Jim Woodring     

          Vashon, Washington State 

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When I was 32, in 1984, I saw Sri Ramakrishna’s name in print and it jumped out at me, struck me as extraordinarily beautiful. The next day I bought a copy of The Gospel. When I first saw his photograph I thought, “That’s the guy.” And when I started reading The Gospel I thought, “This is for me.” I was initiated by Swami Bhaskarananda.

 

The moment I came into contact with Sri Ramakrishna I was no longer a seeker. I had found what I was looking for. The rest of my life is for learning about it, experiencing it. 

 

Becoming a devotee is by far the best thing that has ever happened to me in this life. It is an unfailing fountain of comfort and joy. Being a devotee has made me a far better and happier person than my youthful self could have imagined.