The Weight of Pride, the Light of Love
Naren lost his father, Vishwanath Datta, at the age of twenty-one. His family suddenly fell into financial ruin, and the hardship was devastating.
One day, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, moved by compassion, spoke to one of his wealthy disciples:
"Naren's father has passed away. His family is in deep trouble. If his friends could support him during this time of great need, it would mean a lot."
When the wealthy disciple had left, Naren, upset, turned to Ramakrishna and asked with frustration,
"Why did you have to say all that? What was the need to speak of my family's condition like that?"
His voice carried the weight of wounded pride—he felt that his family's honor and his own self-respect had been compromised.
Seeing this, Ramakrishna's eyes welled up with tears. With deep emotion, he said,
"Naren, I would do anything for you. Don't you know—I would go begging from door to door if it would help you."
In that moment, Naren was overcome. The selfless love and purity of the Master melted his ego. He saw not just a teacher before him—but a heart full of divine compassion.