The author, now one of the Vice Presidents of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, noted these conversations while serving Swami Premeshananda (1884 – 1967) at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi, Murshidabad, West Bengal. Premeshananda Maharaj was a disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. He inspired countless men and women to lead a life of spirituality and service. These reminiscences were originally published in Bengali.
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Asannyasi who was the head of a large, reputable college went to Hrishikesh for some days.
Maharaj: Look. It is an act of manliness to walk away from so much honour, influence, and luxury. He has great potential as a spiritual seeker. But there is a flip side to this. On returning from Hrishikesh, he will gain prestige among his friends and adding to the honour he already enjoys, he will be certified as a sadhu from Hrishikesh (i.e., a tapasvi)! All these aspects should be kept in mind.
The Brahmin priests are endowed with tremendous rajoguna – so many ritualistic practices, waving of hands, reciting verses, and performing yajnas with much affectation. Just notice how rajoguni the tantrikas (practitioners of Shakti worship) are – smearing their foreheads with red sandalpaste, etc. The devotees of Krishna are full of love, Gauranga (Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) devotees are emotional, and the devotees of Sri Ramakrishna are serene – gentle and dignified.
Brahmachari: Is there any need for sannyasis to read the Sri Sri Chandi, or is it enough if they just read the Gita?
Maharaj: We can learn many things about Indian culture by reading the Sri Sri Chandi. Although there is no need for sannyasis to read this book, it is a must for learning about Indian culture.
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