Sri Ramakrishna reminds us: ‘The scriptures contain a mixture of sand and sugar, as it were. It is extremely difficult to separate the sugar from the sand. Therefore, one should learn the essence of the scriptures from the teacher or from a sadhu. Afterwards what does one care for books?’ The spiritual is a profound realm, and one needs help to navigate purposefully through its voluminous literature.
Sri Ramakrishna continues: ‘One should learn the essence of
the scriptures from the guru and then practice sadhana. If one rightly follows
spiritual discipline, then one directly sees God. The discipline is said to be
rightly followed only when one plunges in. What will a man gain by merely
reasoning about the words of the scriptures?’ And then he adds: ‘You may say, even
though you dive deep you are still in danger of sharks and crocodiles, of lust
and anger. But dive after rubbing your body with turmeric powder; then sharks
and crocodiles will not come near you. The turmeric is discrimination and
renunciation.’
Therefore, may our study of spiritual literature be guided
by competent directors so that we may be inspired to take the plunge.
Additional Information and Context
Sri Ramakrishna (1836-1886) was a revered Indian mystic and spiritual leader whose teachings emphasized the unity of all religions and the importance of direct experience of the divine. His analogy of the scriptures containing a mixture of sand and sugar reflects his belief that while sacred texts contain profound truths (the sugar), they are often mixed with elements that may not be immediately relevant or comprehensible to the seeker (the sand).
Role of the Guru and Sadhu
In the spiritual traditions of India, the role of the guru (teacher) or sadhu (holy person) is paramount. These individuals are seen as guides who have themselves traversed the spiritual path and are therefore capable of helping others discern the essential teachings from the less important details.
Guru: The guru is considered a spiritual guide who imparts wisdom and knowledge. The relationship between a guru and disciple is one of deep trust and respect. The guru's role is to provide personal instruction and insight, often drawing from their own experiences and understanding.
Sadhu: A sadhu is often a wandering monk who has renounced worldly possessions and dedicated their life to spiritual practice. Sadhus are respected for their ascetic lifestyle and spiritual discipline. They are seen as living examples of the teachings and are sought after for their wisdom and blessings.
The Essence of Scriptures
Scriptures across various religions, including the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Quran, and others, are extensive and complex. They contain historical context, metaphors, parables, and teachings that require interpretation. Sri Ramakrishna's advice to seek the essence highlights the need to focus on core spiritual truths and practical guidance for living a life aligned with divine principles.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today's fast-paced world, the spiritual wisdom of Sri Ramakrishna remains profoundly relevant:
Information Overload: With the vast amount of information available online and in print, individuals can feel overwhelmed when seeking spiritual knowledge. The guidance to find a trusted teacher or mentor can help navigate this abundance of information and focus on what is truly important.
Personalized Guidance: While self-study is valuable, personalized guidance from a knowledgeable person can provide deeper insights and help address specific questions and challenges faced by the seeker.
Authenticity in Spirituality: In an age where commercialism often infiltrates spirituality, the emphasis on learning from a genuine teacher or sadhu ensures that the teachings remain pure and untainted by external influences.
Unity of Religions: Sri Ramakrishna's teachings promote the idea that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth. In a world often divided by religious conflicts, this message of unity and mutual respect is crucial.
Practical Application: Modern spiritual seekers often look for practical applications of spiritual teachings in their daily lives. The essence of scriptures, as taught by experienced guides, can provide actionable insights and help integrate spirituality with everyday living.
Sri Ramakrishna's analogy of sand and sugar in scriptures is a timeless reminder of the importance of discerning essential spiritual truths with the help of experienced guides. In a world overflowing with information and diverse spiritual paths, his wisdom encourages seekers to find authentic guidance and focus on the core principles that lead to true spiritual growth and understanding.