Ramakrishna is a spiritual leader who is highly revered in Hinduism. The correct spelling of his name is often a subject of confusion. However, it can be spelled out using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription as rɑːməkrɪʃnə. The first sound is a long "a" followed by a soft "m," and then a short "a." The next syllable has a hard "k" sound and the final syllable has a soft "sh" sound followed by a soft "n." This phonetic transcription helps to clarify the spelling of the word.
Ramakrishna is a proper noun and refers to a prominent 19th-century Indian mystic and religious leader. Born in 1836 in Kamarpukur, a small village in West Bengal, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (as he is commonly known) is revered as a saint, prophet, and spiritual master. He is considered one of the most influential figures in modern Hinduism, especially within the devotional Bhakti movement.
Ramakrishna's life and teachings centered around intense devotion and spiritual practices. He practiced and preached the harmonious coexistence of various religious paths, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. His ecumenical approach emphasized that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth and an experience of God or divine consciousness.
The concept of "Ramakrishna" also encompasses the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, religious organizations founded by his disciples, notably Swami Vivekananda, to propagate his teachings and principles. These institutions promote the practice of karma yoga (selfless service), jnana yoga (knowledge and wisdom), and bhakti yoga (devotion) for individual and societal spiritual growth.
Ramakrishna's abundant spiritual experiences and divine ecstasies are well-documented in the biographical work "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna" compiled by his disciple Mahendranath Gupta. His teachings have had a profound impact on generations of spiritual seekers, and his legacy continues to be an integral part of Hindu religious discourse, particularly through the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. Ultimately, Ramakrishna serves as an inspiring figure for those seeking a deep understanding of religious harmony, devotion, and the path to divine realization.
The word "Ramakrishna" is a name derived from Sanskrit, a classical language of India. It consists of two primary components: "Rama" and "Krishna".
"Rama" is the name of an avatar (incarnation) of the Hindu god Vishnu. Rama is a central figure in the ancient epic Ramayana and is revered as an embodiment of righteousness, virtue, and ideal kinghood.
"Krishna" is also an avatar of Vishnu and is a highly revered figure in Hinduism. He is known for his role in the Bhagavad Gita and his mischievous and playful nature during his childhood in the region of Vrindavan.
When combined, "Rama" and "Krishna" in the name "Ramakrishna" signify the inclusion of both Rama and Krishna in one entity.