We began with some verses from the Bhagavad Gita and an exerpt from the Gospel of Sri Ramachrishna
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 12.6
Concentrate every thought
on me alone; with a mind
fully absorbed, one-pointed,
you will live within me forever.
If you find that you are unable
to center your thoughts on me,
strengthen you mind by the steady
practice of concentration.
If this is beyond your powers,
dedicate yourself to me;
performing all actions for my sake,
you will surely achieve success.
If even this is beyond you,
rely on my basic teaching;
act always without attachment,
surrendering your action's fruits.
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
Aspirant:
"I haven't much faith in rebirth and inherited tendencies. Will that in any way injure my devotion to God?"
Master:
"It is enough to believe that all is possible in God's creation. Never allow the thought to cross your mind that your ideas are the only true ones and that those of others are false. Then God will explain everything.
How much can a man understand of God's activities? The facets of God's creation are infinite. I do not try to understand God's actions at all.
Can one ever understand God's work? He is so near; still it is not possible for us to know Him."
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 67
Some say that my teaching is nonsense.
Others call it lofty but impractical.
But to those who have looked inside themselves
this nonsense makes perfect sense.
And to those who put it into practice,
this loftiness goes deep.
I have three things to teach:
simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and in thoughts,
You return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate towards yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.
Audio of the Meeting
- January 17, 2016: Click Here>>
Reference:
The following books were referenced during the talk:
- The Bhagavad Gita, a new translation by Stephen Mitchell, Three River Press, 2000
- The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, abridged edition, translated by Swami Nikhilananda, Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center, 2005
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