Does anybody mean to say that a man of realization grows two horns?
Disciple: Many of your devotees explain the vision of God differently. They believe that one sees God with physical eyes and talks to Him.
Mother: Yes, they say, "Please show us the Father." But he (Sri Ramakrishna) is nobody's father. The three words-Guru, Master (Karta) and Father (Baba)-pricked him like thorns. How many sages practised austerities for ages and ages! Still they could not realize God. And now people will not practise disciplines or undergo austerities, but they must be shown God immediately! I can't do it. Can you tell me if he (Sri Ramakrishna) had shown God to anyone?
Disciple: Well, Mother, we hear that some seek but do not get; while others do not seek but get. What does this mean?
Mother: God has the nature of a child. Some beg but He does not give them, while others do not want but He asks them to accept. Perhaps the latter had many meritorious acts to their credit in their past births. Therefore God's grace descends on them.
Disciple: Then is there discrimination even in the grace of God?
Mother: Yes, that's true. Everything depends upon Karma (one's past actions). The moment one's Karma comes to an end, one realizes God. That is one's last birth.
Disciple: I admit that the cessation of actions
(Karma-ksaya); spiritual disciplines and time are the factors in the attainment of spiritual knowledge and consciousness. But if God be our very 'own', then can't He reveal Himself to His devotees by His mere will?
Mother: That is right. But who has this faith that He is his 'own'? All practise these or those disciplines because they think it their duty to do so. But how many seek God?
Disciple: Once I said to you that the child does not recognize even its own mother, if it is deprived of her care and love.
Mother: Yes, you have spoken truly. How can one love another unless one sees him? You see, you have seen me. I am your Mother and you are my child.