Sri Ramakrishna
Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886) was a mystic and saint of Bengal, known for his intense spiritual practices and realization of God through various religious paths. Born in Kamarpukur, he showed deep spiritual inclinations from childhood and later served as a priest at the Kali Temple in Dakshineswar, where he experienced profound divine visions.
Despite being married to Sarada Devi, he lived a life of celibacy and spiritual purity. Guided by various teachers, he attained the highest states of consciousness through Hindu paths like Vedanta and Tantra, and also through Islam and Christianity, proving the unity of all religions.
His core message was: “As many faiths, so many paths”, emphasizing that all sincere spiritual paths lead to the same Divine Truth. He taught that purity, love, and surrender to God are essential in spiritual life, and that God resides in all beings.
He inspired many, including Swami Vivekananda, who spread his message globally. Ramakrishna’s teachings, recorded in The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, continue to inspire seekers worldwide.
His legacy lies in reviving the ideal of God-realization, promoting religious harmony, and establishing the Ramakrishna Movement, which blends spirituality and selfless service.