worldliness

The magnetic needle always points to the North, and hence it is that the sailing vessel does not lose her direction. So long as the heart of man is directed towards God, he cannot be lost in the ocean of worldliness.

Man in Bondage

There are three dolls- the first made of salt, the second made of cloth, and the third of stone. If these dolls are immersed in water,

The first doll made of salt will become dissolved and lose its form.

The second doll made from cloth will absorb a large quantity of water but retain its form.

The third doll, made of stone, will remain impervious to water.

The first doll made from salt represents the man who merges his self in the universal and all-pervading Self and becomes one with It. He is the liberated man. The second doll from cloth represents the Bhakta (devotee) or the true lover of God, who is full of Divine bliss and knowledge. And the third doll made of stone, represents the worldly man who will not admit even a particle of true knowledge into his heart

God in all

"Only he who constantly thinks of God can know His real Nature. He alone knows that God reveals Himself in different forms and different ways, that He has attributes and, again, He has none. Only the man who lives under the tree knows that the chameleon can assume various colours and sometimes it remains colourless. Others, not knowing the whole truth, quarrel among themselves and suffer."

calling with affection

Little children play with dolls in the outer room just as they like, without any care or fear or restraint; but as soon as their mother comes in, they throw aside their dolls and run to her crying, "Mamma, mamma." You too, O men, are now playing in this material world, infatuated with the dolls of wealth, honor, fame, etc. and do not feel any fear or anxiety. If, however, you once see your Divine Mother, you will not afterwards find pleasure in these. Throwing them all aside, you will run to Her

Respect all the religions

All religions are true. God can be reached by different religions. Many rivers flow by many ways but they fall into the sea. There all are one.

A truly religious man should think that other religions also are paths leading to truth. We should always maintain an attitude of respect towards other religions.

Duty

Devotee: "How long must one do one's duty?"

Sri RamaKrisha: "The blossom drops off when the fruit appears. One doesn't have to do one's duty after the attainment of God, nor does one feel like doing it then. "If a drunkard takes too much liquor he cannot retain consciousness. If he takes only two or three glasses, he can go on with his work. As you advance nearer and nearer to God, He will reduce your activities little by little. Have no fear.

Surrender To God

What are you to do when you are placed in the world? Give up everything to Him, resign yourself to Him, and there will be no more trouble for you. Then you will come to know that everything is done by His will.