It is said that Ramakrishna Paramahamsa talked to Mother Goddess Kali just like we talk to our friends or parents. Here is a look at how Sri Ramakrishna experienced Mother Goddess.
When I jumped up like a madman…, suddenly the blessed Mother revealed herself. The buildings with their different parts, the temple, and everything vanished from my sight, leaving no trace whatsoever, and in their stead I saw a limitless, infinite, effulgent
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
(Source: Ramakrishna Kathamrita translated by Swami Nikhilananda as The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna.)
An explanation of the above passage
This passage describes an intense mystical experience of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a revered saint and mystic from 19th-century India. Ramakrishna is known for his devotion to the Divine Mother, particularly the goddess Kali.
In this particular experience, Ramakrishna describes a profound state of consciousness where he felt completely absorbed in the presence of the Divine Mother. He describes a moment where he felt as if he were on the brink of madness, and then suddenly, the external world disappeared from his perception, replaced by an overwhelming experience of infinite consciousness.
He compares this experience to being enveloped by an ocean of consciousness, where he perceives limitless, effulgent waves rushing towards him from all directions. This sensation is so powerful that he collapses unconscious under its weight.
Despite the overwhelming nature of this experience, Ramakrishna describes feeling a profound sense of bliss and the unmistakable presence of the Divine Mother within him. This encounter highlights the intensity and immediacy of Ramakrishna's spiritual communion with the Divine, particularly with the goddess Kali, whom he regarded as the Divine Mother.
Throughout his life, Ramakrishna had numerous such mystical experiences, which he used to deepen his understanding of spirituality and to guide his disciples on the path of devotion and self-realization. His experiences serve as profound examples of the heights that spiritual practice and devotion can reach in the quest for enlightenment.
The experience in simple words so that even a Child can understand
Imagine you have a very special friend, someone who is always there for you and makes you feel happy and safe. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa had a special friend too, but his friend was the Mother Goddess Kali.
One day, Ramakrishna was thinking about Mother Goddess Kali so deeply that something incredible happened. It was like he closed his eyes, and suddenly, everything around him disappeared. Instead, he saw something amazing – it was like a huge, shiny ocean that went on forever. Waves of this ocean were coming towards him, making a loud noise, but instead of being scared, Ramakrishna felt overwhelmed with joy.
He felt like he was surrounded by pure happiness, and he could feel the presence of the Divine Mother, Kali. It was a very special moment for him, just like when you're with your best friend and you feel like nothing else matters except being together. That's how Ramakrishna felt when he experienced Mother Goddess Kali.