Beware!

Sri Sarada Devi

What little intelligence man possesses! He may require one thing but he asks for another. He starts to mould an image of Siva and often ends by making that of a monkey. It is best therefore to surrender all desires at the feet of the Lord. He will do whatever is good for us. But one may pray for devotion and detachment. These cannot be classed as desires.

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Be careful about these three things: first, a house situated on the bank of a river; at any time the river may destroy your house and sweep it away in its current. Second, a snake; you must be careful when you see one, for there is no knowing when it will come and bite you. Third, a Sadhu; you don’t know that one word or one thought of his may injure a householder. Whenever you see a Sadhu, you should show him respect. You should not show him disrespect by retorts or slighting remarks.

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You see, one may commit a fault while serving a great soul. It happens in this way: while he enjoys the privilege of such service, his egotism increases. He then wants control, like a doll, the person he serves. He wants to boss over the latter in everything-eating, sitting, or rising. He loses the spirit of service. Many great souls surround themselves with riches and splendour. This attracts many to come to them as attendants. Such attendants become intoxicated with the enjoyment of their position and thus pave the way of their own ruin. Tell me, how many there are who can render service in the proper spirit!

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Money always taints the mind. You may think that you are above money and that you will never feel any attraction for it. You may further think that you may leave it behind at any moment. No, my child, never harbour this thought in your mind. Through a tiny little loop-hole it will enter into your mind and then strangle you gradually quite undetected.

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Sri Ramakrishna could never bear the touch of money. Always remember his words. Money is at the root of all the disaster you see in the world. Money may lure one’s mind into other temptations. Beware!