Most Revered Swami Gitanandaji Maharaj, Vice President, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission delevered BENEDICTORY ADDRESS, on the occassion of BHAKTA SAMMELAN, held in Ramakrishna Mission Auditorium, New Delhi, on 1st December, 2006

 

My dear devotees of Sri Ramakrishna,

Sri Sri Thakur was all praise for householder devotees who took the name of the Lord in spite of their preoccupation with worldly duties. He called such devotees Veer Bhaktas or brave and courageous devotees. He wanted that while pursuing the household duties, one should keep one's mind on God. You are familiar with his examples of how the mind of the tortoise is always fixed on its eggs which it had laid on land or the village women while pounding paddy, saw to it, that their hands did not get hurt and at the same time carry on with business transactions with the customers. Similarly, his advice to householders was, that - Go about doing all your duties with utmost dedication; the nature of the duty may differ from person to person. A housewife has to take care of the family members, look after the children, take care of the elders. A husband's duties are different as a bread earner. Do your duty but remember the Lord all the time.
You are all very fortunate that you have received the grace of Sri Ramakrishna the AVATAR VARISHTHAYA of the century. This is the Ramakrishna Yuga and we all belong to His family. So this Bhakta Sammelan, the congregation or gathering of devotees is an excellent occasion to renew our love and devotion to Him. It is a gathering of members of a big family who are all bound by a common bond - the bond of Sri Ramakrishna's affection. His grace is infinite and limitless.

Such gatherings, therefore, serve a very useful and important purpose in our spiritual life. I am sure all of you have immensely benefited by your participation in the Bhakta Sammelan.

On this occasion I seek Sri Sri Thakur, Ma and Swamiji's blessings for you and pray for your continued spiritual advancement.

Thanking you

Swami Gitananda