Ramakrishna (February 18, 1836 – August 16, 1886), also known as Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, was a revered Indian saint and mystic. Born in the village of Kamarpukur in Bengal to a humble Brahmin family, he showed an inclination toward spirituality from a very young age and remained a devoted worshiper of Goddess Kali throughout his life. While he primarily worshiped Kali, he also practiced Vaishnavism, Tantric Shakta traditions, Advaita Vedanta, as well as elements of Islam and Christianity. He emphasized the unity of all religions, asserting that different faiths are merely diverse paths leading to the same goal—realization of God.
Early Life and Education
Ramakrishna was born into a poor yet deeply religious Brahmin family. From childhood, he experienced extraordinary spiritual states. At the age of nine, he underwent the sacred thread ceremony and became eligible for formal Brahmanical education. However, his interest leaned more toward spiritual texts and devotional practices than worldly knowledge.
Even in his early years, he experienced profound spiritual ecstasies. On one occasion, he became completely absorbed while watching a flock of white cranes fly across a dark sky, losing all physical awareness—a moment considered his first deep spiritual trance (samadhi). He frequently participated in devotional singing and religious dramas, which further nurtured his spiritual inclinations.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Spiritual Practices
In 1855, his elder brother, Ramkumar Chattopadhyay, was appointed priest at the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata. Ramakrishna later joined him and soon became deeply immersed in the worship of Goddess Kali, reaching the heights of spiritual devotion. He saw himself as the child of the Divine Mother and served Her with intense love and surrender.
During his spiritual journey, Ramakrishna practiced several paths to experience God. Alongside Kali worship, he delved deeply into Krishna devotion, Tantric practices, and Advaita Vedanta. He also adopted and deeply experienced aspects of Islam and Christianity, perceiving the essential unity of all religions.
Marriage and Renunciation
In 1859, Ramakrishna married Sarada Devi, though the marriage remained purely spiritual. He revered her as the Divine Mother and she later became one of his foremost disciples.
In 1865, a Vedantic monk named Totapuri initiated him into monastic life (sannyasa). Following this initiation, Ramakrishna experienced the non-dualistic realization of Brahman—the formless Absolute—yet continued to accept both the formless and the personal forms of God.
Emergence as a Guru
Ramakrishna’s fame gradually spread, attracting devotees, scholars, and respected members of society. His most prominent disciple was Swami Vivekananda (Narendranath Dutta), who carried his teachings across the world. Vivekananda later founded the Ramakrishna Mission, which continues to serve society through education, healthcare, and spiritual outreach.
Ramakrishna and Diverse Spiritual Traditions
- Spiritual Upheaval (1860):
- After returning to Dakshineswar, Ramakrishna underwent intense spiritual experiences. He lost awareness of his body and surroundings, even sleep eluded him. For six years, his eyes remained unblinking. At times, he would cry out for Kali and feel as if the universe was being absorbed into him.
- Various Spiritual Disciplines:
- Bhakti Practices: Initially devoted to Lord Rama.
- Kali Worship: Served as a priest in the Dakshineswar Temple.
- Vedanta & Sannyasa: Initiated into Advaita Vedanta by Totapuri in 1865.
- Islamic Practice: Initiated into Sufi practices by Govind Rai in 1866.
- Christian Study: Read the Bible in 1873 and experienced deep love for Christ.
- Devotional Emotions in Bhakti:
- Servitude (Dasya Bhava): Worshiped Lord Rama as Hanuman.
- Parental Affection (Vatsalya Bhava): Worshiped child Rama as his own son.
- Lover’s Devotion (Madhurya Bhava): Immersed himself in Krishna’s love as a Gopi.
- Tantric Practices (1861–1863):
- Initiated by a Tantric nun, Bhairavi Brahmani.
- Completed 64 Tantric sadhanas in just three days.
- Practiced Kundalini Yoga and Kumari Puja, though he interpreted many rituals symbolically.
- Vedanta and Nirvikalpa Samadhi
- Totapuri introduced him to Advaita Vedanta. After deep meditation, Ramakrishna visualized the form of Kali and, through inner resolve, transcended it, entering the formless realm of Nirvikalpa Samadhi—a state beyond body and breath. He remained in this state for three days.
- Realization of Maya and Brahman
- Ramakrishna divided Maya into two:
- Avidya Maya: Delusion, ignorance, greed.
- Vidya Maya: Love, devotion, compassion.
- He believed Maya was none other than the Divine Mother herself, a manifestation of Brahman. For him, Brahman and Shakti were two forms of the same truth.
Prolonged Samadhi
After Totapuri’s departure, Ramakrishna resolved to stay in the formless state permanently. But whenever he meditated, the divine form of Kali would reappear. Eventually, with great effort, he transcended the form using the “sword of knowledge,” attaining deep formless realization.
He remained in this state for six months. His hair matted, flies settled on his face, and his body became inert. A wandering monk cared for him, sometimes feeding him or reviving him with physical stimuli.
Eventually, the Divine Mother instructed him to return to the “Bhavamukha” state—a balanced consciousness between the Absolute and the worldly. Slowly, he returned to normal awareness, though samadhi became a daily part of his life.
Devotees witnessed him regularly entering this state. Sometimes, when he stayed in samadhi too long, his followers would rub clarified butter along his spine to revive him. He often said his mind naturally gravitated toward the formless Brahman but returned only for the sake of his devotees.
Experiences with Islam and Christianity
Islam (1866)
Initiated by Govind Rai, a former Hindu turned Sufi. Ramakrishna practiced Islamic rituals, prayed five times daily, and chanted “Allah.” On the third day, he had a vision of a radiant figure—possibly Prophet Muhammad—and ultimately merged into the formless Brahman.
He concluded that Vedantic realization could foster harmony between Hindus and Muslims.
Christianity (1873–1874)
After hearing the Bible from his devotee Shambhu Malik, Ramakrishna appreciated the life and teachings of Jesus. Though he objected to the repeated emphasis on “sin,” he accepted Christ as divine. One day, upon seeing an image of the Madonna and Child, the picture radiated light and entered his heart.
Later, he had a vision of Christ embracing and merging into him. Ramakrishna kept Jesus’s picture in his room and worshipped him alongside other deities, affirming that all paths lead to the same Divine.
Mahasamadhi
Ramakrishna spent his life spreading the message of devotion, selfless service, and spiritual unity. In 1886, he passed away from throat cancer on the night of August 15. His teachings continued to spread through his disciples, inspiring millions worldwide.
Ramakrishna’s Teachings
Ramakrishna proclaimed, “Yato Mat, Tato Path”—“As many faiths, so many paths.” He championed sincere devotion, selfless service, and the unity of all religions. He remained a living symbol of love, compassion, and spirituality.
Summary
Ramakrishna practiced and realized the essence of multiple spiritual traditions.
He upheld a harmonious and inclusive outlook toward all sects.
His life demonstrated that true God-realization is possible through any path, if pursued with love and full surrender.
Thus, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, by embracing and uniting various spiritual disciplines, experienced the oneness of all faiths and imparted this universal truth to his disciples.
Also Read:
- Mahavir Jayanti 2025: The Life and Teachings of Lord Mahavir
- Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati: Life, Thoughts & Contributions
