Ramakrishna Paramhansa

Early Life and Mystical Inclinations

Born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay on February 18, 1836, in the modest village of Kamarpukur in Bengal, Ramakrishna came into the world amid humble circumstances. His family’s piety and devotion were palpable, and from a young age, Gadadhar exhibited an unusual disposition. As a child, he would often slip into trances, overcome by beauty in nature—a flock of white cranes against dark clouds or a sunset by the river would send him into rapturous ecstasy, a prelude to the life of devotion he would later embrace.

Though his family wished him to receive a traditional education, young Gadadhar resisted. He found little interest in formal schooling, preferring instead to spend time in contemplation, temple rituals, and local gatherings where spiritual stories were narrated. His father’s sudden death when Ramakrishna was just seven years old put additional financial strain on the family, and he was sent to Calcutta to assist his older brother, Ramkumar, who ran a small school.

The Calling of Dakshineswar: Priesthood and Worship

Ramakrishna’s life took a decisive turn in 1855 when he was appointed the priest of the newly built Kali temple at Dakshineswar, a temple complex established by the wealthy philanthropist Rani Rashmoni. Here, he was entrusted with the worship of the Divine Mother Kali, a deity whom he would come to revere as the central figure of his life. Ramakrishna’s approach to worship was anything but conventional; he treated Kali as a living presence, conversing with her, laughing, crying, and even dancing in devotion. Such was his love for Kali that he often lost consciousness in states of ecstasy, spending hours in trance.

These intense episodes raised doubts in the minds of some who observed him, yet those who looked deeper saw in him a man fully absorbed in divine love. One evening, in a moment of desperation, he fervently prayed for a vision of Kali, even threatening to end his life if she did not reveal herself. Just as he prepared to act on his resolve, a radiant vision of Kali filled his awareness. This experience was the first of many profound encounters that would form the bedrock of his spiritual life.

A Journey Through Different Paths

Ramakrishna’s spiritual practices did not end with his devotion to Kali; rather, they expanded and encompassed multiple religious paths. His innate desire to experience the divine through various lenses led him to explore other spiritual traditions. Believing that truth was universal, he actively pursued the realization of the divine through Hindu, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

1. Advaita Vedanta (Non-Dualism): Under the guidance of Totapuri, a wandering monk and ascetic, Ramakrishna practiced Advaita Vedanta, which teaches that the individual self and the Supreme Being are one. Totapuri was initially skeptical of Ramakrishna’s devotional attachment to Kali but eventually guided him toward realizing the formless Absolute. After three days of meditation, Ramakrishna entered a state of complete non-dual consciousness, experiencing unity with Brahman. This revelation profoundly impacted him, reinforcing his conviction that God could be encountered in both form and the formless.
2. Islam: Ramakrishna also immersed himself in Islamic practice. He adopted the dress and customs of a devout Muslim, practiced the prayers, and meditated on Allah, ultimately having a vision of the Prophet Muhammad. This experience led him to conclude that the Islamic path, too, offered a valid approach to the Divine.
3. Christianity: During a later period of his life, Ramakrishna was deeply moved by a painting of the Madonna and Child. As he focused his heart on Jesus, he entered into a vision where Christ appeared before him. He felt a profound connection to Christianity’s teachings, seeing Jesus as an embodiment of divine love and compassion. Through this experience, he recognized the unity between the message of Christ and the principles he cherished in Hinduism.

Through these diverse explorations, Ramakrishna showed a unique openness, conveying a message of religious inclusivity and unity rarely seen in his time.

The Philosophy of Universal Religion

Ramakrishna’s teachings were simple but transformative. His core philosophy, jato mat, tato path—“As many opinions, so many paths”—encapsulated his belief in the essential unity of all religions. He saw religious diversity not as a source of division, but as an opportunity to experience the divine in multiple ways. For Ramakrishna, each faith was like a river flowing toward the same ocean, and he encouraged his followers to pursue their spiritual journey with sincerity, regardless of their chosen path.

Another prominent aspect of his teaching was his emphasis on direct experience over theoretical knowledge. For him, spirituality was not about intellectual exercises but about heartfelt devotion. He encouraged his followers to approach the divine with childlike simplicity and intense longing, asserting that God could be realized by anyone willing to surrender wholly to divine love.

The Disciples and Legacy of Ramakrishna

Ramakrishna’s spiritual magnetism attracted a diverse group of followers, each drawn to his wisdom and purity. Among them were householders, monks, skeptics, intellectuals, and those seeking liberation. Some of his most prominent disciples include:

• Swami Vivekananda (Narendranath Datta): Arguably the most renowned of Ramakrishna’s disciples, Vivekananda was initially a skeptical young man with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. When he first met Ramakrishna, he asked him directly, “Have you seen God?” Ramakrishna’s reply, “Yes, I see Him as clearly as I see you,” transformed Vivekananda’s life. After Ramakrishna’s passing, Vivekananda traveled widely, spreading his guru’s message of unity and tolerance and establishing the Ramakrishna Mission, a service-oriented organization that continues to promote education, healthcare, and spiritual enlightenment.
• Mahendranath Gupta (M.): Known as “M,” Mahendranath Gupta meticulously recorded Ramakrishna’s teachings in what would become The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. His documentation provided an invaluable record of Ramakrishna’s teachings, insights, and anecdotes, preserving them for generations to come.
• Girish Chandra Ghosh: A well-known playwright and theater personality, Girish was deeply influenced by Ramakrishna’s teachings. His transformation from a skeptic to a devoted follower exemplified Ramakrishna’s ability to touch the lives of those with even the most resistant minds.
• Mathur Babu and Rani Rashmoni: Both Mathur Babu, who was the son-in-law of Rani Rashmoni, and Rani Rashmoni herself were instrumental in supporting Ramakrishna’s life and work. Mathur, in particular, became a close confidant and admirer, ensuring that Ramakrishna could pursue his spiritual practices without concern for material needs.

Final Days and Lasting Influence

In 1885, Ramakrishna was diagnosed with throat cancer. Despite his suffering, he continued to meet and inspire his followers. As he grew weaker, his disciples gathered around him, seeking his guidance and wisdom. Ramakrishna spent his final days at the Cossipore Garden House in Kolkata, where he continued to inspire his followers, urging them to dedicate themselves to the service of humanity.

Ramakrishna passed away on August 16, 1886. Yet, his death marked the beginning of his mission’s greater reach. Led by Swami Vivekananda, his disciples went on to establish the Ramakrishna Order, spreading his teachings throughout India and beyond. The Ramakrishna Mission, dedicated to “service to God through service to man,” has since become one of India’s most respected spiritual organizations.