Plain Text Version Copyrighted 2000 by Sri Sarada Society SRI SARADA SOCIETY NOTES Dedicated to Holy Mother Spring 2000, Volume 6, Issue 1 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SRI SARADA DEVI, UNUVERSAL MOTHER Adapted from a lecture by Swami Sarvagatananda of the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of Boston, delivered December 28, 1986. ************************************************************** It is very difficult to picture Holy Mother, as we get but a glimpse from the various writings. Although having the highest spiritual experience, she never spoke about philosophy, religion, gods, and the like. It is easier to stay in an ecstatic mood, being lost to the world outside than, having had that ecstatic experience, to come down to the human level and work like any other human beingbut without any show even though with raised consciousness and dwelling in the highest divine realm. This is the uniqueness of the Holy Mother. Sri Ramakrishna is the transcendent Word and Sri Sarada Devi is the transcendent Word put into action. To put it in another way: Sri Ramakrishna is the sermon, and Holy Mother is the embodiment of loving service. Loving service is very difficult. It is practically impossible to behave with full awareness on the inside while like any ordinary human being on the outside. She has taken this position in life: "I am the Mother of all." Rich or poor, literate or illiterate, high class or low class, known or unknown, all received from her this wonderful love and affection. Not only was she motherly to all, she was also compassionate and forgiving. "Make everybody your own, nobody is a stranger, the world is yours." This she said not from imagination or for the good of the world. She was like that, she made everybody her own. She made no distinction even though she lived at the turn of the century when there were very bad caste distinctions. She served as a worldly mother and as a spiritual mother. People came with many doubts, with preconceived notions, Mother gave them spiritual instructions which were just right for themaccording to their stage of life. They approached her wherever she happened to be -- in the railroad station, on a road, in the fields, and asked, "Mother, please tell us..." and she was ready. As a spiritual guide, there were no restrictions. She said, "They have come a long way, what is to be done?" Wherever she was, it was holy, a holy place. Spiritually she stands above many. What you find in her teachings she followed exactly. She is an exemplar, not an instructor. She did, and people observed it. There is this incident in the life of Buddha. The Buddha was to give a talk one day to his monks and other disciples and noticed that one monk was missing. Buddha inquired about him and was told that this monk was sick and was staying in his room. He asked if anybody was serving the monk and was told no. Buddha got up, slowly walked to that monk's room, took a towel, put it in water, squeezed it and washed the monk and rendered other service. When the monk went to sleep, then Buddha came out. All the other monks were waiting for him, but he went away. While he was going away, some monks asked, "Sir, what about the sermon?" He replied, "I rendered the sermon." That is it. Once a lady came from a long distance. She wanted to get some wisdom from Mother. And Mother said, "Come in." While she was talking with her, Mother was doing her own work, cooking, serving. The lady asked, "Mother will you please tell me something?" Mother replied, "Don't you see me?" We have seen that many of the great saints do austerities, staying in a place conducive to their practices, doing all sorts of penance. But Mother never had to do so. One attitude purified her completely: "I am the Mother of all." To many of us, religion means rituals, going to a shrine, a chapel -- these have their reward no doubt. The true religion is, do you feel for people? Do you care for them? Do you love them? Do you identify with souls outside of yourself? That is true religion. One of her disciples had told us, "You need not do anything. Be unselfish, be motherly to all. You will see the miracle in your own life. Think that all are your children and you will see what will happen in your life." Purity of heart, it's a very big thing. You can have that purity only through these two things: unselfishness and love. What Jesus Christ said after the Last Supper, is the essence of religion, of Christianity: "As I love you, you love one another. As I serve you, you serve one another." To love and to serve, that was the theme of the Holy Mother. She loved them, she served them, in their own way. There was a need and a fulfillment, a demand and a supply. Nobody went away from her without being satisfied. This is what is called a universal motherly attitude towards everyone. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In Mother's Words: "Suppose one of my children has smeared himself with dirt. It is I, and no one else, who shall have to wash him clean and take him in my arms." <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SPIRITUAL LONGINGS ************************************************************** A Devotee on pilgrimage shares her joy in celebrating Holy Mother's Birthday. ************************************************************** Yesterday we celebrated Ma Sarada's Birthday. I havebeen staying in Calutta with my adoptive family who live near M.'s house. (M. wrote "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrisha.) So early in the morning, I took a bus to Dakshineswar to visit Ma Kali's temple. I received her darshan and prasad. I also visited Sri Ramakrishna's room and the Nahabat. Next I traveled to Sri Sarada Math. It was a lovely, joyful setting. There were tents everywhere and in every detail organization and order reigned supreme. First thing, I visited Ma Sarada's temple to give her my pranams. How beautiful she was, adorned with so many garlands of flowers and bouquets everywhere. As I entered, pravrajikas were doing puja. Later, I stood in line to get darshan of President Mataji. I was told to come back in a few days to receive initiation. Looking back over the day, all I could say was "don nobat...don nobat...don nobat", which is Bengali for "Thank you...Thank you...Thank you, Mother!" ************************************************************** And Jayanti recalls her impressions of India and arriving at Mother's Temple. ************************************************************** Although I have often been a stranger at odds in my own land, I felt immediately at home in India. Confronted with extremes and contrasts, nothing felt strange or out of place or unacceptable. All that I encountered seemed as it should be; which is not to say everything is perfect. Much I saw is imperfect and the hand of time and change looms as a double-edged sword. For good or ill, India felt exactly as she should be, although struggling with the effects of transition along with the rest of the world. During my three-week stay I longed to shed my skin, my wheelchair and my Western upbringing in order to be absorbed into the culture. Although I felt at home, these three kept me from entering in. Most separating of all, the upbringing. While the Indian within me accepted all that I saw, the Western knew not the proper embrace. Still, in all honesty, I did not live as many Indians do. I was overfed, pampered, and given every available convenience. Yet, feeling both humility and wonder, I can add that I was given neither more nor less care and attention than other visitors. A guest to an Indian home is received as though God himself has come to visit. Others have since confirmed my feeling, finding themselves recipients of an age old tradition of reverence and hospitality. My awaited pilgrimage begins in Jayrambati, the village where Holy Mother was born and where she spent a good share of her life. "Go now and see Mother." Marking my arrival Home, these words from the office manager of Mother's Jayrambati Ashrama are most glorious and welcome. I had come half way around the world to see Mother and to touch the land which was her own. At last this was happening. By this time, too, the anticipation of being in Mother's temple is overwhelming. Not at all satisfied with my excitement, the manager admonishes me to "be quiet and allow Mother to enter in." I'll be quick to add that he is absolutely right. Agitation does not readily invite contemplation or awareness. But at this moment calmness is not within Jayanti's reach. And, well, if a Mother does not recognize and accept a child in whatever manner it approaches, who else will? The next morning I am able to smile up at my spiritual counselor, announcing, "I'm calmer today." And, indeed, the rest of my pilgrimage is accomplished minus this unnecessary excitement, though quiet tears continue to dot moments of recognition. At this moment, however, my one desire is to get to the Temple as quickly as wheels will take me. Then out of the chair and touching the floor, tears wash marble as the words "Here I am. I have come" rise within. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SPIRITUAL READING Looking for personal fulfillment or a source of reflective discussion within your spiritual study group? The following books provide a varied selection of inspiring reading. Vedanta: A Simple Introduction, by Pravrajika Vrajaprana, Vedanta Press: Hollywood, 1999. A lively, clearly written, small volume discussing the essential concepts of Vedanta. Living Wisdom: Vedanta in the West, Vedanta Press: Hollywood, 1994. An updated volume which includes original articles by contemporary Western followers of Vedanta. Seeing God Everywhere: A Practical Guide to Spiritual Living, by Swami Shraddhananda, Vedanta Press: Hollywood, 1996. An inspiring guide to spiritual practice. Living at the Source: Yoga Teachings of Vivekananda, edited by Ann Myren and Dorothy Madison, Shambhala: Boston and London, 1993. Selected quotations from Swami Vivekananda. Enduring Grace: Living Portraits of Seven Women Mystics, by Carol Lee Flinders, Harper: San Francisco, 1993. This engaging study of seven Christian mystics explores the social context in which they lived and their significance as present day spiritual role models. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Who We Are: Sri Sarada Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the furtherance of Holy Mother's inspiration in the West, particularly as it manifests through women. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sri Sarada Math SPIRITUAL LEGACY "Never allow any kind of depression to enter your mind. Has She, who brought you here, no sense of responsibility? Is there any doubt that She is always taking care of you and protecting you in every way? Can you take a single step without Her grace? "We are the children of the all-powerful Mother of the Universe." "Don't give your heart to anyone but God. Shed tears at the holy feet of Sri Sri Ma. Plead with Her to hold you firmly and to guide you. Tell Her 'Mother, you are the heart of my heart, the light of my eyes.'" Sincerity is the key to the gate of Heaven. The sincere prayer is certainly heard, and, as certainly answered. Everything depends on one's attitude and ardour." "One gets on very well in solitude but whether you can remain calm in your dealings with all those around you and love them all -- is the real test of your spiritual achievement." Revered Pravrajika Mokshaprana Sri Sarada Math NEW LEADERSHIP Jagaddhatri, God as Mother of the Universe, was worshipped by Holy Mother herself. Thus it is especially meaningful that the new spiritual leadership of Sri Sarada Math in India should take office on the day dedicated to Jagaddhatri, November 17, 1999. Revered Pravrajika Shraddhaprana became the third president of Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission. She is one of the first seven women to take Sannyas (vows of renunciation) in preparation for the establishment of this independent women's monastic order. Pravrajika Shraddhaprana is known to devotees from around the world for having received her Motherly welcome and wise counsel while serving as the former General Secretary of Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, an office she held since 1994. As President Mataji, she succeeds Revered Pravrajika Mokshapranaji, who passed away on August 31, 1999. Formerly the principal of Vivekananda Vidyabhavan, a girls' college, Pravrajika Amalaprana took office as the third General Secretary of Sri Sarada Math and Ramakrishna Sarada Mission. Devotees in the United States and Canada feel a special closeness to Revered Pravrajika Amalapranaji because of her visits to the West in 1993 and 1996. Photographs and additional information about both Pravrajikas may be found on Holy Mother's Web Site at http://srisarada.org/ssmath/leadership.html. Sri Sarada Math PRAVRAJIKA VIVEKAPRANA: SUMMER 2000 TOUR Devotees are busy planning for a return visit from Pravrajika Vivekaprana, Secretary of the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission in New Delhi, during her Summer teaching tour to Europe and the Americas. Information will be posted on Holy Mother's Web Site at http://srisarada.org/ssmath/viveka.html as it becames available. You may also contact local tour coordinators listed below. July 20th to August 5th -- Sacramento, California Lynette: leesam@csus.edu or (916) 363-3211 Phyllis: phylliss@pacbell.net or (916) 488-6822 August 6th to 31st -- Vivekananda Retreat, Ridgely, Stone Ridge, New York Caroline: zzclg@aol.com or (914) 687-4574 Joan: info@srisarada.org or (518) 869-6088 September 1st to 24th -- Montevideo and La Paloma, Uruguay Tamar: atmarama@adinet.com.uy September 29th to October 6th -- Frankfurt, Germany Rafaela: r.hertz@engelhard-am.de <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Special Note Sri Sarada Society has new phone and fax numbers. Phone: (518) 869-6088 Fax: (518) 869-6084 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> How To Contact Us: Sri Sarada Society P.O. Box 254 Selkirk, New York 12158 Phone (518) 869-6088 Fax (518) 869-6084 E-mail: info@srisarada.org Holy Mother's Web Site: http://www.srisarada.org/ <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A PIONEERING SPIRIT We consider the contributions of Dorothy Madison, continuing our series on women who have helped in shaping Vedanta in America. ******************************************************************* While on pilgrimage in the Himalayas in 1990 Dorothy Madison remarked, "All these years I have kept my spiritual blessings to myself, now, before I die I want to share them." Embracing Vedanta in her teens, this disciple of Swami Ashokananda had already touched countless lives with the joy and fragrance of deeply rooted faith. Her niece and two of her high school students were inspired to take monastic vows. Other students became lifelong devotees. In later years, however, Dorothy saw beyond those around her. She had come to understand that what had begun as her own personal desire for God and commitment to spiritual practice, had become larger than herself. It is in service to this great universal Vedanta that she felt the need to share from her spiritual reservoir more directly. Retirement from teaching high school marked a rite of passage, a time to consciously share the promise of a new religion which had been her foundation for six decades. During the last years of her life she reached out to the worldwide community of Vedantins, helping to found the Vivekananda Foundation and writing a series of original articles, many of which explore aspects of Dorothy's hero and role-model, Swami Vivekananda. It is said that she shared Swamiji's love for and interest in humankind, a love which nourished, strengthened and served. She admitted to practicing a conscious spiritual discipline fostered by Swamiji, namely that of seeing God in her students and others around her. These final articles vibrate freedom and adventure. Drawing from her vast scholarship, for she was very much a student of history and culture, Dorothy delighted in exploring a Vedanta heritage which had become her own. With secure boldness and engaging playfulness, she compared and contrasted Swami Vivekananda with the great spiritual figures in Western history. In the process, she brought freshness and original insights into the purpose of Vedanta in modern times. I was feeling a renewed awareness of my own Vedanta groundings when I encountered Dorothy's written legacy. It comes in the form of a challenge, really -- the spirit which had moved her own life she was now passing on to others. "Whether we belong to the old guard, the Young Turks, or plain ordinary people, all first-century Ramakrishna Vedantins belong to the category known as pioneers.." Her article, "Who Can Pioneer a Religious Movement?" published in Prabuddha Bharata, January 1995, continues: "Why one religion survives and one hundred others do not depends on many things, one of them being the traits of the pioneer adherents. Certainly for Vedantins...a long, hard look at these pioneer traits is both useful and of intense interest." Exploring the various characteristics as they apply to the development and propagation of Vedanta, Dorothy concludes with a clear eye to the future. "If we remember that it took Christianity three centuries to get on its feet, and about the same for Buddhism, we can take heart...[It] seems...it is neither the swiftness nor glut of communications that ensures the growth and spread of a new religion, but the slow, tortuous evolution of the pioneer spirit and character. Squarely on us, however much our reach may exceed our grasp, lies...the present well-being and the future of our religion." Before her death in February 1997, Dorothy's efforts focused on shaping the Vivekananda Foundation web site at http://www.vivekananda.org. Jayanti <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Editorial Staff: Joan Shack, Pat Gibbons, Janet Walker, and Jayanti Production/Layout: Jayanti <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sri Sarada Society Notes is available in print via mail and in .pdf format.