If you must be mad, be it not for the things of the world. Be mad with the love of God

If you must be mad, be it not for the things of the world. Be mad with the love of God

Ramakrishna, the 19th-century Indian mystic and spiritual leader, is often quoted as saying, "If you must be mad, be it not for the things of the world. Be mad with the love of God." This statement encapsulates the essence of Ramakrishna's teachings and philosophy, which emphasize the importance of cultivating a deep and intense love for God as the ultimate goal of human life.

Ramakrishna believed that the pursuit of material wealth, power, and fame was ultimately futile and would only lead to suffering and disappointment. Instead, he advocated for a radical shift in focus towards the spiritual realm, where true fulfillment and happiness could be found through a deep and abiding love for God.

For Ramakrishna, being "mad with the love of God" meant experiencing a profound and all-encompassing devotion to the divine. This kind of love was not rational or logical but rather a passionate and ecstatic surrender to the divine presence. It was a love that transcended all boundaries and distinctions, uniting the individual soul with the universal spirit.