In 1885 Baburam was preparing for his Entrance examination, but after meeting the Master he cared very little for study. On 7 March 1885 Ramakrishna said to Baburam: “Where are your books? Aren’t you attending to your studies? (To M.) He wants to stick to both [God and the world]. That is very difficult. What will you gain by knowing God partially? … One procures the thorn of knowledge to remove the thorn of ignorance; then one goes beyond both knowledge and ignorance.” “That’s what I want,” said Baburam. “But, my child,” said the Master, “can you attain it by holding to both? If you want that, then come away.” Baburam said joyfully, “Take me away from the world.”
Baburam failed his Entrance examination. A few days later he came to Dakshineswar with Vaikunthanath Sanyal. Baburam was very much afraid of what the Master would say.When Vaikuntha told Baburam’s bad news to the Master, he made light of it. “Well,” he said, “that is very good. You have failed to pass; now you are free from all passes.” (In Bengali, “pass” is the same word as “fetter.”)