But he could do nothing. He was also a prisoner of foolish religious

prejudices.

He said: "My child, any teacher should be lucky to have a student like you.

But if I accept you, the people of my caste will throw me out! Do not come near

the school; they may harm you... My mind tells me that one day you will be a

great scholar. You have my sincere blessings. That is all I can give you!" So

saying, the teacher placed his hands on Ramakrishna's head and then went

away.

Ramakrishna did not know what to do next. He wandered aimlessly and

cursed his misfortune. He entered a thick forest. The boy walked and walked,

and grew very tired. He sat before an old mansion and began to weep. At that

moment a Sadhu came there. He asked the boy, "Who are you? Why have you

come to this fearful forest? Why are you weeping? What is your difficulty? Do not

hesitate to tell me. I will try to help you if possible."

Ramakrishna replied: "Honored sir, I have no father. I am the only support

of my poor mother. She keeps telling me that one who has no education is better

than a crow or an eagle. But no one in my village is prepared to teach me. I beg

of you, sir, accept me as your disciple and be so kind as to educate me." So

saying, Ramakrishna held the sadhu's feet firmly.

Then the sage said: "My child, it is not possible for you to begin your

education now and become a very learned man. I will tell you what to do. That

will fulfil your desires.

"See, there is a temple. It is the temple of the great Mother, Kalika Devi;

She will be pleased with those who pray devoutly and grant boons. I will

teach you the important holy words, with which you can please the Mother. If you

repeat the mantra a hundred and ten million times with great devotion, she will

appear before you. But do not be frightened by her terrible appearance.