Advice to householders MASTER: It is difficult to lead the life of a householder in a spirit of detachment. Once Pratap said to me: Sir, we follow the example of King Janaka. He led the life of a householder in a detached spirit. We shall follow him. I said to him: Can one be like King Janaka by merely wishing it? How many austerities he practised in order to acquire divine knowledge! He practised the most intense form of asceticism for many years and only then returned to the life of the world. Is there, then, no hope for householders? Certainly there is. They must practise spiritual discipline in solitude for some days. Thus they will acquire knowledge and devotion. Then it will not hurt them to lead the life of the world. But when you practise discipline in solitude, keep yourself entirely away from your family. You must not allow your wife, son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother, friends, or relatives near you. While thus practising discipline in solitude, you should think: I have no one else in the world. God is my all. You must also pray to Him, with tears in your eyes, for knowledge and devotion. If you ask me how long you should live in solitude away from your family, I should say that it would be good for you if you could spend even one day in such a manner. Three days at a time are still better. One may live in solitude for twelve days, a month, three months, or a year, according to ones convenience and ability. One hasnt much to fear if one leads the life of a householder after attaining knowledge and devotion. Bhagawan Sri Ramakrishna
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 11:21:07 +0000