Monday, April 7, 2008

#006 The worldly men are hypocrites but Godmen are not!

Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa taught to his disciples/devotees: (source: his Gospel,
Vol. 1, Rules for Householders and monks)

"The worldly man is a hypocrite. He cannot be guileless. He professes to love God, but he is attracted by worldly objects. He doesn't give God even a very small part of the love he feels for 'woman and gold'. But he says that he loves God. (To Mani Mallick) Give up hypocrisy."


Vivekananda too preached everywhere denouncing hypocrisy.

Now, let us see from Swami Nirmalananda, his life and teachings. Swami Nirmalananda was a direct disciple of Shri Ramakrishna. He was Head of the Bangalore Math in early 19th Century.

"...Besides extending and beautifying the Ashrama building and compound, the Swami had the Ashrama amply furnished with various utensils and furniture. Special mention has to be made of what was added at a later date (1930) – Coir mattress worth rupees one thousand five hundred, sent to the Ashrama by Seth Khatawoo Khimjee of Alleppey, a great devotee of the Swami. ...


BLOGGER'S VIEW
In 1930, a mat would not have cost more than four annas (25 paise). For a householder and a monk, it is a necessity. But why does a monk or monastery need a coir mattress of Rs. 1,500 (at current prices it will be Rs. 150,000 or approx. $4,000). Why should a Monk or monastery depend on Sethjis for worldly objects? A mat of four annas could not a monk afford?

What is the relationship between Sethjis and monks?

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