DIVINE MADNESS

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Hriday was able to give many interesting details of these days. He used to say:

Whenever one entered the temple, a thrill would be felt, specially when my uncle was worshipping, as though there were a living presence there.

I could never resist the temptation of watching him.

His strange manner of worship filled me with wonder and reverence; at the same time I often questioned his sanity, for his actions were contrary to the injunctions of the Shastras (scriptures).

I was much afraid of what Rani Rasmani and Mathur Babu would do if the news of his conduct reached them.

Of Sri Ramakrishnas method of worship, he would say: I noticed that my uncle, taking flowers and Bel leaves in his hand would touch his own head, chest, in fact, the whole body, including the feet, and then offer them at the feet of Kali. At other times, with eyes and chest flushed, he would move like a drunkard with tottering steps from his seat to the throne of the goddess, touch her chin as a sign of endearment, and begin to sing, talk, joke, or laugh, or even dance, taking the image by the hand!! Sometimes he would approach the throne with a morsel of food in his hand and putting it to her lips, entreat Her to eat.

Again, at the time of worship he would become so deeply absorbed in meditation that there would be no sign of external consciousness. Every morning, as he picked the flowers for the Divine Mothers garlands, I saw him speaking to somebody, or laughing or indulging in merriment!

He never closed his eyes during the night; whenever I awoke I found him in an exalted mood, talking to some one, singing, or sitting in deep meditation where the Panchavati is now.

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