This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

GOSPEL OF RAMAKRISHNA

even when one is conversing with another. Suppose you have a toothache. You may per- form all works, but your mind will remain con- centrated on the spot where the pain is. Simi- larly, if you have true concentration on God, your mind will remain fixed even when your body is moving or your mouth is speaking. I used to close my eyes at the time of meditation. Then I thought:"If God exists after closing the eyes, why should He not exist while the eyes are open?" I opened my eyes and saw the Divine Being everywhere. Man, animals, in- sects, trees, creepers, moon, sun, water, earth, in and through all these the Infinite Being is mani- festing Himself. He who thinks upon God for a long time possesses Divine Substance within him. Through him flow Divine powers. A great singer, or one who is perfect in instru- mental music or in any other art or science, also possesses a portion of Divine power. This is the doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita, — "Wher- ever there are signs of greatness, there is the manifestation of Divine power." A devotee: Revered Sir, what happens after death? Ramakrishna: Keshab Sen asked me the

same question. So long as a man remains in

277