Spiritual attitude is a state of mind

Sri Sarada Devi, who was fondly known as the Holy Mother, was the divine consort of Sri Ramakrishna. Although married to each other in a formal way, their relationship was supremely spiritual. It was far beyond the realm of senses. After the passing away of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi became the guiding light for the fledging Ramakrishna Order. For the next 34 years she was the unfailing support and guide for the monks and devotees of the Ramakrishna Order. She had a unique way of guiding people. Swami Haripremananda was a monk who was fond of eating sweets and other delicacies. But, one day the doctors found that he was suffering from both diabetes as well as blood pressure. In both cases the readings hovered around 300. The doctors warned him that unless he strictly controlled his diet, he would go into coma. But the Swami was childlike and had great faith on the Holy Mother. He informed her about the doctor’s warning, but pleaded with her that he was unable to give up his habit of eating sweets, etc. The Mother gave him a wonderful solution. She asked him, “Why do you say that you are eating? Don’t say that. Whenever you wish to eat anything, offer it mentally to Sri Ramakrishna and take it as his Prasad.” The Swami was overjoyed on hearing this wonderful advice. He literally followed it and was joyfully eating the delicacies as before. Of course, his diabetes and blood pressure did not go down, but the doctors were amazed. He lived this way the rest of his life. So, if one has a spiritual attitude even to ordinary worldly tasks, it is possible to perform them well. Spiritual attitude has nothing to do with miracles or exhibition of something supernatural. It is a state of mind. Many people in the world perform extraordinary feats under certain compelling circumstances. But, a spiritual attitude to life would help us develop dependence on God.