GOSPEL OF RAMAKRISHNA
meant that he was the same as the Highest Self, Brahman the Absolute, who is sometimes likened to Akasa (infinite space) because nothing can be predicated of It. A true philosopher has some right to say this. As for others, such a senti- ment is altogether out of place. But it is good for everyone to cherish the idea that he is free. "I am free," "I am free "; if a Thought of freedom brings freedom. man constantly says this, he is sure to be free. On the other hand, he who always thinks that he is in bond- age brings bondage on himself in the end. The weak-minded man who always says, "I am a sinner," "I am a sinner," is sure to have a fall. A man should rather say : "I repeat the Holy Name of God; how can there be any sin in me, or bondage of the world?" Then turning towards the disciple, the Bhaga- van said:
To-day my mind is not at ease. I hear from Hridai [1] that he has been ailing much. Is this
- ↑ Hridaya Mukerji was an old servant.of Sri Ramakrishna and .served Him for nearly thirty years in the Temple of Dakshineswara — till 1881. He was a remote nephew of Sri Ramakrishna. His birthplace was in the village of Siore, in the district of Hughly. He breathed his last towards the end of April, 1889. " Hridai" was a pet abbreviation of his name used by Sri Ramakrishna.
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