From the Gospel - 12

Sri Ramakrishna says, "You must have noticed kites and vultures soaring very high in the sky; but their eyes are always fixed on the charnel-pits. Do you know the meaning of 'charnel-pits'? It is 'woman and gold'

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"What is the use of making pilgrimages if you can attain love of God remaining where you are? I have been to Benares and noticed the same trees there as here. The same green tamarind-leaves!

"Pilgrimage becomes futile if it does not enable you to attain love of God. Love of God is the one essential and necessary thing. Do you know the meaning of 'kites and vultures'? There are many people who talk big and who say that they have performed most of the duties enjoined in the scriptures. But with all that their minds are engrossed in worldliness and deeply preoccupied with money, riches, name, fame, creature comforts, and such things."

Birds are symbols of freedom. Their ability to fly gives the idea of a carefree life. But the beautiful observation of Sri Ramakrishna that vultures, in spite of flying very high, keep their focus on dead bodies on the ground is a perfect example to point out the nature of worldly minded people.