GOSPEL OF RAMAKRISHNA
tears flow and the thrill comes at the repetition of the Name of the Lord, then you may know that attachment to sense-objects has become less and the devotee is on the path of realization. For instance, if the match is dry it will ignite the moment it is struck; but if it be wet, you can strike it fifty times and yet you cannot get a light. Similarly when the mind is soaked in the water of lust and thirst for worldly objects, Divine enlightenment does not come in it, however hard you may try; it is merely a waste of time and labor. But when that water dries up, spiritual illumination comes instantly. Brahmo devotee: By what method can that water be dried up?
Ramakrishna: Pray to the Divine Mother with an earnest and sincere heart; when you see Her, the water of worldly attach- The Divine Mother will cure worldly attachment. ment will dry up. Attachment to lust and wealth will drop away from you. If you can feel Her as your own mother, it will come to you at that very moment. She is not like a godmother, but she is your own Mother. Go to Her and impor-tunately ask for what you want. An impor-tunate child hangs on its mother's gown and begs a penny to buy a paper kite. The mother
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