GOSPEL OF RAMAKRISHNA
same manner he went in all directions, but find-ing nothing but water and water everywhere, he at last rested on the mast and became con-tent. Ramakrishna: So long as God seems to be outside, in different places, so long there is Parable of a man seeking a light. ignorance. But when God is realized within, that is true knowledge. A man woke up at midnight and de- sired to smoke. He wanted a light, so he went to a neighbor's house and knocked at the door. Someone opened the door and asked him what he wanted. The man said: "I wish to smoke. Can you give me a light?" The neighbor re- plied: "What is the matter with you? You have taken so much trouble and awakened us at this hour, when in your hand you have a lighted lantern." What a man wants is already with him ; but he still wanders here and there in search of it.
Ram Babu: Bhagavan, now I have under- stood why a Guru asks his disciple to visit holy places, — to give him experience and to increase his faith in his teachings. Pandit: Revered Sir, how far did your Holi- ness go on pilgrimages? Ramakrishna (smiling): Well, I went to
283
