RAMAKRISHNA, (1836-1886):
one of the principal figures in the nineteenth century HINDU
Renaissance. He trained in the classical TRADITIONS of HINDU MYSTICISM but went beyond the
boundaries of Hindu spiritual practice by experiencing ENLIGHTENMENT in a way which
embraced both DUALISM and NON-DUALISM. He married but claimed to lead a completely
"renounced life" without sexual contact. His wife, rad, was known as the
"Holy Mother" and recognized as a SAINT. He abandoned traditional PRIESTLY FOOD,
taboos, and spoke of his sense of identification with JESUS OF NAZARETH and ALLAH. His
most prominent disciple was VIVEKANANDA.