Page:Ramakrishna - His Life and Sayings.djvu/186

168 feels the weight of the responsibilities of a man of family, by binding himself in time to the world by the indissoluble tie of wedlock, then he no longer appears jolly, but wears the look of dejection, care, and anxiety, and is seen to lose the glow of health from his cheeks, while wrinkles gradually make their appearance over the forehead. Blessed is he that remains a boy throughout his life, free as the morning air, fresh as a newly-blown flower, and pure as a dewdrop.

SOL A boat may stay in the water, but water should not stay in the boat An aspirant may live in the world, but the world should not live in him.

302. He who thinks his spiritual guide a mere man, can- not derive any benefit from him.

80S. What you think you should say. Let there be a harmony between your thoughts and your words ; otherwise, if you merely tell that God is your all in all, while your mind has made the world its all in all, you cannot derive any benefit thereby.

804. A young plant should be always protected by a fence from the mischief of goats and cows and little urchins. But when once it becomes a big tree, a flock of goats or a herd of cows may find shelter under its spreading boughs, and fill their stomachs with its leaves. So when you have but little faith within you, you should protect it from the evil influences of bad company jand worldliness. But when once you grow strong in faith, no worldliness or evil inclination will dare approach your holy presence ; and many who are wicked will become godly through your holy contact