Differences that were either budding or had surfaced from time to time were being ignored. This was because either these differences could not be solved or because Vivekananda was dependent on his master for overcoming the terrible inner conflicts that had surfaced within him. But at the same time the differences between them was apparent. The two strong personalities could not be compared. Though Vivekananda had high regards for his master, yet at several situations Vivekananda would interpret his master's utterances in his own way and would find new meanings and substance in his life. Another difference that one can note was that Ramakrishna believed that social service was useless and that mankind should focus their attention towards realizing God. He was of the opinion that the creator was both distinct and superior to his creation, knowing him is equal to knowing the world. But, Vivekananda was of the opinion that service to man was the highest service to God. After the death of Sri Ramakrishna, the young disciples went to live in a rented house in Baranagar. Although old, the house was far away from the noise and bustle of the city; and it was on the banks of the river Ganga. It was very close to the tomb of Sri Ramakrishna. So, the Mutt (monastery) was opened there. The young monks had two goals- salvation and the service to fellow men. Some young men left their homes and became monks and joined the Mutt. Narendra became a monk and headed the institution. The two things that emerged from the teachings of Ramakrishna were: first was the view that the ultimate object of human life is to obtain God; the second was the belief that human will or design is powerless before him. |