Every 12 years, a ritual of cleansing from sins is performed in a certain place on the Ganges River.
One ardent admirer of Ramakrishna, about to take a sacred bath, came to touch the Teacher’s feet and receive a blessing. Having learned that he was going to perform the ceremony, Ramakrishna said:
- Well, great. Dive once and for me, because I won’t go. However, I have not committed any sins, and the water is cold. I’m also afraid: after all, so many people throw their sins into the Ganges, it’s dangerous to enter the water - someone’s sins might stick to me. So you can dive once for me.
The man asked:
-Are you kidding?
- To tell the truth... but I don’t forbid you. Have you seen the huge trees that stand on the banks of the Ganges? - asked Ramakrishna.
“Yes,” he answered. “Twelve years ago I was taking a bath and saw these really gigantic trees.
- Do you know why they grow there?
- Do I really look like a person who knows why they grow there? You are in a strange mood today!
Ramakrishna said:
- I will reveal to you the purpose of these trees. You take a bath, but sins are not afraid of the Ganges, they are afraid of cold water. When you dive, they jump out, sit in the trees and wait for you. And when you go out, they jump on you. And remember, sometimes it happens that some other people’s sins also jump on you. They see you as such a pure, good guy...just for a change! They've tormented someone enough. Now they want to torture you. So be careful when walking under these trees.
- How can I be careful? - he shouted. - I can’t see any sins!
Ramakrishna said:
- It's up to you, but it seems dangerous to me. Think about it, there is no hurry.
The man was confused and did not sleep all night, thinking painfully; in the end, he abandoned the trip.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru