GANGES WATER

Once Swami Satprakashananda said to Swami Shivananda: "Some receive initiation from Holy Mother and some from Maharaj [Swami Brahmananda]. Is there any difference?"

Swami Shivananda replied: "I don't see any difference. The same Ganges water is coming through two faucets. The same grace of the Master is coming through Holy Mother and Maharaj."

According to Swami Shivananda, the "Ganges water" is Ramakrishna, who is purifying and awakening the God-consciousness of people who receive initiation from the gurus of the Ramakrishna Order. As an incarnation of God, the Master always reminded his devotees: "Satchidananda, or God , is the only guru, father, and master."  He could not bear anyone calling him "guru", "baba" (father), or "karta," (master). To avoid developing a narrow guru cult, all gurus of the Ramakrishna Order - from Holy Mother and the direct disciples down to the present swamis - have pointed out that Ramakrishna is the Ishta, or Chosen Deity, as well as the guru. He is " the goal, the support, the Lord, the witness, the abode, the refuge, and the friend."

-Sri Sarada Devi and Her Divine Play

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