[Scriptures and realization.] is the use of books? Now the time comes for devotional practices in solitude. A person had received a letter in which he was asked to send certain articles to his kinsmen. He was about to order the purchase of those things, when, looking for the letter, he found it was missing. He searched for a long time. His people also joined him in his search. At last the letter was found and his joy knew no bounds. With great eagerness he took it up and went through its contents. But after knowing what things were wanted, he threw the letter aside and set forth to collect the desired articles. How long does one care for such a letter? So long as one does not know its contents. The next step is to put forth one's effort to procure the things. Similarly the Sacred Books only tell us the means for the realization of God. Having once known them, you should struggle hard to acquire them and reach the goal. What is the use of mere book-learning? A pandit may know many sacred texts and sciences, but if his mind is attached to the world, if he enjoys the pleasures of the senses, he has not realized the spirit of the Scriptures; he has studied them in vain.

Ramakrishna then said to Girish: Narendra

is a young man of very high order. He is interested in everything,--singing, playing on musical instruments, on the one hand, and in the study of the various branches of knowledge on the other. He possesses the virtues of self-mastery, right discrimination, dispassion and many other qualities. (Aside to a disciple) Just look at Girish's devotion to the Lord and his faith in Him.

Naran, [**] to the Bhagavan: Revered Sir, shall we not have the pleasure of hearing Thee sing?

Upon this the Bhagavan chanted the Name of the Divine Mother of the universe.

SONG

THE BELOVED MOTHER OF THE UNIVERSE

1. O my soul, do thou clasp to thy heart my beloved Mother,
Let thee and me alone have the pleasure of looking on Her;
Let Her be seen by none else, by none else!

2. Desires--Oh, get out of their way, my soul; let us enjoy Her presence alone.
Only let us have the tongue for our sole companion to cry out to Her, saying, "Mother, Mother!"

3. There are evil desires, there are those which point to us the path leading to worldliness; Oh! Do not let them come near us!
Let the eye of wisdom that leads Godward keep watch, and guard us from evil.

The Bhagavan then sang another song in which He placed Himself in the position of the weary and heavy-laden men of the world, bending under the weight of their trials and sufferings:

SONG

THE MOTHER AND HER WEARY CHILDREN

1. O Mother! Thou art made of Bliss Ever-lasting, why then is it denied unto me?