At the age of sixteen Gadadhar was summoned to Calcutta by his
elder
brother Ramkumar, who wished assistance in his priestly duties.
Ramkumar
had opened a Sanskrit academy to supplement his income, and it was his
intention gradually to turn his younger brother's mind to education.
Gadadhar applied himself heart and soul to his new duty as family
priest to a
number of Calcutta families. His worship was very different from that
of
the professional priests. He spent hours decorating the images and
singing
hymns and devotional songs; he performed with love the other duties of
his
office. People were impressed with his ardour. But to his studies he
paid
scant attention.
Ramkumar did not at first oppose the ways of his temperamental brother.
He wanted Gadadhar to become used to the conditions of city life. But
one
day he decided to warn the boy about his indifference to the world.
After
all, in the near future Gadadhar must, as a householder, earn his
livelihood
through the performance of his brahminical duties; and these required a
thorough knowledge of Hindu law, astrology, and kindred subjects. He
gently admonished Gadadhar and asked him to pay more attention to his
studies. But the boy replied spiritedly: "Brother, what shall I do with
a mere
bread-winning education? I would rather acquire that wisdom which will
illumine my heart and give me satisfaction for ever."