GOSPEL OF RAMAKRISHNA
have to fight against the senses, against hunger, Renunciation and worldly men. thirst and other desires. This fight is easier from within the fort of the world. In this age our life de-pends upon material food; if you cannot get anything to eat for a day, your mind will be turned away from God. A man once said to his wife: "I am going to leave the world." The wife was very practical and replied: "Why wilt thou wander from house to house for food? When thou art in need of food, is it not better to go to one house than to ten or more? " Why should you renounce? It is so much more con-venient to live at home. You do not have to worry about food; then you have your wife with you. Whenever your body needs any- thing, you will have it right at hand; when you are ill, you will have many to nurse you. Janaka, Vyasa, Vasishta and others first attained God-consciousness and then lived in the world. They had two swords in their hands, — the one of wisdom and the other of work. Sub-Judge: Revered Sir, how can we know that true wisdom ?
Sri Ramakrishna: When true wisdom comes, God does not appear to be very far. He is no longer there, but here in the heart. He is no
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