Ramakrishna

Kamarpukur Ramakrishna Hut

Kolkatatemple

মা ভবতারিণী (cropped)

Holy mother sarada

Panchavati Ramakrishna

Ramakrishna trance 1879

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (18 February 1836 – 16 August 1886), born Gadadhar Chattopadhyay, was an Indian Hindu mystic, saint, and religious leader in 19th-century Bengal. His religious school of thought led to the formation of the Ramakrishna Mission by his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda. Both were influential figures in the Bengal Renaissance and the Hindu renaissance during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ramakrishna's teachings were based on the primacy of intense spiritual experiences and a disregard for the rigid boundaries between religions.

Early Life

Ramakrishna was born in the small village of Kamarpukur, in the Hooghly district of West Bengal, into a very poor, pious, and orthodox Brahmin family. From a young age, he showed an inclination towards spirituality and God-realization. His mystical tendencies were evident from his visions and experiences of divine forms and deities during his childhood and adolescence.

Spiritual Journey

Ramakrishna's spiritual quest led him to the practice of various paths of Hinduism including devotion (Bhakti), knowledge (Jnana), and action (Karma). He served as a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where he worshipped the goddess Kali as his mother and divine consort. His intense spiritual practices and experiences led him to a state of Samadhi, or divine union, which further deepened his insights into the nature of God and reality.

He also practiced other religions, notably Islam and Christianity, and concluded that all religions lead to the same ultimate goal—God-realization. His teachings emphasized God's personal aspect, yet he also acknowledged the impersonal Absolute.

Teachings and Influence

Ramakrishna's teachings were imparted through simple parables, conversations, and observations of everyday life. His spiritual sayings and teachings were recorded by his disciples, especially by Mahendranath Gupta, who published them in the book Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita (The Gospel of Ramakrishna).

He had a profound influence on the young Narendranath Datta, who would later become known as Swami Vivekananda. Under Ramakrishna's guidance, Vivekananda embraced the idea that the essence of religion was to provide service to God in man (service to humanity).

Legacy

After Ramakrishna's death, his disciples formed the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission, organizations that play a significant role in the promotion of spiritual growth, social welfare, and harmony among different religious communities. His teachings continue to inspire millions around the world.

Philosophy

Ramakrishna's philosophy was a synthesis of ancient Hindu thought and modern ideas about religion and spirituality. He believed in the unity of God, and that all paths led to the same divine goal. His life and teachings were a testament to the harmony of religions and the importance of direct spiritual experience.

See Also

• Swami Vivekananda
• Ramakrishna Mission
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple
• Bengal Renaissance
• Hindu Renaissance