Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the Philosophy of Religion as Realization
Religion is not a matter of mere intellectual belief or dogmatic adherence; it is a path of direct realization. This foundational truth lies at the heart of the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, one of humanity's most revered spiritual luminaries. Through his profound direct spiritual experiences, he proved that all genuine faiths are simply different paths leading to the same one God.
In this dedicated analytical study, Spanish expert Pedro Nonell breaks down how Sri Ramakrishna's realization mirrors and complements the ultimate message of the Bhagavad Gita, creating an enduring framework for global ethical harmony and universal peace.
The Universal Principle of Harmony Between All World Religions
(Calcutta, 1836-1886) is perhaps one of the most important spiritual masters of humanity in recent centuries.
His message of peace and, above all, that all religions are valid (principle of harmony between religions: religions are different paths to God, but they are not God), are laying the foundations for a new global ethic.
“Yato mat, tato path” (As many faiths, so many paths)
“God himself was revealed to me, already incarnated in Christ, now speaking
through the prophet
Muhammad, now as Vishnu the Preserver or Shiva the Consummator.” Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
was the first person in history to show through direct experience the transcendental unity of all world's religions. His message implies two types of religious harmony:
1- Harmony within Hinduism.
He showed that dualism, non-dualism (Advaita) and other schools of Hindu philosophy represent different stages of the integral experience of Reality, and that the various Hindu deities are different aspects of one Supreme Divinity. It is the symbol of the unity of Hinduism.
2- Harmony between world's religions.
recognized the differences between religions but showed that despite these differences, they lead to the Ultimate Truth (God, Brahman, Sat-Chit-Ananda, Allah). This is the meaning of his famous Yato mat, tato path (As many faiths, so many paths).
This wonderful Principle of Harmony between Religions of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is one of the components, together with Ahimsa, of a common model of ethics for all humanity.
followed the four paths of Yoga, but mainly Bhakti Yoga: The Path of Devotion. His spiritual consort was Sri Sarada Devi.
Realization of the Bhagavad Gita Course
The Deep Connection Between the Bhagavad Gita and Sri Ramakrishna
The Bhagavad Gita greatly influenced Sri Ramakrishna's life:
“What is the meaning of the Bhagavad Gita? Pronounce the word Gita, quickly, several times Gi-ta-gi-ta-gi-tagi; so it will be pronounced as Tagi, which means one who has renounced the world for the love of God. Thus, in a word, the Bhagavad Gita teaches: “Renounce, world-bound man! Renounce everything and fix your mind on the Lord." Sri Ramakrishna (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna).
Swami Vivekananda and the Practice of Modern Vedanta
appointed Swami Vivekananda as his spiritual heir.
“Sri Ramakrishna took
Karma Yoga to a new and higher level when the Master taught: “Serve Jiva (Purusha) as Shiva!” (Serves the individual human being as well as the Divine Being). Naturally, this practice begins as a concept; We do not normally witness another person's divinity. However, when we faithfully place that idea at the center of our acts of service to others, something extraordinary happens. Both what is at work, our own divinity, and the divine presence within those we serve, become increasingly evident to us.” Swami Vivekananda.
Karma Yoga by
The Bhagavad Gita according to
Chicago Parliament of Religions
Ode to ” by
“Ode to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: A reflection on the Spiritual evolution of humanity based on verses IV-7-8 of the Bhagavad Gita, the Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and the introduction del Yoga and Vedanta to the West by ” Pedro Nonell.
Chapter 7 “Hinduism, Gita and Harmony between religions” of the Book II is dedicated to the Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda (his spiritual heir).
Our educational model is based on the principles enunciated in the Bhagavad Gita and the guidelines that Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, established in his Philosophy of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Jnana & Bhakti Yoga
also told us about the Path of love (Bhakti Yoga) to reach Absolute Reality (God, the Great Soul, Brahman, Sat-Chit-Ananda, the Higher Intelligence, or whatever you want to call it):
Pure knowledge and pure love are one and the same thing. Both lead aspirants to the same goal. The path of love is much easier. Women are, all of them, the true images of Shakti. The lovers of God do not belong to any caste.” Sri Ramakrishna.
Ramakrishna: The Avatar of the New Age
Many Hindus consider Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa to be an Incarnation of Divinity like Krishna, Buddha or Jesus.
“Sri Ramakrishna was an incarnation of divinity. His words are not those of a mere wise man, they are the pages of the book of life. They are revelations of his own experiences. In this age of skepticism, Ramakrishna is an example of a bright and living Faith that gives comfort to thousands of men and women who would otherwise have been left without spiritual light. Ramakrishna “s life has been an object lesson in Ahimsa. His love knew no limits, geographical or otherwise. May his divine love be an inspiration to all.” Mahatma .
Sri Aurobindo considered Paramahamsa as an incarnation (avatar) of God.
The Dalai Lama was also influenced by Sri Ramakrishna:
Ramakrishna about Atheism
also reflected on the denial of God (Atheism):
“You see many stars in the sky at night, but not when the sun rises. Can you therefore say that there are no stars in the heavens during the day? Because you cannot find God in the days of your ignorance, say not that there is no God.” Sri Ramakrishna.
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
The Bhagavad Gita and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
Gospel of (M. Gupta), dialogs with his disciples, realization, Bhagavad Gita
Swami
Sarvapriyananda
Sri Sarada Devi
Harmony between religions
Life of Swami Vivekananda (Childhood-death of Ramakrishna, Cape Comorin, London, Back to India)
Buy the Book: The Yoga of Wisdom (Spanish) by
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Sri Ramakrishna's core message regarding religion?
Sri Ramakrishna's core message is encapsulated in his famous phrase, "As many faiths, so many paths" (Yato mat, tato path). He demonstrated through personal experience that while religions maintain outward structural and cultural differences, they all lead to the same ultimate divine realization of God.
How did the Bhagavad Gita influence Sri Ramakrishna's spiritual outlook?
The Bhagavad Gita fundamentally informed Sri Ramakrishna's philosophy of detachment and devotion. He famously explained that repeating the word "Gita" quickly sounds like "Tagi," which means a renouncer. For him, the ultimate lesson of the scripture is to renounce worldly attachments to completely fix the mind on God.
Who did Sri Ramakrishna choose to spread his message globally?
Sri Ramakrishna appointed Swami Vivekananda as his spiritual heir. Vivekananda took the abstract truths realized by his master and brought them to the West, establishing a practical model of Vedanta philosophy focused on serving the human being as a living manifestation of God.
Conclusion
The timeless legacy of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa reminds us that spiritual transformation is an inward reality accessible to all sincere seekers. By harmonizing dualism and non-dualism (Advaita) within Hinduism, and extending that same profound peace to all global faiths, he established a living model for modern human unity.
Through the insightful translations, books, and courses developed by Spanish expert Pedro Nonell, the profound connection between the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Ramakrishna, and Swami Vivekananda becomes beautifully transparent.
This legacy inspires modern individuals to live a life of selfless duty, universal love, and unshakeable devotion to God.
Pedro Nonell:
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
