Swami Subodhananda

Subodhananda (8 November 1867 – 2 December 1932), born as Subodh Chandra Ghosh, was a direct monastic disciple of Ramakrishna, the 19th-century saint and mystic from India. The youngest of the direct monastic disciples, he was affectionately known by his brother monks, whose leader was Swami Vivekananda, as "Khoka" (Bengali for little boy). He played a pioneering role in establishing the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He was one of the first group of trustees of the Belur Math appointed by Vivekananda in 1901, and was afterwards elected treasurer of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Biography

Early years Subodh Chandra Ghosh was born in Calcutta on 8 November 1867 to the family of Shankar Ghosh, who was also the founder of a famous landmark in Calcutta, the Kali temple in Thanthania in the north. He was thus born in a well-to-do family in a religious environment conducive to the enquiry beyond material realm. As per the prevailing customs he was supposed to get married after passing his class examinations. However, apparently because of a disinclination to marry, he failed in the examination. Subodh was at first a student of the Hare School and was then admitted into the school founded by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a notable social reformer and educationist of Bengal in the 19th century.

While studying there, he came across a Bengali book called The Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, by Suresh Chandra Datta. He was impressed and decided to meet Ramakrishna, who resided in Dakshineswar temple. He was received very cordially by the saint, who asked him to visit him on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Subodh came to him despite obstacles, raised by his parents. As part of his practices there under the tutelage of Ramakrishna, he was helped into deep meditation by the latter, which benefited him in his spiritual pursuits.

Subodhananda, when asked by Ramakrishna what he thought of him, replied that, "Many persons say many things about you, I would not believe them unless I myself find proof."

Relationship with monks and brother disciples Subodhananda was an ardent follower of Vivekananda, and the latter loved him as well. He was childlike in his simplicity and unassuming in his behaviour. For this reason was loved and respected by his brother disciples. On an occasion in 1897 he was persuaded by Vivekananda to deliver a lecture in the Alambazar monastery, despite his inhibitions with public speaking. When he rose to speak, tremors were felt on account of an earthquake. Vivekananda then quipped that "Khoka's was an earth-shattering speech" and everybody enjoyed at his expense.

Subodhananda was addicted lifelong to his morning cup of tea and when Ramakrishna was ill in his Cossipore garden house, the young Subodh prescribed tea as a remedy for his sore throat. However, it was rejected by the attending doctor. He would also guide and mentor them in performing their day to activities and in other spiritual matters.