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Bhagavan
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was not just another person who renounced the
material world, but one who realised and experienced the Spirituality and paved
way for a lineage which is working for the 125 years in the establishment of
Dharma. He adhered to various religious practices from the Hindu traditions of
Vaishnavism, Tantric Shaktism, and Advaita Vedanta. And not just these but he practised Islam and
Christianity too. The essence of these practices formed the base of his
teachings which emphasised inclusivity among the various paths of Spirituality.
In a world strife ridden due to religious fanaticism, this inclusive approach
to religion and spirituality is the possible way out. His experiences across
different religious traditions reinforced his belief that all paths lead to the
same ultimate reality or Godhead. This universal message resonated deeply with
many seeking spiritual truth.
Ramakrishna's
experiences with Kali led him to believe that she was not just an idol or a
deity confined to a temple but the embodiment of the entire universe. He taught
that every face, every object, and every experience is an expression of the
Divine Mother. This realization became central to his spiritual path,
emphasizing that God or the divine is omnipresent. His devotion to Kali did not
limit him; instead, it broadened his perspective on spirituality. Ramakrishna
practiced various religious traditions like Vaishnavism, Tantric Shaktism, and
Advaita Vedanta. His famous declaration "as many faiths, so many
paths" reflects this inclusive approach. This inclusive approach of
Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna has influenced global spirituality by promoting
interfaith understanding. His teachings have inspired countless seekers
worldwide who find solace in their universality. Fanaticism is result of
dogmatic following of religious edicts. But Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna advocates personal
spiritual experience over dogmatic adherence of any particular tradition. He
even placed personal experience above mere intellectual understanding or
adherence to scriptures. By separating spirituality from traditional religious
structures, he paved the way for interfaith harmony and made spirituality
accessible as an individual quest rather than confined within specific
religious frameworks.
He
used everyday examples to convey his spiritual messages in an effective manner.
His famous parable of a pandit boasting about his knowledge but cannot swim
when needed during a storm, while the boatman, though uneducated in scriptures,
knows how to swim and thus saves himself clearly elucidates the importance of
personal experience. A man understanding this and giving prominence to his own
personal experience is the perfect antidote to religious fanaticism which
arises due to dogmatic adherence.
V.V. Balasubramanian
YB-ET
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