Chapter (অধ্যায়): DAKSHINESWAR DAYSPage: 41 of 89
strict with herself. As she narrated afterwards, one
day she was out of sorts and thought it was
legitimate to get up late. This she did, and the
next day also the same action was repeated. Following
this practice for two or three days, she
found that she had become an unconscious victim
of lethargy. After that she would get up at the
fixed time whatever might be her health. This she
followed throughout her whole life. Even in times
of severe illness, unless quite disabled, she would
get up in the early hours and meditate. To the
loving remonstrances of her anxious attendants
at her being so strict with herself even in old age,
she would pay no heed. Once at Dakshineswar
while going to the bathing ghat so early in the
morning, she almost stumbled upon a crocodile
lying on the steps. It got alarmed by her footsteps
and jumped into the river. After that when going
to the Ganga she would carry a lantern. Seeing
the reflection of the moon on the water of the
Ganga she would pray, There are dark spots even
on the moon, but do Thou, O Lord, make me
absolutely spotless. On moonlit nights she would
fervently pray that she might be as pure as the
light of the moon.