head, "One should have such yearning, indeed!" Then he added, "None will obstruct you henceforth." I welcomed his blessings. But after this incident, whenever he saw me he used to laugh heartily.
On another Sunday when I went to see the Holy Mother, I found that some devotees had already arrived and that others were coming. As I made Pranam to the Mother, she said, "Sit for a while." She gave me some Prasad which I began to eat. Then I said to her, "Mother, I don't find a day when I can disclose to you everything that's in my mind."
Mother: I have to attend to the problems of all my children. But you may ask one or two questions. I shall answer them.
Disciple: Mother, there are very poor people who cannot afford to travel to Varanasi or any such holy place. How can they gain the merit which others visiting those places obtain?
Mother: Why, they can gain the same merit by visiting Dakshineswar or Belur Math, provided they have such genuine faith! He for whom one visits Varanasi is present at Dakshineswar and Belur Math.
Disciple: Mother, what is the way for us?
Mother: Why do you fear? The Master himself will do everything for those who have received his blessings or have somehow come in contact with him.
After this I made Pranam to Mother; for I had to take leave. I shall now give a brief account of a conversation I had with her on some later occasion
Disciple: Mother, what procedure should we adopt for doing Japa and meditation?
Mother: Do them as you like, provided you keep your mind steadfast in the Lord. You will attain to your goal in this way. Why do you worry?
Disciple: Mother, I'm not worried, but I want to hear the instructions from your lips.
Mother: Everybody is behind you. The Master is there. And besides, you can see me directly.
Disciple: Mother, I was not fortunate enough to see Swamiji or Sri Ramakrishna.
Mother: Call on Him devotedly; you will attain everything. I say, you are blessed; for you have been born in such an age. This is the time when you can see His divine sport. One can