Every year on January 1st, 'Kalpataru Day' (Kalpataru Diwas) is celebrated with immense devotion at Ramakrishna Math centers across the world. Amidst the New Year celebrations, this day holds a sacred significance for those walking the path of spirituality.
The History of Kalpataru Day
This miraculous event took place on January 1, 1886. At that time, Sri Ramakrishna was suffering from a serious throat ailment and was staying at the Cossipore Garden House in Kolkata for treatment.
On that afternoon, feeling slightly better, he came out for a walk in the garden. Seeing a group of devotees gathered there, Sri Ramakrishna entered a divine spiritual state and blessed them, saying: "Be illumined!" (May you all attain spiritual consciousness!). On that day, he transcended his physical illness and manifested as the 'Kalpataru'—the mythological wish-fulfilling tree—ready to bestow grace upon all.
Upon his touch and blessing, the devotees experienced various divine realizations. Some saw celestial light, while others felt a profound sense of inner peace. To commemorate this day of divine self-revelation, January 1st is celebrated as 'Kalpataru Day'.
The Glory and Message of Sri Ramakrishna
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was not just a saint; he was a great soul responsible for the spiritual renaissance of India. Here are some key aspects of his divine glory:
* Harmony of All Religions: He proclaimed, "As many faiths, so many paths." By practicing the spiritual disciplines of Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, he realized the ultimate truth that all religions lead to the same God.
* Simplicity and Devotion: He demonstrated that God can be realized through simple, childlike devotion and intense longing rather than complex rituals. His relationship with Mother Kali was that of a pure child.
* Jiva is Shiva (Service to Humanity): He taught that "Every soul is potentially divine." He believed that serving living beings is equivalent to worshipping God—a principle later spread globally by his chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda.
* Experience is Supreme: He emphasized that spiritual experience is more important than mere book learning. He often used beautiful parables, like: "Apply the oil of devotion to your hands before breaking open the jackfruit of the world, so its sticky milk (attachments) won't cling to you."
"What more shall I say to you? May you all be illumined!" With these words, Sri Ramakrishna showered his grace. That divine consciousness continues to reside as a 'Kalpataru' in the hearts of his devotees even today.
On this holy day, let us pray to that Great Soul for our spiritual growth and for the welfare of the world.