Ramakrishna: 'Longing is like the rosy dawn. After the dawn out comes the sun. Longing is followed by the vision of God.'

Longing is like the rosy dawn. After the dawn out comes the sun. Longing is followed by the vision of God.

The quote by Ramakrishna, "Longing is like the rosy dawn. After the dawn out comes the sun. Longing is followed by the vision of God," carries a profound meaning that highlights the significance of yearning, particularly in the spiritual realm. In a straightforward interpretation, the quote suggests that just as the rosy dawn precedes the rising sun, longing precedes the realization, or vision, of one's connection with the divine. It implies that through intense yearning and a deep desire for spiritual fulfillment, one can ultimately attain a glimpse of God's presence.However, the beauty of philosophical concepts lies in their ability to provoke curiosity and challenge prevailing ideas. With that in mind, let us introduce the concept of non-dualism, or Advaita Vedanta, to further explore the quote's meaning and significance. Non-dualism posits that the ultimate reality is non-dual, or devoid of any distinction between subject and object, self and other, or God and individual. This philosophy emphasizes the idea that we are all interconnected and essentially part of the same divine essence.Now, when we apply the concept of non-dualism to Ramakrishna's quote, a fascinating comparison arises. Longing, in this context, can be seen as the initial stage of self-realization. It is a deeply personal experience, wherein individuals yearn for a connection with something greater than themselves. However, as they delve into their spiritual journeys, they come to realize that the separation between themselves and the divine is merely an illusion. This realization leads to the vision of God, but not as a separate entity to behold, rather as a recognition of the fundamental interconnection between their own being and the divine essence.In this light, longing becomes a catalyst for self-discovery, a transformative process through which individuals gradually shed the illusion of separateness and awaken to the inherent unity of all existence. Longing acts as a stepping stone, propelling seekers towards the recognition and understanding of their own divinity. Through this lens of non-dualism, Ramakrishna's quote takes on an even deeper meaning, encouraging individuals to embrace their longing not as a means to an end but as an integral part of the journey towards self-realization.Furthermore, the comparison of longing to the rosy dawn adds an evocative layer to the quote. The dawn signifies the beginning of a new day, a threshold between darkness and light, offering a sense of hope, renewal, and infinite possibilities. Similarly, longing awakens within us the yearning for something beyond our current understanding, beckoning us to venture into unexplored realms of self-discovery and spiritual growth.In essence, Ramakrishna's quote invites us to embrace the power of longing and recognize it as a primordial force driving us towards a profound spiritual vision. It reminds us to appreciate the journey itself, as the yearning and longing act as guides and catalysts for self-realization. Moreover, when viewed through the lens of non-dualism, we come to understand that the vision of God is not an external revelation, but rather an internal recognition of our interconnectedness with the divine.So, as the rosy dawn heralds the arrival of the sun, let our longing illuminate the path that leads to the vision of God. May we foster a profound connection with our inner selves, recognizing the divinity that resides within each of us—breaking down the barriers of separateness and awakening to the fundamental truth of non-dual existence. Let us embrace our yearning, for it is through longing that we embark on a transformative journey, ultimately realizing our inherent oneness with the divine.