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
One man may read the Bhagavata by the light of a lamp, and another may commit a forgery by that very light; but the lamp is unaffected. The sun sheds its light on the wicked as well as on the virtuous.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The light of knowledge and truth illuminates both good and bad actions, remaining impartial.
This quote by Ramakrishna highlights the nature of knowledge and illumination, suggesting that the source of enlightenment is neutral. Just as a lamp provides light to both virtuous and wicked activities without discrimination, so too does understanding and truth shine upon all individuals equally, regardless of their intentions or actions.
Themes
LightKnowledgeNeutralityWisdomGoodEvil
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about morality, one could use this quote to illustrate how circumstances can lead to different actions regardless of the same starting point.
More from Ramakrishna
All quotes →The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise the sail.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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