If you desire to be pure, have firm faith, and slowly go on with your devotional practices without wasting your energy in useless scriptural discussions and arguments. Your little brain will otherwise be muddled.
RamakrishnaRead
The magnetic needle always points to the north, and hence it is that 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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that guidance from a higher power can help one navigate life's challenges.
Ramakrishna uses the metaphor of a magnetic needle pointing north to illustrate the importance of having a moral and spiritual compass. Just as a sailor relies on this compass to avoid losing direction at sea, individuals can maintain their purpose and avoid losing themselves in the distractions of worldly life by keeping their hearts focused on God. This highlights the significance of spiritual guidance in achieving clarity and purpose.
Themes
GuidanceSpiritualityLife DirectionGodWorldliness
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote during a spiritual retreat to encourage participants to maintain focus on their faith.
More from Ramakrishna
All quotes →The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise the sail.
RamakrishnaRead
A man develops a subtle power as a result of the strict observance of celibacy for twelve years. Then he can understand and grasp very subtle things which otherwise elude his intellect. Through that understanding the aspirant can have direct vision of God. That pure understanding alone enables him to realize Truth.
RamakrishnaRead
You see many stars in the sky at night, but not when the sun rises. Can you therefore say that there are no stars in the heavens during the day? Because you cannot find God in the days of your ignorance, say not that there is no God.
RamakrishnaRead
Bondage is of the mind; freedom too is of the mind. If you say 'I am a free soul. I am a son of God who can bind me' free you shall be.
RamakrishnaRead
Whoever wants God intensely, finds Him. Go and verify it in your own life.
RamakrishnaRead
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