Take up everyone with sympathy, whether he believes in Shri Ramakrishna or not. If anybody comes to you for vain dispute, politely withdraw yourselves… You must express your sympathy with people of all sects. When these cardinal virtues will be manifested in you, then only you will be able to work with great energy. Otherwise, mere taking the name of the Guru will not do.
(p.305, C.W. Vol.1, Swamiji’s letter to Shashi (Swami Ramakrishnananda) from U.S.A on 11 April, 1895.)
The mantra is one of the names of God. The name and that which is named are one and the same. There is no need of knowing the meaning. It is the name of God – repeat the name with this thought in mind.
(p.295. Mahapurush Maharaj as We Saw Him, Mahapurush Maharaj’s words to Swami Dharmeshananda in Belur Math on 11 April, 1932)