Page:The Gospel of Râmakrishna.djvu/190

 do anything,"then one becomes absolutely free even in this life. All misery and restlessness proceed from the sense of "I" and "me," "I am the doer," "I am the actor." You talk glibly of doing good to the world. Is the world contained in a nutshell? Besides, who are you to do good the world? First practice devotional exercises and realize God. Attain to Him. If He graciously gives you His powers (Sakti), then you can help others, and not till then. A Brahmo devotee: Revered Sir, are we to give up all works until we have seen God? Sri Ramakrishna: No, why will you give up all works? Meditation upon God, chanting His Holy Name, and other devotional exercises are daily works which you should have to perform. The devotee: But what about household works and business affairs? Sri Ramakrishna: Oh! you will also perform those, but only so far as is absolutely necessary  for living in the world; and you should at the same time pray in solitude unto the Lord with tears in your eyes for His grace, and for strength to do your duties without seeking any reward. Say when you pray: "Lord, grant that my work in