Spiritual masters have unusual ways of making their disciples fully grasp the deeper meanings of life. One such was when Ramakrishna asked his disciples to steal a handful of rice from their homes. There, though, was a caveat. They must ensure that no one’s watching them perform this act. Ramakrishna asked them to bring the stolen rice the next week.
The following week started on a high note. There was palpable excitement among the disciples. One disciple after another came forward and deposited a handful of rice, a few with boastful explanation of how they managed to steal during the day, despite the family members hovering around the kitchen. Ramakrishna heard them all with nods and smiles, though without a comment. When they had all finished, Ramakrishna peered at one of his disciples, Narendranath—also called Narendra or Naren—and wondered as to why he didn’t bring any rice.
‘I couldn’t find an opportune moment when no one was watching,’ Naren replied, which baffled other disciples.
‘That’s odd,’ replied Ramakrishna, ‘considering you had the entire week with you. Surely there must have been a time when there wasn’t anyone in the kitchen, especially during the night?’
‘I know,’ Naren replied. ‘However, there was a predicament I faced, and I wonder how others managed it.’
‘And may we know what that predicament was?’ Ramakrishna asked.
‘You told us to steal rice when no one’s watching,’ Naren explained. ‘I could manage that without my family members around. However, I couldn’t find a single moment when I wasn’t watching myself. Even when others are away, I’m still there with me, watching every single action of mine. I find an ever-present watchman inside my heart who refuses to leave. Wonder how I could steal rice since I would surely be watching myself perform that action?’
Ramakrishna called Naren near him and embraced him. Even the disciples, who were initially shocked at their master’s acknowledgement, understood the profound meaning behind Naren’s words. This same disciple would eventually be known around the world as Vivekanand.
Reading this anecdote, I wish we remember the cardinal truth that even when others aren’t looking at us, the watchman inside us is always present, keeping a sharp eye on us. Hence, take each step and perform each action with utmost care and caution.
Even when others aren’t looking at us, the watchman inside us is keeping a sharp eye on us. Hence, take each step and perform each action with utmost care and caution.
