milk from the mixture. Evenings, when his anguish reached its limit, he would climb
the roof of a building near the temple and cry at the top of his voice: 'Come, my boys!
Oh, where are you all? I cannot bear to live without you!' A mother could not feel more
intensely for her beloved children, a friend for his dearest friend, or a lover for her
sweetheart.
Shortly thereafter the young men destined to be his monastic disciples began to arrive.
And foremost among them was Narendranath.
The first meeting at Dakshineswar between the Master and Narendra was momentous.
Sri Ramakrishna recognized instantaneously his future messenger. Narendra, careless
about his clothes and general appearance, was so unlike the other young men who had
accompanied him to the temple. His eyes were impressive, partly indrawn, indicating a
meditative mood. He sang a few songs, and as usual poured into them his whole soul.
His first song was this:
Let us go back once more,
O mind, to our proper home!
Here in this foreign land of earth Why should we wander aimlessly in stranger's guise?
These living beings round about,
And the five elements,
Are strangers to you, all of them; none are your own.
Why do you so forget yourself,
In love with strangers, foolish mind?
Why do you so forget your own?
Mount the path of truth,
O mind! Unflaggingly climb,
With love as the lamp to light your way.
As your provision on the journey, take with you
The virtues, hidden carefully;
For, like two highwaymen,
Greed and delusion wait to rob you of your wealth.
And keep beside you constantly,
As guards to shelter you from harm,
Calmness of mind and self-control.
Companionship with holy men will be for you
A welcome rest-house by the road;
There rest your weary limbs awhile, asking your way,
If ever you should be in doubt,
Of him who watches there.
If anything along the path should cause you fear,
Then loudly shout the name of God;
For He is ruler of that road,