Conversation 1: Narendra’s famous question: “Have you seen God?”
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): “Sir, have you seen God?”
Sri Ramakrishna: “Yes, I have seen Him, more clearly than I see you. I see Him as I see you before me, only in a much more intense way. I can talk to Him, just as I am talking to you.”
(This answer deeply struck Narendra, since nobody else had given him such a direct and confident reply before.)
Conversation 2: Narendra’s doubt about worshiping images
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): “Why should we worship images, idols of stone and clay? Does God really dwell in them?”
Sri Ramakrishna: “My boy, why do you keep pictures of your parents in your house? They are just paper and ink, yet they remind you of your father and mother. Similarly, an image is a reminder of the Divine — when you look upon it with devotion, the living presence of God manifests through it.”
Conversation 3: Narendra questioning about God with form
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): “Can God really have form? If He is infinite, how can He be confined to an image or a form?”
Sri Ramakrishna: “The Infinite is formless, yes — but He also manifests with form for the sake of devotees. The ocean is vast and without limits, yet you can take water from it in a pot. The same water takes the shape of the vessel, but its nature remains unchanged.”
Conversation 4: Narendra’s question about evil and suffering
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): “Why does God allow so much misery, injustice, and evil in the world?”
Sri Ramakrishna: “Evil exists for the play of the Divine. Pain and pleasure, light and shadow, are all necessary to reveal the full drama of life. Without suffering, compassion would not arise; without ignorance, knowledge would not shine.”
Conversation 5: Narendra asking proof of God
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): “How can I be sure there is God? Where is the proof?”
Sri Ramakrishna: “Can you prove that you have a mother? You may show her photograph, or call her to stand before others, but only you know in your heart the bond of love you share with her. God is like that — He must be realized, not proved by argument. When you hunger, no one else can eat for you; you must taste the food yourself.”
Conversation 6
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, have you seen God?
Sri Ramakrishna: Yes, I have seen God, just as I see you here, only more intensely. God can be seen.
Conversation 7
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Then, sir, I too shall see God in the same way?
Sri Ramakrishna: Of course you will. But you must earnestly want to see Him.
Conversation 8
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, what is the way to realize God?
Sri Ramakrishna: Call on Him with a yearning heart. He is near, in your heart.
Conversation 9
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Can one see God without giving up the world?
Sri Ramakrishna: Yes, live in the world like a mudfish, which lives in mud but is not stained by it.
Conversation 10
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, is it necessary to renounce everything to attain God?
Sri Ramakrishna: No, not for all. For some, living in the world and doing duties selflessly leads to Him.
Conversation 11
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, what is the nature of Brahman?
Sri Ramakrishna: Brahman is beyond mind and speech, the ultimate Reality, Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute.
Conversation 12
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, how can one conquer lust and anger?
Sri Ramakrishna: By meditating on God and seeing Him in all beings, these passions subside.
Conversation 13
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, is God with form or without form?
Sri Ramakrishna: He is both. He is with form for devotees and formless for the jnani.
Conversation 14
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, can a man realize God through reason alone?
Sri Ramakrishna: No, reason can take you to the door, but faith and love open it.
Conversation 15
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, what is the sign of a true devotee?
Sri Ramakrishna: A true devotee sees God everywhere and serves all as manifestations of Him.
Conversation 16
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, how can one develop love for God?
Sri Ramakrishna: By constant prayer, singing His name, and keeping holy company.
Conversation 17
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, is it possible to see God in dreams?
Sri Ramakrishna: Yes, if your mind is pure and concentrated, God may reveal Himself in dreams.
Conversation 18
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, what is the difference between a jnani and a bhakta?
Sri Ramakrishna: A jnani seeks knowledge of the Absolute, while a bhakta seeks love and union with God.
Conversation 19
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, can one realize God through service to others?
Sri Ramakrishna: Yes, by serving others as God, you can realize Him through karma yoga.
Conversation 20
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Then, sir, is it possible to see God?
Sri Ramakrishna: Yes, certainly. Living in solitude now and then, repeating God's name and singing His glories, one is sure to see Him, just as one sees the morning sun.
Conversation 21
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Can one realize God without renouncing the world?
Sri Ramakrishna: Yes, by living in the world like a lotus leaf in water, unattached. Perform your duties, but surrender the results to God.
Conversation 22
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, what is the difference between jnāna and bhakti?
Sri Ramakrishna: Jnāna is knowledge of the Absolute, realizing 'I am He.' Bhakti is love, feeling 'He is mine.' Both lead to the same goal, but suited to different temperaments.
Conversation 23
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Can one see God through reason?
Sri Ramakrishna: No, God cannot be realized through logic or reason. His grace is necessary, and it comes through a pure heart and devotion.
Conversation 24
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Sir, what is the meaning of Samādhi?
Sri Ramakrishna: Samādhi is the state where the mind merges in God, beyond thought, where subject and object are dissolved in the Ocean of Consciousness.
Conversation 25
Narendra (Swami Vivekananda): Is it necessary to have a guru to realize God?
Sri Ramakrishna: Yes, a guru is essential. He is the one who removes the darkness of ignorance and shows the path to God, like a boatman crossing the river.