For the householders Sri Ramakrishna did not prescribe the hard path of total renunciation. He wanted them to discharge their obligations to their families. Their renunciation was to be mental. Spiritual life could not be acquired by flying away from responsibilities. A married couple should live like brother and sister after the birth of one or two children, devoting their time to spiritual talk and contemplation. He encouraged the householders, saying that their life was, in a way, easier than that of the monk, since it was more advantageous to fight the enemy from inside a fortress than in an open field. He insisted, however, on their repairing into solitude every now and then to strengthen their devotion and faith in God through prayer, japa, and meditation. He prescribed for them the companionship of sadhus. He asked them to perform their worldly duties with one hand, while holding to God with the other, and to pray to God to make their duties fewer and fewer so that in the end they might cling to Him with both hands. He would discourage in both the householders and the celibate youths any lukewarmness in their spiritual struggles. He would not ask them to follow indiscriminately the ideal of non-resistance, which ultimately makes a coward of the unwary.

Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna
HOUSEHOLDER DEVOTEES
Become a Community Member
Join us on the journey of life and gain access to exclusive content right here.
os.me Hotline
Sometimes, all you need to pull through difficulty in life is to have someone hear you out without judging you. Our life guides are there to hold your hand through that difficult phase.
The os.me hotline is completely free for members or non-members. Learn more ...
Latest Wisdom
The Six Stages of Awakening
When the floodgates to the stream of consciousness open...
Four Traits of a Natural CEO
Plus, one-on-one life coaching announcement.
Surprise!
I have something to say. It's important. And it cannot wait...
Personal vs. Private
What if the world found out who you really are deep down?
Grow Up
A majority of our problems would disappear only if we grew up...
Tongue in Teeth
It's incredible how much there is to learn from your tongue...
Become a member
Join me on the journey of life and gain access to exclusive content right here.
Comments are closed as per author's request.
0 comments on this post. Please login to view member comments and participate in the discussion.