Ramakrishna

Indian mystic renowned for advocating the essential unity of all world religions.

Chronology: 1836-02-18 – 1886-08-16

Origins & Early Life

Ramakrishna (18 February 1836 – 16 August 1886), also called Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (pronounced [ramɔkriʂno pɔromoɦɔŋʃo] ; IAST: Rāmakṛṣṇa Paramahaṃsa), born Ramakrishna Chattopadhyay (his childhood nickname was Gadadhar), was an Indian Hindu mystic. He was a devotee of the goddess Kali, but adhered to various religious practices from the Hindu traditions of Vaishnavism, Tantric Shaktism, and Advaita Vedanta, as well as Christianity and Sufi Islam. His parable-based teachings advocated the essential unity of religions and proclaimed that world religions are "so many paths to reach one and the same goal". He is regarded by his followers as an avatar (divine incarnation).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Ramakrishna was born in Kamarpukur, Bengal Presidency, India. He described going through religious experiences in childhood. Around the age of twenty, he became a temple priest at the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple in Calcutta. While at the temple, his devotional temperament and intense religious practices led him to experience various spiritual visions. He was assured of the authenticity and sanctity of his visions by several religious teachers.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Ramakrishna's native language was Bengali, but he also spoke Hindi (Hindustani...

Source: Wikipedia