[paragraph continues] Rakhal and Bhavanatha--these are Nityasiddhas (perfect even from their birth). They need no training. What training they go through is more than they need. You see that Narendra never cares for anyone. He was with me in Visvanatha's carriage the other day. When he was requested to sit upon the better seat, he paid no heed at all. Moreover, he never shows to me that he knows anything, lest I praise him before men. He has no Maya, no attachment. He looks as if he were free from all bondage. For a single individual he has many gifts and many noble qualities. He is also very courteous in his manners. He knows how to control his senses; he has said that he will not marry, but will live a pure life. That is good. I always go into Samadhi when I see him.

[Character and associations.] We mould our character according to the company we keep; and we keep such company as is in harmony with our character. For this reason the Paramahamsas (perfected souls) like to keep the company of innocent children because their minds are pure, simple and unstained by worldliness.

As Sri Ramakrishna was speaking these words, a worthy Brahmin entered the room and bowed

down at His feet. The Bhagavan had known him before and loved him because he was sincere and simple. He had studied Vedanta in Benares, the seat of great learning. Ramakrishna said to him: Well, you have not been here for a long time. How are you?

The Brahmin, smiling, replied: "Revered Sir, the duties of the world, as Thou knowest, take most of my time."

He then took his seat and Ramakrishna continued: You remained in Benares for a long time. Tell us what you saw there. Let us hear something about Dayananda. [**]

Brahmin: Yes, I met Dayananda. Thou hast also seen him.

Ramakrishna: Yes, I went to see him once. He was staying in a garden-house not very far from here. That day he had an appointment with Keshab Sen. He was a great scholar; he also believed in the Devas (perfected spirits), but Keshab did not, whereupon he said: "If

[paragraph continues] God created all these phenomena, could He not create Devas?" He believed in one God, but without form. Visvanatha was repeating the Holy Name of the Lord, "Rama, Rama"; at this he said: "Better repeat the name 'Sandesha, Sandesha' (sweetmeat, sweetmeat)."