To work without attachment is to work without the expectation of reward or fear of any punishment in this world or the next. Work so done is a means to the end, and God is the end.
Meaning of the quote
When you work without expecting anything in return, like a reward or praise, you are working without being attached to the results. This kind of work is not an end in itself, but a way to reach a higher purpose, which is to connect with God or the divine. The focus should be on the work itself, not on what you might get out of it.
About Ramakrishna
Ramakrishna, an Indian Hindu mystic, was a devotee of the goddess Kali and adhered to various religious practices from Hindu traditions, as well as Christianity and Islam. He advocated for the unity of religions and is regarded by his followers as an avatar, or divine incarnation. Born in Kamarpukur, India, Ramakrishna had several religious experiences from childhood and later became a temple priest in Calcutta, where he experienced spiritual visions.
More quotes from Ramakrishna
God is everywhere but He is most manifest in man. So serve man as God. That is as good as worshipping God.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Unless one always speaks the truth, one cannot find God Who is the soul of truth.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
It is easy to talk on religion, but difficult to practice it.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Through love one acquires renunciation and discrimination naturally.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Many good sayings are to be found in holy books, but merely reading them will not make one religious.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Through selfless work, love of God grows in the heart. Then through his grace one realize him in course of time. God can be seen. One can talk to him as I am talking to you.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
If you desire to be pure, have firm faith, and slowly go on with your devotional practices without wasting your energy in useless scriptural discussions and arguments. Your little brain will otherwise be muddled.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
The world is indeed a mixture of truth and make-believe. Discard the make-believe and take the truth.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Disease is the tax which the soul pays for the body, as the tenant pays house-rent for the use of the house.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
To work without attachment is to work without the expectation of reward or fear of any punishment in this world or the next. Work so done is a means to the end, and God is the end.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
One must be very particular about telling the truth. Through truth one can realize God.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
When the flower blooms, the bees come uninvited.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
If you want to go east, don’t go west.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Longing is like the rosy dawn. After the dawn out comes the sun. Longing is followed by the vision of God.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
A man is truly free, even here in this embodied state, if he knows that God is the true agent and he by himself is powerless to do anything.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Pray to God that your attachment to such transitory things as wealth, name, and creature comforts may become less and less every day.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
If you first fortify yourself with the true knowledge of the Universal Self, and then live in the midst of wealth and worldliness, surely they will in no way affect you.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Work, apart from devotion or love of God, is helpless and cannot stand alone.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
If you must be mad, be it not for the things of the world. Be mad with the love of God.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Unalloyed love of God is the essential thing. All else is unreal.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Travel in all the four quarters of the earth, yet you will find nothing anywhere. Whatever there is, is only here.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
The fabled musk deer searches the world over for the source of the scent which comes from itself.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
God is in all men, but all men are not in God; that is why we suffer.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
The physicians of one class feel the patients and go away, merely prescribing medicine. As they leave the room they simply ask the patient to take the medicine. They are the poorest class of physicians.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
More are the names of God and infinite are the forms through which He may be approached. In whatever name and form you worship Him, through them you will realise Him.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
God can be realized through all paths. All religions are true. The important thing is to reach the roof. You can reach it by stone stairs or by wooden stairs or by bamboo steps or by a rope. You can also climb up by a bamboo pole.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Many are the names of God and infinite the forms through which He may be approached.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
Bondage is of the mind; freedom too is of the mind. If you say ‘I am a free soul. I am a son of God who can bind me’ free you shall be.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
When the divine vision is attained, all appear equal; and there remains no distinction of good and bad, or of high and low.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)
When one has love for God, one doesn’t feel any physical attraction to wife, children, relatives and friends. One retains only compassion for them.
Indian mystic and religious preacher (1836-1886)