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Way to God realisation

CHENNAI: The entire creation is a manifestation of the Supreme Being and is inherently divine in nature. But this truth is hidden from our awareness especially because of attachment to the material world. Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings reinforce this truth and help to sensitise people to the divine presence in all aspects of creation, pointed out Swami Nishtatmananda in a lecture. This preceptor ushered in a spiritual trend that brought to the fore the need to be aware of the goal of life, which is God realisation. His state of God realisation was such that he saw God in every human form.

The attempt to realise God is the goal of life and it is mandatory that every moment of our lives is focussed on this. We have to be alert, aware and conscious of this goal and every act, word and thought must be directed towards this goal. God dwells in our innermost being and He is attained only through experience. God has to be worshipped in one’s heart. This signifies that all other distractions have to be kept away and there should be room only for God in our consciousness. When there is a contradiction between the goal and our actions, it will give rise to conflicts and confusion. But it is also true that the divine nature in each being is attracted to God. Just as magnet that has the power to attract iron cannot attract plastic or any other material, human beings, when unable to find permanent happiness in the objects of the world, long for something that is lasting. The human and divine connection is a powerful bonding that has to be discovered and sustained.

The truth of God makes one fearless and gives strength and meaning to existence. Being aligned with moral integrity alone and disregarding the passing effects of worldly attractions such as name and fame gives one tremendous mental strength. When one entrusts one’s self to this divine power, one can rest assured that one will attain salvation, even as one is certain to reach the destination if one has boarded the right train. This preceptor stressed the equality of all religions highlighting the quality and sincerity of worship as crucial in God realisation.

Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings synthesise the paths of Karma, Jnana and Bhakti to facilitate spiritual progress.

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