Sometime in the middle of 1883, Tarak’s (Swami Shivananda) wife, Nityakali, fell ill and died. Tarak performed the customary ritual for his departed wife, then resigned from his job and decided to lead the life of a monk. When Tarak told his father of his determination, tears began to trickle down his father’s cheeks. Ramkanai asked Tarak to salute their family deity in the shrine and then blessed him, placing his hand on his son’s head: “May you realize God! I myself tried to renounce the world and realize Him, but I failed. Therefore I bless you that you may attain God!” When Tarak told the Master about this, he was quite pleased to hear it and said, “It is good that this has happened!” (Source: God Lived with Them)
On Christmas Eve of 1886, Gangadhar (Swami Akhandananda) went with the other disciples to Antpur and took vows of renunciation. He returned home and told his father secretly that he would leave for the Himalayas very soon. His father gave his consent. In February 1887 Gangadhar took the ochre cloth that the Master had given to him and left the monastery without telling anyone. Only his noble father came to Howrah Station to see him off. He blessed his son: “Go, my son. Fulfill your mission in life. This world is unreal. I bless you: May you attain unflinching devotion to God.” (Source: God Lived with Them)
When Manomohan became drawn to Sri Ramakrishna and his teachings, his mother, four sisters, and three brothers-in-law also became devoted to the Master. Rakhal, who was later known as Swami Brahmananda, was married to Vishweswari, Manomohan’s third sister. It was Manomohan who brought Rakhal to the Master. One of Manomohan’s aunts, however, could not understand their attitude. Seeing Manomohan’s great dependence on Sri Ramakrishna, she one day warned Manomohan’s mother: “Please don’t allow your son to visit Dakshineswar so frequently. What will you do if he renounces the world?” Shyama Sundari replied, “Will such a blessed day come when my son dedicates his life to the service of holy people?” (Source: They Lived with God)
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If a devotee sincerely loves God, He makes everything favourable for him. Shyama Sundari, Rakhal’s mother-in-law, was a devotee of the Master and she understood Rakhal’s spiritual inclination. One day Manomohan’s aunt said to her: “It seems that your son-in-law is turning into a monk. Why don’t you try to bring his mind back to the world, for your daughter’s sake?” “What can I do?” answered Shyama Sundari. “Everything depends on the will of the Lord. If my son-in-law becomes a monk, I shall regard it as a great blessing.” (Source: God Lived with Them)
Most of Gauri Ma’s relatives tried to console her and convince her to marry, but she was adamant. That night her mother asked her to open the door and let her in, and Gauri-ma obeyed. Seeing the agony and pain of her daughter, Giribala said: “My child, since you have real dispassion for the world, I shall not force you to marry. I hereby dedicate you to God. May He protect you from all dangers.” (Source: They Lived with God)