Sri Ramakrishna stayed in Calcutta for a few days during the Chariot Festival and then left for Dakshineswar by boat. Some of the devotees, including Gopal-ma, accompanied him. Balaram’s family had lovingly given Gopal-ma some clothing and utensils that she needed, which she carried in a bundle on the boat. The Master came to know from other devotees what was in the bundle. Immediately he became grave, and without directly referring to the items, he began to speak about renunciation. He said: “Only a man of renunciation realizes God. The devotee who is simply satisfied with another man’s hospitality and returns empty-handed, sits very close to God.” He did not say a single word to her, but he kept looking at her bundle. Gopal-ma understood.