt now. Then you will not forget my words."

Many years later, when someone read The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna to Holy Mother, she said: "The Master used to give me such fine instructions. If only I had known how to write, I would have noted down his words.

Swami Nikhilananda wrote: "Sarada Devi did not outwardly practise austerities or observe rituals to the extent Sri Ramakrishna did. Her life was one of quiet prayer and meditation, and she never neglected the performance of her daily duties She appeared to others more like a householder than a recluse or ascetic Yet the ocean of her spiritual experience was as bottomless as his. This shows that she was not just a saint or a mystic, but, like her husband a manifestation of Divinity.

Sri Ramakrishna was fully aware of Sarada Devi's future Referring to her one day, he said to a woman disciple: "She is Saraswati. She has assumed a human body to impart wisdom to men, but she has hidden her celestial beauty lest people, by looking at her, should befoul their minds with sinful thoughts." Both before and after his death, the Master often reminded her of her future role. He gave her detailed instructions about awakening the spiritual power of her future disciples.

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Hard Work and Intense Sadhana

Patanjali listed nine obstacles to spiritual life: disease, laziness, doubt, lack of enthusiasm, lethargy, clinging to sense enjoyment, false perception, difficulty attaining concentration, and difficulty maintaining concentration. All seekers face those obstacles to some degree in their spiritual journey, even Holy Mother. She said: "One should shun laziness and practise japa and meditation regularly. Once in Dakshineswar I was unwell and did not get up at three o'clock. I felt lethargic. The next day I got up even later. This happened on several successive days. Gradually I felt that I no longer had the inclination to get up early. At once I realized that it was a trick of the mind and that laziness had possessed me. I then forced myself to get up at the usual time and resumed my previous habit. One cannot succeed in spiritual life without firm determination."

Later, one day Holy Mother said to her niece Nalini: "When I was your age, I worked very hard - and in spite of that, I used to repeat the mantra 100,000 times every day.

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Maa-Thakur

Ramakrishna trained Holy Mother in social customs as well as in spiritual practices. It is amazing how he made her a role model for other women. He used to say: "Women must be active. They should not sit idle; otherwise useless and injurious thoughts will fill their minds." In addition to her arduous household duties, Holy Mother had many other tasks. One day the Master gave her some jute fibre and asked her to plait it into slings for hanging pots of sweets in his room. She made a pillow with the left-over fibres. She slept on a hard mat under which she spread some burlap. Referring to this austere bed later on, she said to her devotees: "Now I use a soft pillow and a mattress - how different from the hard bed I slept on at Dakshineswar! But I slept as well then as I do now. I don't notice any difference."

Ramakrishna and Holy Mother demonstrated an ideal marriage based on mutual love and respect. Later Holy Mother described the Master's thoughtfulness: "How kind was the Master's behaviour to me! He never spoke a single word that could hurt me. One day at Dakshineswar I carried his food to his room and, thinking I was Lakshmi, he said, 'Shut the door as you go out,' addressing me familiarly as tui. I replied, 'All right.' When he heard my voice, he was startled and cried out: 'Oh, it is you! I thought it was Lakshmi. Please forgive me for addressing you as tui.' I answered, 'What does it matter?'" The next morning, the Master went to the nahabat and apologized again to Holy Mother: "You see, I couldn't sleep the whole night. I felt very bad for addressing you so disrespectfully." He had no peace until Holy Mother reassured him.

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Love and Patience

No rules or laws can bind a mother's heart. Holy Mother continued to give away things as usual. One day the Master expressed his disapproval, asking her "How can you successfully run a household, if you give away things like this?" Holy Mother said, "All right," and abruptly left the room Greatly distressed, Ramakrishna said to Ramlal: "Go at once and placate your aunt. If she gets angry then all my spirituality will come to naught."

Sometimes so many devotees came to Dakshineswar that there was not enough food in stock to feed them all. Holy Mother had some difficulty cooking for large groups of people. One day she asked Senior Gopal to buy a large quantity of vegetables from the market. When the Master saw this, he asked Holy Mother, "Why did you ask for so many vegetables?" "I have to feed many people," she replied.

The Master objected: "The temple authorities are supposed to supply the groceries. It is not good to spend so much money. Moreover, if you cook for long hours, you will get sick from the heat. You will not have to cook so many dishes anymore. I shall not eat them." The Master did not eat any of the dishes that she made with those vegetables.

Holy Mother wept bitterly, and Ramakrishna consoled her: "Look, 1 admonished you because you suffer when you cook so many dishes over the fire twice a day! I have decided that I will not ask you to cook partic ular dishes anymore. I shall eat what chance may bring. If you have any desire to cook something for me, please do. Don't ask me about it."

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Love and Patience

The Master also kept a watchful eye over the young men who would one day be his monastic disciples. He gave them spiritual instructions and would send them to different areas in the temple garden at night to practice meditation. He generally kept Baburam and Rakhal near him. He even told the Holy Mother how many pieces of chapati (unleavened bread) should be given to each disciple: Rakhal six pieces, Latu five, and four each for Senior Gopal and Baburam. Even though Baburam was supposed to have four, Holy Mother would give him six. When the Master came to know about it, he immediately went to the nahabat and complained that her indiscreet affection might hinder Baburam's spiritual development. Holy Mother firmly replied: "Why are you so worried because he had two extra chapatis? I shall look after his future. Please don't make an issue about his food." The Master understood that Holy Mother was exercising her motherly prerogative towards her children.

Sometimes Narendra and other disciples spent the night with the Master. On these occasions Holy Mother cooked khichuri (rice and dal) especially for Rakhal. One day the Master said to Holy Mother: "Narendra will eat here tonight. Please cook some nice food." She made some chapatis and thin moong dal. After supper the Master asked Narendra, "How was the meal?"

Narendra replied: "Very good. It was like an invalid's diet."

The Master then asked Holy Mother. "Why did you prepare such plain food for him? Please make rich chana dal and thick chapatis for Narendra." Afterwards, Holy Mother cooked rich food for Narendra, which made him happy.

Aghoremani Devi, a great devotee of the Master, was called Gopal-ma because she had visions of baby Krishna. She used to call Ramakrishna "Gopala" because she saw baby Krishna in him. Sometimes she stayed with Holy Mother in the nahabat. She was an extremely orthodox Hindu widow and would not eat food that others had touched. When she came, Holy Mother had to wash the kitchen area so that Gopal-ma could cook her own food.

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Big Heart and Great Understanding

Golap-ma was a simple and guileless woman who had lost her husband and only daughter, and she came to Ramakrishna for consolation. After a few visits, the Master introduced Golap-ma to Holy Mother, saying: "You should feed this brahmin girl well. Sorrow is assuaged when the stomach is full." The Master knew that when he was gone Holy Mother would need a companion. One day he talked to Holy Mother about Golap-ma: "Keep your eye on this brahmin woman. She will live with you permanently." Golap-ma began to stay with Holy Mother in the nahabat from time to time.

During one of Golap-ma's visits the Master asked her to bring him the food that Holy Mother had cooked at the nahabat. After that she carried his food to his room every day. This meant that Holy Mother could no longer see the Master at mealtimes as she was used to. In addition, in the evenings Golap-ma would spend long hours in the Master's room, and Holy Mother had to wait with Golap-ma's supper, sometimes until 10 o'clock at night. When the Master realized Holy Mother's inconvenience, he asked Golap-ma not to stay in his room so long. But Golap-ma did not understand. She said: "No, no. Mother loves me very much and regards me as her own daughter. She calls me by my first name."

Although Holy Mother was deprived of visiting the Master for some time, she nonetheless allowed others to serve him. She maintained a low profile so that the jealous women who used to visit him would have no chance to criticize her.

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I shall do my best!!

Once when the Master was ill, an ayurvedic doctor from Calcutta named Gangaprasad Sen treated him. The doctor prescribed some medicines that would become ineffective if the patient drank water, so he forbade the Master to drink even a drop. The childlike Master began to ask everyone, "Well, shall I be able to live without water?"

Holy Mother assured him, "Of course, you will be all right without drinking any water."

The Master replied: "Look, you will have to remove water even from the washed pomegranate seeds."

Holy Mother said: "Everything will happen by the grace of Mother Kali. I shall do my best."

He took the medicine and resolved not to drink any water.

Holy Mother recalled:

Every day I gave him three to four seers [1 seer = four cups] of milk to drink - later on even five to six seers. The man who milked the temple cows used to give me milk in large quantities. He would say to me: "If I give all this milk to the temple, the priests will take it home after worship and give it away to anyone and everyone. But if I leave the milk here, the Master will have it." He used to give me up to five or six seers of milk a day. He was a good man, full of devotion. I used to give him sweets. I would boil the milk down to a seer and a half.

The Master would ask me, "How much milk is there?" I would say, "A seer or a seer and a quarter."

He would remark: "Perhaps more. I see such a thick scum."

One day Golap was there. He asked her, "How much milk is there?" And she told the truth. "Ah! so much milk," he exclaimed, "that is why I get indigestion. Call her, call her." I came in, and he told me what Golap had said about the milk. I pacified him, saying: "Oh! Golap does not know the measurement. How can she know how much the pot contains?" Another day he asked Golap about the milk and she said in reply, "One full bowl from here and another from the Kali temple." At this the Master got nervous again. He sent for me, and began to ask about the exact measurement of the bowl as to how many Poas and Chataks it contained. I replied: "I do not know about Poas and Chataks. You will drink milk. Why all these enquiries about measurements? Who knows about all these calculations?"

He was not satisfied. He said: "Can I digest all this milk? I shåll get indigestion." Really, that day he did get indigestion. He did not take anything that night, except a little sago water.

Golap said to me afterwards, "Well, Mother, you should have told me about it before. How could I know? His whole evening meal is spoiled." In reply I said to her: "There is no harm in telling a lie about food. Thus I coax him to eat." In this way his health got better and he was almost cured of his illness.

Many years later when Mrs. Sara Bull, an American devotee, asked Holy Mother about her attitude towards Ramakrishna, she replied: "In spiritual matters, absolute obedience, in other things I used my own common sense."

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Annapurna

Yogin-ma reminisced about how Holy Mother cared for the devotees: "One day Holy Mother was preparing betel rolls in the nahabat, and I was watching her. She prepared some rolls with cardamom and other spices, and other rolls with only lime and betel nut. I asked: 'Mother, will you not add cardamom and spices to all of them? For whom are the good spicy ones and for whom are the ordinary ones?"

She replied: "Yogin, the good ones are for the devotees. I have to make them my own by taking special care of them. These ordinary ones are for the Master, as he is already my own."

Cooking consumed a great deal of Holy Mother's time and energy. Now and then she received help from a maidservant. During the early days in Dakshineswar, she cooked for only a few people: the Master, his mother, and occasionally some relatives and guests. But from 1880 onward the number of the Master's devotees increased. On the occasion of the Master's birthday, she cooked for as many as 50 or 60 people.

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Mother's Detachment

Swami Satyaswarupananda, a disciple of the Mother, related this incident:

Holy Mother was in Udbodhan preparing to leave for Jayrambati. Swami Saradananda asked Ashok and Rasbihari to help the Mother pack. Sarada- nanda bought a beautiful and expensive mosquito curtain for the Moth- er's use in Jayrambati, which Rasbihari put in the Mother's trunk. In the evening, the Mother left for Howrah Station with her companions and those two attendants. The train arrived at Vishnupur Station very early in the morning. They travelled by bullock carts for the rest of their jour- ney, reaching Jayrambati before evening. Ashok and Rasbihari carried the Mother's luggage to her room and then went to their cottage. When the Mother was unpacking, Uncle Kali came to inquire about his sister. When he saw the mosquito curtain, he grabbed it and said, "Sister, you will have to give this one to me." As he said this, he put it under his arm and left. The Mother stood there like a speechless spectator.

This happened during Holy Mother's last visit to Jayrambati, and a few months later she passed away.

After supper, Ashok and Rasbihari came to make the Mother's bed and set up the mosquito curtain. They could not find it even after searching through all the clothes in the trunk. They asked the Mother about it, but she remained silent. Finally, she said, "My sons, Kali wanted so I gave to him." Rasbihari said: "Mother, Sharat Maharaj gave it to you for your use and you did not use it even for a day. What will he think?"

Mother replied "My son, what can I do? You set up the old mosquito curtain for me."

Helpless, they followed the Mother's order and left the room. While walking to their cottage, they met Uncle Kali in the courtyard as he was returning to the Mother's cottage. Both of them grabbed Kali's arms and insisted, "Uncle, where is the mosquito curtain? Please return it to the Mother."

Uncle Kali replied, "Sister gave it to me."

"No, she didn't give it to you; you have taken it."

Then Uncle Kali shouted, "Sister, your attendants are going to kill me!"

The Mother rushed to the courtyard when she heard the cry. Meanwhile, Uncle Kali broke out of their grip, ran to his room, and closed the door.

The Mother mildly reprimanded her attendants: "You are monks. You should have detachment. It is not proper to quarrel over a petty mosquito curtain."

Observing the Mother's nonattachment and forbearance, they went to their room.

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Work is the key to nonattachment

One day Holy Mother said to Surabala: "Look, one should always do something. Work keeps the body strong and the mind pure." She said to Aunt Bhanu, "You remember previously when I was in Jayrambati, I was engaged in household work day and night." Holy Mother took Surabala's hand and said: "Look, Golap is busy all the time. One can cut the bond of attachment by performing action, and then comes nonattachment. One should not live without performing action even for a moment." So Surabala began to do some housework. Thus the Mother's household ran smoothly for a year.

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Celebrating 50 Glorious Years of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial : विवेकानन्द शिला स्मारक - एक भारत विजयी भारत : www.vrmvk.in
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Steadiness in between all the discomforts - Contentment

Sister Nivedita loved to give gifts to Holy Mother. On 24 February 1904, Nivedita wrote to Miss MacLeod, after Holy Mother had returned to Calcutta from a visit to Jayrambati: "The Holy Mother is here, so small, so thin, so dark, worn out physically I should say, with village hardship and village life. But the same clear mind-the same stateliness, the same womanhood, as before. Oh, how many comforts I would like to take her! She needs a soft pillow, a shelf, a rug, so many things. She is so crowded with people about her always. I would like to give her a beautiful picture, a piece of bright colour. But I suppose one must wait. Meanwhile, there is not a change in her. "

Sarala (later Pravrajika Bharatiprana) was a student at Nivedita's school. She recalled a memorable visit that Sister Nivedita paid to Holy Mother in Udbodhan House: After the Mother's return from Jayrambati, one afternoon Sister Sudhira and I went to see her in Udbodhan House. Sister Sudhira remarked: "Mother, you have become very dark and lean."

"Our village is in open fields, you know," the Mother replied, "and so the complexion becomes dark. In addition, I had to work hard there." Meanwhile, Sister Nivedita came, bowed down to the Mother, and took her seat. Whenever Sister Nivedita visited the Mother, I watched her sit absorbed for a long time in front of the Mother. She would bow down to the Mother with full prostration and an indescribable wave of bliss would flow over her entire face. She seemed a joyful child closely looking at the face of her Mother. Once the Mother presented Sister with a palm-leaf fan that had woolen lace around the edges, which she had made herself. Receiving that fan from the Mother's hand, she was beside herself and exclaimed, "This fan has been made by Matadevi and she has given it to me." This she repeated again and again and touched that fan to her head and chest. And to those who were present there, Sister touched that fan to their heads, including myself. Observing her exuberant joy, the Mother remarked: "Do you see how Nivedita is thrilled having this trivial thing? Ah, how simple she is and what deep faith she has as if she is a Goddess! How much devotion she has for Naren! Because he was born in this country, she has left her home and family and come to do his work with her heart and soul. What devotion to the guru! And what love for this country!"

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Celebrating 50 Glorious Years of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial : विवेकानन्द शिला स्मारक - एक भारत विजयी भारत : www.vrmvk.in
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Love and Compassion

Due to social pressure, some widows practised such rigorous austerities that it seemed they would kill themselves. The Mother advised one such widow, "At night, first offer chapatis, milk, fruits, and sweet to the Master and then eat them." According to the custom of those time a widow was not supposed to eat cooked rice twice a day. The Mother modified the rule for the sake of that widow's fragile health.

Kshirodbala Roy, a young widow from Bangladesh, came to Udbodan House for initiation. She was a very austere woman and observed the local customs to excess. She recalled:

Staring at me intently, the Mother asked, "My child, what do you take Ekadashi day?" I replied, "Formerly I used to eat sago, but learning the it is adulterated with various other things, I don't take it now. As s as she heard this, the Mother said, "No, no, I say you should take sago will keep your body cool." Then with deep sorrow in her voice the Mother said: "Child, you have been practising much austerity. I say, don't do any further. Your body has almost turned into a piece of wood. How will you perform spiritual practices if your health is broken, my child?"

She asked whether I used oil. I said, "I haven't used it ever since I widowed." On hearing this the Mother said. "The use of oil keeps the heat cool. Therefore use oil." I said: "As I have not used it for a long time. I have begun to hate the feel of it. I shall not be able to use oil, Mother." Golapes said, "Though she is very young, she has ruined her health by fasting and practising other austerities." Gauri-ma said, "Dear, why have you cut of your hair?" I said, "Widows in our part of the country do not grow ther hair." Gauri-ma replied: "Without hair, one's eyesight deteriorates Sne you have dedicated your body to Sri Krishna, how does your hair belong to you, dear?" Yogin-ma then said: "This body is the temple of God. It's wise to keep it fit." But the Mother said: "You have done well. Keep one's hair gives rise to a feeling of fashionableness to some extent, for one has to take care of it. So what you have done is right. You have overcome the craze for luxuriant locks, and you have also come here. You have now achieved that for which you lived so austerely. Now, I say don't indulge such austerities any longer. You will have initiation tomorrow. Come here at eight o'clock in the morning. It will be nice to take a holy dip in the Ganges and when see Mother Kali on the day of initiation."

Once the Master was still alive, Yogin-ma took her widowed aunt into Dakshineswar. It was an Ekadashi day and she was fasting, taking neither food nor water. She had fasted the previous day also. When this elderly woman arrived at the nahabat, she was gasping and could not stand erect. The Mother held her and asked, "Shall I give you a little sherbet?" The woman refused because she was fasting. After a while the Mother and Yogin-ma took her to the Master's room. While going up the steps, she almost fell. Immediately the Master came forward and held out his hand to her. The Master asked: "Why is she gasping?" Yogin-ma explained the situation. Then the Master said to Holy Mother, "Why did you not give her a little sherbet?" The Mother replied that she had offered it, but the widow refused to take it. The Master then took some sugar from his shelf, mixed it with some Ganges water, and said to the woman, "Please drink." She looked at the Master's face and then drank without another word. She said gratefully: "Father, my heart is cool now." Ramakrishna and Holy Mother never encouraged the mortification of the flesh. One cannot concentrate on God if one suffers from hunger pangs. The Master said: "Religion is not possible on an empty stomach." Holy Mother also said: " First calm your body with food and drink and then call on God." This is a very practical teaching.

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Celebrating 50 Glorious Years of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial : विवेकानन्द शिला स्मारक - एक भारत विजयी भारत : www.vrmvk.in
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