Nirvana 2013 Issue 76 (Jan-Mar)

Home , Advaita Ashrama, Vivekananda Institution

State of Spiritual enlightenment or illumination. Nirvana releases humans from Pearls of Wisdom the cycle of birth, suffering, death and all forms of worldly bondage. In this issue... The screening of a two-hour feature film “Sri Ramakrish- na Darshanam” marked the start of celebrations of Swami Uddhava Gita Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Annivesary in Singapore. The Translated by Swami Madhavananda two-hour Tamil film, with English sub-titles, was watched by a thousand-strong audience. (p.3)

The blending of the best elements of the East and the West for the good of the world was the key element in Swa- Śrī bhagavān uvāca mi Vivekananda’s efforts throughout his life. That it is becoming a reality, though at a sluggish pace, is the theme Tayorekataro hyardhah prakritih sobhayātmika of Swami Muktirupananda’s article Unity of East and West Jnānam tvanyantaro bhāvah Puruṣah so’bhidhiyate . (p.5) Tamo rajah sattvamiti prakriterabhavangunah Maya praksobhyamanayah purusanumatena ca The invisible hand of Sri Ramakrishna guiding Swa- Tebhyah samabhavatsutram mahānsutrena samyutah mi Vivekananda to record astonishing achieve- Tato vikurvato jāto yo’hamkaro vimohanah ments at the Chicago Parliament of Religions is me- ticulously traced and recorded by our contributor Dr P. The Lord said: Achuthan. (p.14) Of these two things one is Prakriti, which has a dual nature, and We bring you the glorious tributes paid to Swamiji by former the other Knowledge Absolute, which is called Purusha. President of Indonesia , Dr. Sukarno (p:22) From the Prakriti as I agitated it, there emanated the Gunas, Our Sarada Kindergarten celebrated another year of remark- Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, with the approval of the Purusha. able progress with a colourful concert and graduation ceremo- ny. (p23) From them emanated the Sutra, with which the Mahat is united. From the transformation of that was produced egoism, which Note: Our regular Ramayana series has been held over due deludes all. to pressure on space.

(To be continued) Uddhava Gita, XIX, 4-6

Edited and Published by Swami Muktirupananda, President, Ramakrishna Mission, 179 Bartley Road, Singapore 539784 Tel: 6288 9077 Fax: 6288 5798. email: [email protected], Website: www.ramakrishna.org.sg Print Production: EAZI Printing Pte Ltd State of Spiritual enlightenment or illumination. Nirvana releases humans from Pearls of Wisdom the cycle of birth, suffering, death and all forms of worldly bondage. In this issue... The screening of a two-hour feature film “Sri Ramakrish- na Darshanam” marked the start of celebrations of Swami Uddhava Gita Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Annivesary in Singapore. The Translated by Swami Madhavananda two-hour Tamil film, with English sub-titles, was watched by a thousand-strong audience. (p.3)

(To be continued) Uddhava Gita, XIX, 4-6

1 Film on Ramakrishna Editorial Sri Ramakrishna Darshanam

Swami Vivekananda and his message elebrations marking the Inter-religious Organization, 150th Birth Anniversary and community and business Cof Swami Vivekananda leaders. It was also a treat for he followers and admirers of Swami Vivekananda, who have were flagged off in Singapore more than a hundred inmates been inspired by his life, work and thought are celebrating his with the release of a full- of welfare homes sponsored 150th birth anniversary around the world. It is to remember length Tamil feature film “Sri by various organizations and andT pay homage to a rare personality who worked selflessly for Ramakrishna Darshanam” on individuals. Himself Tamil- the welfare of mankind. In his short life of thirty nine years he 24 November. Mr S.R.Nathan, speaking, Mr Nathan hailed compressed lofty spiritual realizations, intellectual and social accomplishments that had a substantial impact on India and the western world. Such a many-sided genius, spiritual luminary rarely walks on the earth. Noted thinkers from the East and West have tried to draw attention to his great contributions to enrich human life. Swamiji said, “I have a message to the West as Buddha had a message to the East.” He had twin messages to broadcast to the world and that he did from the platform of Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in September 1893. One, the divinity of each soul and second, harmony of all faiths. To him the essence of religion is the manifestation of this divinity or Godliness which is inherently present in all. He did not care much for the non-essentials of religion, viz doctrines, dogmas and beliefs. Like a hurricane he rushed from place to place to plant the seeds of his message. Rightly many newspapers in America called him a ‘Cyclonic monk’.

He said, “My ideal can be put into a few words and that is: “to preach unto mankind their divinity and how to make it manifest in every movement of life.” In all his hundreds of lectures this message ran through as a steady background. And he placed it on a rational, Swami Muktirupananda, Mr. Dass, Mr. Nathan and Vicnesh who acted as Gadadhara scientific and empirical foundation. He explained in detail the spiritual discipline to be employed to express this divinity. In a thundering voice he reminded people that, ‘ man is not a finite, helpless being, the past President of Singa- the two-hour film as “a great behind his finitude is the infinite, behind every wave there is the pore, ceremoniously released success” in portraying the life limitless ocean. The God we worship externally is our own inmost the film at the elegant Univer- of Sri Ramakrishna and his Self, the Atman.’ One can deny God or the Creator but one cannot sity Cultural Centre watched spiritual experiences faithfully deny oneself, one’s own existence. Vivekananda urged people to almost by a thousand people. as the layman can understand follow any path, belong to any faith or sect, practise any method and Among the VIPs were Dep- and appreciate. He noted that manifest your divinity, God within. Swamiji was the personification uty Prime Minister Tharman Director G. Narayana Dass of his universal teaching which embraced the entire mankind. Shanmugaratnam, diplomatic has resisted the temptation of representatives, leaders of the

2 Film on Ramakrishna Editorial Sri Ramakrishna Darshanam

3 modern film makers to build duism – sought his help and halos around their heroes. guidance. “So it is not surprising that Sri Ramakrishna nev- Unity of East and West Mr Nathan strongly empha- er uttered a word of criticism Swami Muktirupananda sised the relevance to Sin- or condemnation against other gapore of Sri Ramakrishna’s religious practices,” he added. e have divided the world Orient and the Occident have strong advocacy of religious into two parts and call to work side by side and share harmony because the repub- The film was directed and co- Wthem East and West. together the fate and responsi- lic has a multi-religious popula- produced by Mr G.Narayana This division is based on culture, bility. Modern era is witnessing tion. Dass, an old boy of the Mission ethics, life style, ideals, physical the salutary signs of increas- Boys’ Home in Singapore and features and some other factors. ing inter connectedness and in- In his remarks, Swami Muk- attended normal schools. He Each half has its special features terdependence among the two tirupananda described the film recalls the love and care the and notable achievements in cer- hemispheres of the world. Swa- as “gripping.” He was glad to monks showered on him dur- tain fields. It is good for the hu- miji was a great visionary and he note that Mr Dass had made ing his stay at the Home which man society if they come togeth- could see the future far ahead of no attempt to “sell” Sri Ram- left a deep impression in the er, share and work unitedly. others. Therefore he felt that the akrishna, but had kept the formative years. He worked for world needed for its own benefit narrative absolutely loyal to the Singapore Government’s One of great achievements of and progress the fusion of great the events in life. In fact there broadcasting organisation Me- Swami Vivekananda was his vi- values and ideas developed by was no need for exaggeration, diacorp for several years be- sion of blending of the best ele- mankind. he said, because Sri Ram- fore retiring. “I wanted to give ments of East and West. For the akrishna’s life was a conflu- something back to the society, welfare of mankind and for the Today when we look around ence where diverse streams and this is my humble offer- good of the world, he felt these nothing about East-West ex- of spiritual disciplines mingled ing,” added Mr Dass. two halves must come together. change strikes us as strange or harmoniously. That is the rea- Vivekananda acted as a bridge surprising. But more than a cen- son why a variety of spiritual The film has English sub-titles. between the two. In the 21st cen- tury ago when Vivekananda vis- seekers who followed different Mr Dass said he was planning tury we are witnessing how both ited America and Europe things disciplines – and even follow- to have it dubbed in Hindi and these cultures have embraced were different. There was an un- ers of religions other than Hin- other Indian languages. each other and are forging this bridgeable gulf between Eastern relationship. We have left long and Western cultures and ethos behind Rudyard Kipling’s asser- and no common ground to unite tion that, ‘East is east and West them. One part of the globe re- is west, and the twain shall never mained religious, otherworldly meet.’ The twins have already fettered by their age-old tradi- met in a friendly way and are unit- tion and socio-economic condi- edly shaping the destiny of the tions. The results were poverty, human society. Now they can no lack of education and a feeling longer ignore each other or ridi- of despair. In contrast to this dis- cule each other. Mutual respect, mal scene the West was pulsat- understanding and cooperation ing with tremendous energy, was have reached new heights be- rolling in material prosperity and tween them. To find solutions basking in the grandeur of ad- to our global problems both the vanced science and technology.

4 modern film makers to build duism – sought his help and halos around their heroes. guidance. “So it is not surprising that Sri Ramakrishna nev- Unity of East and West Mr Nathan strongly empha- er uttered a word of criticism Swami Muktirupananda sised the relevance to Sin- or condemnation against other gapore of Sri Ramakrishna’s religious practices,” he added. e have divided the world Orient and the Occident have strong advocacy of religious into two parts and call to work side by side and share harmony because the repub- The film was directed and co- Wthem East and West. together the fate and responsi- lic has a multi-religious popula- produced by Mr G.Narayana This division is based on culture, bility. Modern era is witnessing tion. Dass, an old boy of the Mission ethics, life style, ideals, physical the salutary signs of increas- Boys’ Home in Singapore and features and some other factors. ing inter connectedness and in- In his remarks, Swami Muk- attended normal schools. He Each half has its special features terdependence among the two tirupananda described the film recalls the love and care the and notable achievements in cer- hemispheres of the world. Swa- as “gripping.” He was glad to monks showered on him dur- tain fields. It is good for the hu- miji was a great visionary and he note that Mr Dass had made ing his stay at the Home which man society if they come togeth- could see the future far ahead of no attempt to “sell” Sri Ram- left a deep impression in the er, share and work unitedly. others. Therefore he felt that the akrishna, but had kept the formative years. He worked for world needed for its own benefit narrative absolutely loyal to the Singapore Government’s One of great achievements of and progress the fusion of great the events in life. In fact there broadcasting organisation Me- Swami Vivekananda was his vi- values and ideas developed by was no need for exaggeration, diacorp for several years be- sion of blending of the best ele- mankind. he said, because Sri Ram- fore retiring. “I wanted to give ments of East and West. For the akrishna’s life was a conflu- something back to the society, welfare of mankind and for the Today when we look around ence where diverse streams and this is my humble offer- good of the world, he felt these nothing about East-West ex- of spiritual disciplines mingled ing,” added Mr Dass. two halves must come together. change strikes us as strange or harmoniously. That is the rea- Vivekananda acted as a bridge surprising. But more than a cen- son why a variety of spiritual The film has English sub-titles. between the two. In the 21st cen- tury ago when Vivekananda vis- seekers who followed different Mr Dass said he was planning tury we are witnessing how both ited America and Europe things disciplines – and even follow- to have it dubbed in Hindi and these cultures have embraced were different. There was an un- ers of religions other than Hin- other Indian languages. each other and are forging this bridgeable gulf between Eastern relationship. We have left long and Western cultures and ethos behind Rudyard Kipling’s asser- and no common ground to unite tion that, ‘East is east and West them. One part of the globe re- is west, and the twain shall never mained religious, otherworldly meet.’ The twins have already fettered by their age-old tradi- met in a friendly way and are unit- tion and socio-economic condi- edly shaping the destiny of the tions. The results were poverty, human society. Now they can no lack of education and a feeling longer ignore each other or ridi- of despair. In contrast to this dis- cule each other. Mutual respect, mal scene the West was pulsat- understanding and cooperation ing with tremendous energy, was have reached new heights be- rolling in material prosperity and tween them. To find solutions basking in the grandeur of ad- to our global problems both the vanced science and technology.

5 Naturally they thought of them- in the West, in Europe and Amer- the welfare of all and not particu- Business Week in its November selves as the superior race and ica is very fertile and fit for sow- lar race or country. That is why so 1, 1999, issue wrote: “A spiritual the new master of the world. The ing seeds. Therefore, they have boldly he declared at the Brook- revival is sweeping across corpo- purpose of the world’s Columbian reached the climax of bhoga…. lyn Ethical Society, “I have a mes- rate America as executives of all exposition and Parliament of Re- When one is satiated with Bhoga, sage to the West as Buddha had a stripes are mixing mysticism into ligions held in Chicago in 1893 then it is that one will listen to message to the East.” (C.W. Vol. their management, importing into was to showcase to the world the and understand the teachings of X p. 514) He unleashed the spirit- office corridors the lessons usu- stupendous achievements of the Yoga.” (C.W. Vol. V p. 379) Like ual current of India for the benefit ally doled out in churches, tem- white race in the fields of physi- a whirlwind he went from place to of other people. In this context he ples and mosques. Gone is the cal sciences, technical know-how place throughout America plant- said, “Shankara left this Advaita old taboo against talking about and industrialization. Really it left ing the seeds of spiritual wisdom philosophy in the hills and forests, God at work.” The journal fur- its visitors spellbound including and reminding his listeners that while I have come to bring it out of ther reported in many workplaces Vivekananda. It opened up a new fleeting pleasures of this world those places and scatter it broad- prayers and scriptural studies are dimension for him. He realized can never become the end of cast before the workaday world introduced. (Vivekananda, a born what determined, practical peo- life, life has a higher purpose. He and society”.(C.W. VII p. 162) leader – Asim Chaudhuri p. 213) ple could achieve, make impos- said referring to the limitations of With this sweeping new trend, sible things possible and create a Eastern religion and Western Sci- Thus today in Europe and America spiritual gurus now hold corporate heaven for human beings. ence, “Each of these types has its yoga, guru, mantra, maya, avatar workshops and retreats to ever- grandeur, each has its glory. The and many other Sanskrit words increasing demand. Living in the midst of luxury and present adjustment will he harmo- are not only familiar but also are affluence in America Swamiji nizing, the mingling of these two used liberally with understanding In 1960, famous writer Abraham delved deep into the hearts of ideals” (C.W. Vol. IV p. 155). The in books and journals. One finds Maslow wrote: “Enlightened man- people and could not fail to de- seeds planted by him took dec- teachers from the East as well as agement is one way of taking reli- tect the whimperings of discon- ades to germinate and grow and from the West teaching their fol- gion seriously, profoundly, deeply tentment, sorrow and emptiness. today they have begun to bear lowers. It is also common place to and earnestly.” Maslow did not He observed, “Social life in the fruits. find in Western cities yoga studios mean just conventional religion West is like a peal of laughter, but and meditation centres that train of going to places of worship and underneath it a wail. It ends in a During Swamiji’s visit to the West eager and enthusiastic practition- performing rituals. It is a religion sob. The fun and frivolity are on yoga, meditation, guru, Vedanta ers. In a number of hospitals yoga when there is, “deep concern with the surface; really it is full of tragic karma and mantra such words therapy is a part of treatment, in the problems of human being, intensity.” (The Master as I saw were not heard and sounded some schools a part of physical with the problem of ethics, of the him, Sister Nivedita, p.116) In strange to the Western ears. education, in workplaces stress future of man, then this kind of phi- their relentless pursuit of wealth, Even India was a weird far off reducing and relaxation exercise. losophy, translated into the work grandeur and unbridled physical country, a land of magicians and Every year hundreds of books life, turns out to be very much like pleasures people had lost all self- fakirs, inhabited by people de- come out praising the positive the new style of management and restraint. Mere sense-enjoyment void of any initiative or hope. We effects of yoga and meditation of organization.” (Quoted Vive- as the goal of life without wisdom have to remember Swamiji had to supported by scientific evidence. kananda a born leader p. 214) erodes the health of both body fight single-handedly many hos- Slowly it is turning into a lucrative Some of the best sellers are Je- and mind. Swamiji saw that the tile forces and set in motion the industry. sus, CEO, J. Pfeffer’s Hand book West was heading recklessly to- waves of spirituality for the good of workplace spirituality and or- wards the brink of self-destruc- of the many. A prophet’s love em- In America spirituality has en- ganizational performance, Ma- tion. He also noted, “The ground braces the whole world, cares for tered into the workplace. The slow on Management and Peter

6 Naturally they thought of them- in the West, in Europe and Amer- the welfare of all and not particu- Business Week in its November selves as the superior race and ica is very fertile and fit for sow- lar race or country. That is why so 1, 1999, issue wrote: “A spiritual the new master of the world. The ing seeds. Therefore, they have boldly he declared at the Brook- revival is sweeping across corpo- purpose of the world’s Columbian reached the climax of bhoga…. lyn Ethical Society, “I have a mes- rate America as executives of all exposition and Parliament of Re- When one is satiated with Bhoga, sage to the West as Buddha had a stripes are mixing mysticism into ligions held in Chicago in 1893 then it is that one will listen to message to the East.” (C.W. Vol. their management, importing into was to showcase to the world the and understand the teachings of X p. 514) He unleashed the spirit- office corridors the lessons usu- stupendous achievements of the Yoga.” (C.W. Vol. V p. 379) Like ual current of India for the benefit ally doled out in churches, tem- white race in the fields of physi- a whirlwind he went from place to of other people. In this context he ples and mosques. Gone is the cal sciences, technical know-how place throughout America plant- said, “Shankara left this Advaita old taboo against talking about and industrialization. Really it left ing the seeds of spiritual wisdom philosophy in the hills and forests, God at work.” The journal fur- its visitors spellbound including and reminding his listeners that while I have come to bring it out of ther reported in many workplaces Vivekananda. It opened up a new fleeting pleasures of this world those places and scatter it broad- prayers and scriptural studies are dimension for him. He realized can never become the end of cast before the workaday world introduced. (Vivekananda, a born what determined, practical peo- life, life has a higher purpose. He and society”.(C.W. VII p. 162) leader – Asim Chaudhuri p. 213) ple could achieve, make impos- said referring to the limitations of With this sweeping new trend, sible things possible and create a Eastern religion and Western Sci- Thus today in Europe and America spiritual gurus now hold corporate heaven for human beings. ence, “Each of these types has its yoga, guru, mantra, maya, avatar workshops and retreats to ever- grandeur, each has its glory. The and many other Sanskrit words increasing demand. Living in the midst of luxury and present adjustment will he harmo- are not only familiar but also are affluence in America Swamiji nizing, the mingling of these two used liberally with understanding In 1960, famous writer Abraham delved deep into the hearts of ideals” (C.W. Vol. IV p. 155). The in books and journals. One finds Maslow wrote: “Enlightened man- people and could not fail to de- seeds planted by him took dec- teachers from the East as well as agement is one way of taking reli- tect the whimperings of discon- ades to germinate and grow and from the West teaching their fol- gion seriously, profoundly, deeply tentment, sorrow and emptiness. today they have begun to bear lowers. It is also common place to and earnestly.” Maslow did not He observed, “Social life in the fruits. find in Western cities yoga studios mean just conventional religion West is like a peal of laughter, but and meditation centres that train of going to places of worship and underneath it a wail. It ends in a During Swamiji’s visit to the West eager and enthusiastic practition- performing rituals. It is a religion sob. The fun and frivolity are on yoga, meditation, guru, Vedanta ers. In a number of hospitals yoga when there is, “deep concern with the surface; really it is full of tragic karma and mantra such words therapy is a part of treatment, in the problems of human being, intensity.” (The Master as I saw were not heard and sounded some schools a part of physical with the problem of ethics, of the him, Sister Nivedita, p.116) In strange to the Western ears. education, in workplaces stress future of man, then this kind of phi- their relentless pursuit of wealth, Even India was a weird far off reducing and relaxation exercise. losophy, translated into the work grandeur and unbridled physical country, a land of magicians and Every year hundreds of books life, turns out to be very much like pleasures people had lost all self- fakirs, inhabited by people de- come out praising the positive the new style of management and restraint. Mere sense-enjoyment void of any initiative or hope. We effects of yoga and meditation of organization.” (Quoted Vive- as the goal of life without wisdom have to remember Swamiji had to supported by scientific evidence. kananda a born leader p. 214) erodes the health of both body fight single-handedly many hos- Slowly it is turning into a lucrative Some of the best sellers are Je- and mind. Swamiji saw that the tile forces and set in motion the industry. sus, CEO, J. Pfeffer’s Hand book West was heading recklessly to- waves of spirituality for the good of workplace spirituality and or- wards the brink of self-destruc- of the many. A prophet’s love em- In America spirituality has en- ganizational performance, Ma- tion. He also noted, “The ground braces the whole world, cares for tered into the workplace. The slow on Management and Peter

7 Senge’s Fifth discipline. synthesis. ternal agency like fate, stars ed, surmounted all the difficul- Disillusioned with extreme mate- 1) Dynamism and Practical- but take the entire responsibil- ties. Tents were pitched, a well rialism and hedonism the West is ity: People of the Western hemi- ity on their shoulders. It is be- was dug and duties were al- turning its attention inward to the sphere are endowed with extraor- cause of this indomitable spirit lotted. With their dexterity and realm of spirit. Now they are look- dinary energy, the force of rajas that they are able to overcome hard work things became more ing towards the East not with old keeps them always active and insurmountable obstacles and comfortable. Later many log derision and scorn but with new- doing. This restless spirit has problems. The following inci- cabins were erected and both found respect. East has given enabled them to conquer external dent gives an idea of this spirit. teacher and students happily up its smug self-admired slug- nature and make rapid progress continued their spiritual prac- gishness and condemnation of in physical sciences and technol- Vivekananda in June 1900, got tices. Such tremendous faith material prosperity as a vice and ogy. They are the ones who ex- an offer of 160 acres of land in themselves, courage to face praise of poverty as a virtue. Pov- plored the distant giant galaxies, in San Antone Valley, Califor- adversities and hard toil have erty is not a virtue rather a curse. stars and planets, tiny atoms, nia to start a retreat. Swamiji set them apart from other peo- It was a great vision of Vive- particles and cells. Every mystery sent Swami Turiyananda to ple. ‘God do it for me’, is the kananda to see an emergence of is a challenge to them, they can- train some American devotees Eastern attitude, ‘God help us a new race of human beings en- not rest till they unravel it. Motion, there. It was a desolate place to do it’, is the Western dispo- dowed with dynamism, energetic incessant activity, unremitting toil and a hilly country. When Tu- sition. action and also capable of calmly are the innate qualities of West- riyananda arrived there with withdraw into deep meditation. erners. Praising America Vive- twelve American spiritual stu- 2) Equality and Community The Gita also mentions, “Wher- kananda said, “Here you have dents many difficulties sur- Spirit: In Western countries ever is Krishna, the Lord of yoga, wonderful manifestation of grit faced. There was only one old individual freedom and equal- wherever is Partha, the wielder of and power, what strength, what log cabin and no water. Where ity are greatly respected. No the bow, there are prosperity, vic- practicality and what manhood! to live and where to get water distinction is made between tory, expansion and stable order.” … Here is a manifestation of tre- from? The situation was dreary rich and poor, high and low. Krishna represents absorption in mendous energy.” (C.W. Vol. VI p. and dismal. Seeing the de- Each individual has the oppor- meditation and Partha the archer 272). We are happy to see today pressing conditions, dejected tunity to raise himself or her- stands for active nature. This was that the East, specially India has Turiyananda complained to the self through intelligence and the ideal of Vivekananda. Has his caught this spirit and given up ta- Divine Mother, “Mother! What hard work. Human dignity and vision come true, not yet, it will mas, inertia and moving ahead. have you done, where have the dignity of labour are held in take decades to fulfil it. Human This dynamism of the West has you brought us? These people high esteem. To them common transformation is a slow process, done immense good to the other will die without shelter and with good of community or collec- age-old beliefs die hard. half of the world. In the field of ac- no water. What shall we do?” tive welfare of society is more tivity and innovation America still important than one’s family. Some of the high ideals of the leads the rest of the world. However the American stu- Their loyalty first goes to so- West are worthy of emulation dents went to the dispirited ciety and later to family. They which would surely enrich the Westerners are intensely practi- Swami and assured him that work for and take care of peo- socio-economic conditions of the cal. They trust and apply their everything would be taken ple, they look after their safety East. Living these ideals himself intellectual and physical powers care of and there was noth- and comforts. Because of their he tried to infuse such beneficial and leave nothing to fate or des- ing to worry. These resourceful concern for collective welfare ideas into Indians. Thus he per- tiny. For success or failure they students of Vedanta, undaunt- one finds high standard and sonified his plan of East-West neither praise nor curse any ex-

8 Senge’s Fifth discipline. synthesis. ternal agency like fate, stars ed, surmounted all the difficul- Disillusioned with extreme mate- 1) Dynamism and Practical- but take the entire responsibil- ties. Tents were pitched, a well rialism and hedonism the West is ity: People of the Western hemi- ity on their shoulders. It is be- was dug and duties were al- turning its attention inward to the sphere are endowed with extraor- cause of this indomitable spirit lotted. With their dexterity and realm of spirit. Now they are look- dinary energy, the force of rajas that they are able to overcome hard work things became more ing towards the East not with old keeps them always active and insurmountable obstacles and comfortable. Later many log derision and scorn but with new- doing. This restless spirit has problems. The following inci- cabins were erected and both found respect. East has given enabled them to conquer external dent gives an idea of this spirit. teacher and students happily up its smug self-admired slug- nature and make rapid progress continued their spiritual prac- gishness and condemnation of in physical sciences and technol- Vivekananda in June 1900, got tices. Such tremendous faith material prosperity as a vice and ogy. They are the ones who ex- an offer of 160 acres of land in themselves, courage to face praise of poverty as a virtue. Pov- plored the distant giant galaxies, in San Antone Valley, Califor- adversities and hard toil have erty is not a virtue rather a curse. stars and planets, tiny atoms, nia to start a retreat. Swamiji set them apart from other peo- It was a great vision of Vive- particles and cells. Every mystery sent Swami Turiyananda to ple. ‘God do it for me’, is the kananda to see an emergence of is a challenge to them, they can- train some American devotees Eastern attitude, ‘God help us a new race of human beings en- not rest till they unravel it. Motion, there. It was a desolate place to do it’, is the Western dispo- dowed with dynamism, energetic incessant activity, unremitting toil and a hilly country. When Tu- sition. action and also capable of calmly are the innate qualities of West- riyananda arrived there with withdraw into deep meditation. erners. Praising America Vive- twelve American spiritual stu- 2) Equality and Community The Gita also mentions, “Wher- kananda said, “Here you have dents many difficulties sur- Spirit: In Western countries ever is Krishna, the Lord of yoga, wonderful manifestation of grit faced. There was only one old individual freedom and equal- wherever is Partha, the wielder of and power, what strength, what log cabin and no water. Where ity are greatly respected. No the bow, there are prosperity, vic- practicality and what manhood! to live and where to get water distinction is made between tory, expansion and stable order.” … Here is a manifestation of tre- from? The situation was dreary rich and poor, high and low. Krishna represents absorption in mendous energy.” (C.W. Vol. VI p. and dismal. Seeing the de- Each individual has the oppor- meditation and Partha the archer 272). We are happy to see today pressing conditions, dejected tunity to raise himself or her- stands for active nature. This was that the East, specially India has Turiyananda complained to the self through intelligence and the ideal of Vivekananda. Has his caught this spirit and given up ta- Divine Mother, “Mother! What hard work. Human dignity and vision come true, not yet, it will mas, inertia and moving ahead. have you done, where have the dignity of labour are held in take decades to fulfil it. Human This dynamism of the West has you brought us? These people high esteem. To them common transformation is a slow process, done immense good to the other will die without shelter and with good of community or collec- age-old beliefs die hard. half of the world. In the field of ac- no water. What shall we do?” tive welfare of society is more tivity and innovation America still important than one’s family. Some of the high ideals of the leads the rest of the world. However the American stu- Their loyalty first goes to so- West are worthy of emulation dents went to the dispirited ciety and later to family. They which would surely enrich the Westerners are intensely practi- Swami and assured him that work for and take care of peo- socio-economic conditions of the cal. They trust and apply their everything would be taken ple, they look after their safety East. Living these ideals himself intellectual and physical powers care of and there was noth- and comforts. Because of their he tried to infuse such beneficial and leave nothing to fate or des- ing to worry. These resourceful concern for collective welfare ideas into Indians. Thus he per- tiny. For success or failure they students of Vedanta, undaunt- one finds high standard and sonified his plan of East-West neither praise nor curse any ex-

9 Swamiji one day took Mrs. ters (1896). “Last year I came 3) Respect for Women: Sara Ole Bull and Miss Joe to this country in summer, a Macleod, his American wom- wandering preacher from a far Swamiji had great admiration en disciples to show them the distant country, without name, for American women and they newly acquired plot of land at fame, wealth or learning to rec- received his highest praise. He Belur on the bank of Ganga. ommend me, friendless, help- treated them the same way The land was covered with less, almost in a state of des- as he treated men. Women grass and coconut trees and titution; and American women in the West enjoy the same near the river stood a dilapi- befriended me, gave me shel- freedoms, equal rights and op- dated one-storied house and ter and food, and treated me portunities as men; there is no had three rooms. Sara and as their own son, their own discrimination. They are really Joe looked over the battered brother.” He once expressed, daughters of Shakti, learned, old building and Joe asked “If I have to come back again active, courageous and inde- Swamiji could they not use that as a woman, I must and will pendent. They do not accept house to stay there. Swamiji come as an American Wom- and submit meekly to the male objected that it was in such a an.” (Life Vol. II p. 272) supremacy. Here is an exam- bad shape so they could not. ple of their invincible spirit. But both of them said that they Vivekananda believed that, would put it in order. With Swa- “Liberty of thought and action miji’s consent both of them are the conditions of life and soon had the house repaired growth and well-being.” (C.W. Sara Ole Bull and white washed. They went Vol. IV P. 115) Western wom- to the Calcutta market and en have freedom of thought quality of public and communi- bought old furniture and fur- and action in society, there- ty life. Clean streets, well-kept nished the rooms and made fore, have become successful public parks, spick and span them comfortable. At last they leaders in many fields. In fact, hygienic hospitals, clean toi- were happy to live in their qui- in some vocations they have lets, litter-free and noise-free et house facing beautiful river. gone much ahead of and be- roads. The orderly and polite Vivekananda in one of his let- come more powerful than the behaviour of the people show ters mentioning this incident men of the East. Whatever their respect for others. Be- exclaimed, “My! These Yanks positive ideas Western women cause of this community spirit can do anything! After the luxu- take up today, the same ideas Western Society is relatively ries of Boston and New York, will inspire Eastern women to- free of corruption. The disease to be quite content and happy morrow. This is how the world of corruption is due to solely in this wretched little house!” is becoming more or less looking after one’s own and (C.W. Vol. IX p. 101) It is these Westernized. family interests. In the West American women who helped priority is given to larger inter- him immensely and his spiritual 4) Organization: The power est of society than to petty self- work in the West. Swamiji ac- and supremacy of the West interest. knowledged it in one of his let- lies in the secret of efficient Miss Joe Macleod

10 Swamiji one day took Mrs. ters (1896). “Last year I came 3) Respect for Women: Sara Ole Bull and Miss Joe to this country in summer, a Macleod, his American wom- wandering preacher from a far Swamiji had great admiration en disciples to show them the distant country, without name, for American women and they newly acquired plot of land at fame, wealth or learning to rec- received his highest praise. He Belur on the bank of Ganga. ommend me, friendless, help- treated them the same way The land was covered with less, almost in a state of des- as he treated men. Women grass and coconut trees and titution; and American women in the West enjoy the same near the river stood a dilapi- befriended me, gave me shel- freedoms, equal rights and op- dated one-storied house and ter and food, and treated me portunities as men; there is no had three rooms. Sara and as their own son, their own discrimination. They are really Joe looked over the battered brother.” He once expressed, daughters of Shakti, learned, old building and Joe asked “If I have to come back again active, courageous and inde- Swamiji could they not use that as a woman, I must and will pendent. They do not accept house to stay there. Swamiji come as an American Wom- and submit meekly to the male objected that it was in such a an.” (Life Vol. II p. 272) supremacy. Here is an exam- bad shape so they could not. ple of their invincible spirit. But both of them said that they Vivekananda believed that, would put it in order. With Swa- “Liberty of thought and action miji’s consent both of them are the conditions of life and soon had the house repaired growth and well-being.” (C.W. Sara Ole Bull and white washed. They went Vol. IV P. 115) Western wom- to the Calcutta market and en have freedom of thought quality of public and communi- bought old furniture and fur- and action in society, there- ty life. Clean streets, well-kept nished the rooms and made fore, have become successful public parks, spick and span them comfortable. At last they leaders in many fields. In fact, hygienic hospitals, clean toi- were happy to live in their qui- in some vocations they have lets, litter-free and noise-free et house facing beautiful river. gone much ahead of and be- roads. The orderly and polite Vivekananda in one of his let- come more powerful than the behaviour of the people show ters mentioning this incident men of the East. Whatever their respect for others. Be- exclaimed, “My! These Yanks positive ideas Western women cause of this community spirit can do anything! After the luxu- take up today, the same ideas Western Society is relatively ries of Boston and New York, will inspire Eastern women to- free of corruption. The disease to be quite content and happy morrow. This is how the world of corruption is due to solely in this wretched little house!” is becoming more or less looking after one’s own and (C.W. Vol. IX p. 101) It is these Westernized. family interests. In the West American women who helped priority is given to larger inter- him immensely and his spiritual 4) Organization: The power est of society than to petty self- work in the West. Swamiji ac- and supremacy of the West interest. knowledged it in one of his let- lies in the secret of efficient Miss Joe Macleod

11 organization. Organization benefits for the good of many. regions and vanished from the people is not just a matter of means people working togeth- His neo-Vedanta teaches not scene just leaving few ripples years; it is a work of centuries. er toward a common goal and to make any difference be- here and there. Their work did It is a slow and sustained task. thus power comes from coor- tween service towards fellow not last beyond their life span, dination of wills and division of beings and worship of God, so it did not make much lasting Vivekananda is the happy syn- labour. It is like gathering scat- between work and medita- impact on the lives of people. thesis of what is good in the tered forces, bringing them tion. To practise and teach this Observing this, Swamiji entire- West and what is good in the into a focus and using thus message of profound karma ly changed the outmoded and East. It is the fusion of science amassed energy for productive yoga on a larger scale, Swam- traditional concept of monasti- and mysticism, vigorous work purposes. Swamiji understood iji trained eager, obedient and cism. with detached withdrawal in that no great cause could suc- dedicated young men under meditation. Is it any wonder he ceed without this Western type the banner of an organization. The Ramakrishna Order has chose July 4th American Inde- of organization. He gave sim- In course of time the Ram- shown that no great work can pendence day, to give up his ple analogy of grass: A single akrishna Mission, a socio-reli- be done or no noble ideas can body, perhaps to indicate the blade of grass is nothing but gious organization, has grown be spread without the support intimate relationship between blades of grass united into a worldwide and through its of a sound organization. How- India and America would augur rope could restrain even a mad branches does commendable ever, changing the hearts of well for the world. elephant. He wrote to Swami work. Ramakrishna Movement Brahmananda, referring to the has been spreading through- Ramakrishna Mission, “Set up out the world. In India there such a machine as will go on is no other multi-dimensional automatically, no matter who monastic organization as large dies or lives.” (C.W. Vol. VIII p. as Ramakrishna Mission. 456) Ramakrishna Mission owes It is the pooling of people’s its success to the Western talents, skills, energies and idea of organization. Vive- resources that in turn creates kananda had he not gone to massive power and that power the West and observed keenly can benefit common people on the cause of the stupendous a larger scale. Organization progress of other half of the is necessary either in secular world, the Ramakrishna Mis- or religious field. In commer- sion perhaps would not have cial field we know about giant come into existence. Indians multinational corporations and lacked the sense of working Belur Math their immense work. It was the together, sharing together for The Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission genius of Vivekananda to ap- a common cause. Saints and ply the concept of organiza- reformers have appeared from tion, and modern management time to time in the past and in spiritual field and harvest its worked individually in limited

12 organization. Organization benefits for the good of many. regions and vanished from the people is not just a matter of means people working togeth- His neo-Vedanta teaches not scene just leaving few ripples years; it is a work of centuries. er toward a common goal and to make any difference be- here and there. Their work did It is a slow and sustained task. thus power comes from coor- tween service towards fellow not last beyond their life span, dination of wills and division of beings and worship of God, so it did not make much lasting Vivekananda is the happy syn- labour. It is like gathering scat- between work and medita- impact on the lives of people. thesis of what is good in the tered forces, bringing them tion. To practise and teach this Observing this, Swamiji entire- West and what is good in the into a focus and using thus message of profound karma ly changed the outmoded and East. It is the fusion of science amassed energy for productive yoga on a larger scale, Swam- traditional concept of monasti- and mysticism, vigorous work purposes. Swamiji understood iji trained eager, obedient and cism. with detached withdrawal in that no great cause could suc- dedicated young men under meditation. Is it any wonder he ceed without this Western type the banner of an organization. The Ramakrishna Order has chose July 4th American Inde- of organization. He gave sim- In course of time the Ram- shown that no great work can pendence day, to give up his ple analogy of grass: A single akrishna Mission, a socio-reli- be done or no noble ideas can body, perhaps to indicate the blade of grass is nothing but gious organization, has grown be spread without the support intimate relationship between blades of grass united into a worldwide and through its of a sound organization. How- India and America would augur rope could restrain even a mad branches does commendable ever, changing the hearts of well for the world. elephant. He wrote to Swami work. Ramakrishna Movement Brahmananda, referring to the has been spreading through- Ramakrishna Mission, “Set up out the world. In India there such a machine as will go on is no other multi-dimensional automatically, no matter who monastic organization as large dies or lives.” (C.W. Vol. VIII p. as Ramakrishna Mission. 456) Ramakrishna Mission owes It is the pooling of people’s its success to the Western talents, skills, energies and idea of organization. Vive- resources that in turn creates kananda had he not gone to massive power and that power the West and observed keenly can benefit common people on the cause of the stupendous a larger scale. Organization progress of other half of the is necessary either in secular world, the Ramakrishna Mis- or religious field. In commer- sion perhaps would not have cial field we know about giant come into existence. Indians multinational corporations and lacked the sense of working Belur Math their immense work. It was the together, sharing together for The Headquarters of Ramakrishna Math and Mission genius of Vivekananda to ap- a common cause. Saints and ply the concept of organiza- reformers have appeared from tion, and modern management time to time in the past and in spiritual field and harvest its worked individually in limited

13 Swami Vivekananda It was during his wanderings tell Swami Turiyananda of it, at the Parliament of Religions in Kathiawar towards the close “Haribhai, I am going to Amer- of 1891 that Swamiji came to ica. Whatever you hear of as know of the Parliament of Reli- happening there (at the Par- Dr P Achuthan gions for the first time. Instinc- liament of Religions) is all for tively, he felt an urge to partici- this. For this (me) alone eve- he triumph of Swami in-man to be an integral part of pate in it and soon the thought rything is being arranged.” (4). Vivekananda at the Chi- monasticism (sannyasa-dhar- became stronger. “If someone He received some financial Tcago Parliament of Re- ma) was a notable, revolution- can help me with the passage help from the Raja of Ramnad, ligions could well be looked ary innovation in the history of money, all will be well, and I the Maharaja of Khetri, his dis- upon as a kind of watershed in Hinduism. It was practical Ve- shall go,” he told his friend and ciple who provided the Swa- inter-religious understanding danta at its noblest best. host, Haridas, in January 1892. miji “with a First class ticket, in the modern world. For one (1) He spoke about it to the rul- a handsome purse and ample thing, it certainly represented Thus, Swamiji’s participation ers of Khetri and Mysore, to the clothings.” (5). Thus equipped, the fulfillment of the Indian Re- in the Parliament of Religions Raja of Ramnad as also to his Swamiji set sail from Bombay naissance initiated by religious as the delegate representing disciples of Madras like Alasin- on the 31 May1893. reformers like Raja Ram Mo- Hinduism was of far-reaching ga Perumal. However, he had han Roy, Swami Dayanand and consequence. Yet, it would ap- not made up his mind because He reached Chicago on 30 Justice Ranade. For another, pear as if he had attended it as he was not sure whether it was July, but was taken aback it was Swamiji’s astonishing an ‘uninvited guest’! He had only his desire or God’s wish. when he learnt that the Par- success at the Parliament that neither received any formal He was waiting for the signal liament was to begin only in paved the way for the Ram- invitation from any organiza- from God. September and that only those akrishna movement to come tion from Chicago, nor had he with proper credentials would into being. The Ramakishna reached there armed with any And it did come one day not be admitted as delegates to Math and Mission, in its turn, credentials from any Hindu or- long afterwards when “the it. A coloured man in strange were to be the first religious ganization in India. In fact, he Swami had a symbolic dream clothes from far-off India, institution to carry on its activi- did not even know when the in which Sri Ramakrishna Swamiji was like a lost child, a ties on the lines of a modern Parliament was to begin! It walked out into the sea and perfect stranger puzzled by the organization. It also marked would seem that the Swamiji beckoned him to follow.” (2). dazzling material prosperity of the beginning of Hindu monks ventured to go to America on This greatly pleased him and the New World. He was with- and missionaries sent across the strength of some hearsay when he received also the out a friend and fast becoming land and sea as preachers, or rumour – so meager was blessings of the Holy Mother, penniless. Soon, he was on the Buddhist practice revived his preparation for taking such the matter was finally settled. a train to the less expensive after a lapse of nearly twen- a momentous step in his life. Dancing with joy like a child, city of Boston and it so hap- tyfive centuries! Above all the And yet, he not only represent- he told his Madras disciples, pened that a fellow-passenger, inclusion of Daridra-Narayana- ed Hinduism but also came out “ yes now to the West, to the Miss Katherine Osborne, a puja or service to the sick and of the Parliament as its hero- West! Now I am ready…. The rich society lady of Boston in- the suffering, the poor and the figure! which was nothing short Mother herself has spoken.” vited Swamiji to be her guest needy as worship of the God- of a miracle. (3). In fact, he was so sure of throughout his stay in the city. his success in America as to It was a godsend and Swamiji

14 Swami Vivekananda It was during his wanderings tell Swami Turiyananda of it, at the Parliament of Religions in Kathiawar towards the close “Haribhai, I am going to Amer- of 1891 that Swamiji came to ica. Whatever you hear of as know of the Parliament of Reli- happening there (at the Par- Dr P Achuthan gions for the first time. Instinc- liament of Religions) is all for tively, he felt an urge to partici- this. For this (me) alone eve- he triumph of Swami in-man to be an integral part of pate in it and soon the thought rything is being arranged.” (4). Vivekananda at the Chi- monasticism (sannyasa-dhar- became stronger. “If someone He received some financial Tcago Parliament of Re- ma) was a notable, revolution- can help me with the passage help from the Raja of Ramnad, ligions could well be looked ary innovation in the history of money, all will be well, and I the Maharaja of Khetri, his dis- upon as a kind of watershed in Hinduism. It was practical Ve- shall go,” he told his friend and ciple who provided the Swa- inter-religious understanding danta at its noblest best. host, Haridas, in January 1892. miji “with a First class ticket, in the modern world. For one (1) He spoke about it to the rul- a handsome purse and ample thing, it certainly represented Thus, Swamiji’s participation ers of Khetri and Mysore, to the clothings.” (5). Thus equipped, the fulfillment of the Indian Re- in the Parliament of Religions Raja of Ramnad as also to his Swamiji set sail from Bombay naissance initiated by religious as the delegate representing disciples of Madras like Alasin- on the 31 May1893. reformers like Raja Ram Mo- Hinduism was of far-reaching ga Perumal. However, he had han Roy, Swami Dayanand and consequence. Yet, it would ap- not made up his mind because He reached Chicago on 30 Justice Ranade. For another, pear as if he had attended it as he was not sure whether it was July, but was taken aback it was Swamiji’s astonishing an ‘uninvited guest’! He had only his desire or God’s wish. when he learnt that the Par- success at the Parliament that neither received any formal He was waiting for the signal liament was to begin only in paved the way for the Ram- invitation from any organiza- from God. September and that only those akrishna movement to come tion from Chicago, nor had he with proper credentials would into being. The Ramakishna reached there armed with any And it did come one day not be admitted as delegates to Math and Mission, in its turn, credentials from any Hindu or- long afterwards when “the it. A coloured man in strange were to be the first religious ganization in India. In fact, he Swami had a symbolic dream clothes from far-off India, institution to carry on its activi- did not even know when the in which Sri Ramakrishna Swamiji was like a lost child, a ties on the lines of a modern Parliament was to begin! It walked out into the sea and perfect stranger puzzled by the organization. It also marked would seem that the Swamiji beckoned him to follow.” (2). dazzling material prosperity of the beginning of Hindu monks ventured to go to America on This greatly pleased him and the New World. He was with- and missionaries sent across the strength of some hearsay when he received also the out a friend and fast becoming land and sea as preachers, or rumour – so meager was blessings of the Holy Mother, penniless. Soon, he was on the Buddhist practice revived his preparation for taking such the matter was finally settled. a train to the less expensive after a lapse of nearly twen- a momentous step in his life. Dancing with joy like a child, city of Boston and it so hap- tyfive centuries! Above all the And yet, he not only represent- he told his Madras disciples, pened that a fellow-passenger, inclusion of Daridra-Narayana- ed Hinduism but also came out “ yes now to the West, to the Miss Katherine Osborne, a puja or service to the sick and of the Parliament as its hero- West! Now I am ready…. The rich society lady of Boston in- the suffering, the poor and the figure! which was nothing short Mother herself has spoken.” vited Swamiji to be her guest needy as worship of the God- of a miracle. (3). In fact, he was so sure of throughout his stay in the city. his success in America as to It was a godsend and Swamiji

15 gladly accepted it. gether.” (7). Returning to Chi- mother,’ who took him to her in fact, he had no experience cago, Swamiji found to his house for bath and breakfast of public speaking at all. Nor Through Miss Osborne, Swa- horror that he had lost the let- and then took him to the of- had he prepared short lecture miji became acquainted with ter as well as the address of fice of the Parliament. She notes as the other speakers Prof John Wright of Harvard the office of the Parliament. returned home after Swam- had done. All that he had was to whom he spoke of his prob- Friendless and dejected, he iji was safely accommodated stage fright in an ample meas- lem of credentials. To this, the had to spend that cold night in with the other oriental dele- ure! But hardly had he fin- Professor’s reply was, ‘To ask a big box in the railway freight gates to the Parliament. ished speaking the endearing you, Swamiji, for your creden- yard. When he begged for address of five words – “Sis- tials is like asking the sun to food the next morning, he was The Parliament of Religions ters and Brothers of America” state his right to shine.”(6). rudely driven away from every which was held from the 11th – when the entire audience He then gave his letter of in- door. Tired and hungry, he sat to the 27th of September of “seven thousand people

troduction addressed to the down under a tree by the road- 1893 opened in the Colum- rose to their feet as a tribute Chairman of the Parliament side resigning himself to God’s bus Hall which seated more to something, they knew not in which he chose to describe grace which came to him in the than six thousand educated, what.” (8). The power and Swamiji thus, “Here is a man form of a lady of regal bearing enlightened men and women. charm of the ‘panchakshari who is more learned than all offering help. She was Mrs Swamiji had never before mantra’ that Swamiji then our learned professors put to- George W Hale, ‘my American faced such a huge audience; chanted laid such an irresist-

16 gladly accepted it. gether.” (7). Returning to Chi- mother,’ who took him to her in fact, he had no experience cago, Swamiji found to his house for bath and breakfast of public speaking at all. Nor Through Miss Osborne, Swa- horror that he had lost the let- and then took him to the of- had he prepared short lecture miji became acquainted with ter as well as the address of fice of the Parliament. She notes as the other speakers Prof John Wright of Harvard the office of the Parliament. returned home after Swam- had done. All that he had was to whom he spoke of his prob- Friendless and dejected, he iji was safely accommodated stage fright in an ample meas- lem of credentials. To this, the had to spend that cold night in with the other oriental dele- ure! But hardly had he fin- Professor’s reply was, ‘To ask a big box in the railway freight gates to the Parliament. ished speaking the endearing you, Swamiji, for your creden- yard. When he begged for address of five words – “Sis- tials is like asking the sun to food the next morning, he was The Parliament of Religions ters and Brothers of America” state his right to shine.”(6). rudely driven away from every which was held from the 11th – when the entire audience He then gave his letter of in- door. Tired and hungry, he sat to the 27th of September of “seven thousand people

17 ible, indefinable enchantment Nothing would prevent us from Even a surface analysis of at the root of all troubles. This on the soul of the audience coming to the conclusion that Swamiji’s six lectures given would end, Swamiji pointed that the listeners were moved it was the invisible hand of Sri at the Parliament of Religions out only with God-realisation to give a standing ovation to Ramakrishna that guided the would show that he was inter- when all quarrels and contro- Swamiji for full two minutes! Swamiji through all the vicissi- preting his Master’s teachings versies in the name of God tudes from near-defeat to glori- to the West effectively and in an would be found hollow and With his opening speech last- ous success. It was the same idiom intelligible to them. In the futile. This was just an eluci- ing less than five minutes, the hand that beckoned Swamiji very first address delivered on dation of the Master’s parable nameless monk from India be- to follow and took him safely 11 September, Swamiji struck of the strange creature on the came the world-famous Swa- to America. In fact, the work the keynote of all his lectures tree – the chameleon. On the mi Vivekananda. The morning entrusted to him was to spread to follow, namely the spirit of 19th Swamiji read read A Pa- newspapers hailed him as “an the message of his Master universality, religious harmo- per on Hinduism on the Vedic orator by divine right” while Sis- which was the same as ‘doing ny and tolerance breathed by religion. The Vedas, he ex- ter Nivedita assessed it thus, the work of the Mother’, as he the world’s most ancient reli- plained, were “ the accumu- “.. when he began to speak, it put it. And it was to carry out gion, Hinduism, the mother of lated treasury of spiritual laws” was of ‘the religious ideas of this life’s mission that Sri Ram- all religions which he had the the eternal laws” that govern the Hindus,’ but when he end- akrishna led his wonderful and honour to represent. The Hin- the spiritual world, the moral, ed, Hinduism had been cre- worthy instrument up the steps dus believed, he declared, that ethical and spiritual relations ated.”( 9). What he did, in fact, to the podium of the Parliament the followers of the different between soul and soul and be- “was to proclaim the charter of of Religions. And the message faiths, choosing different paths tween individual spirits and the Neo-Hinduism”… (10). Was it that rang out from the six lec- according to their tastes and Father of all spirits,” muck like not a miracle that the Swamiji tures that he delivered there tendencies, would finally reach the laws of nature, beginning with his maiden speech lasting was the conclusions reached the One God called by many -less and endless. less than five minutes should by the Parliament of Religions names, even as the many riv- become the hero-figure in the held under the banyan tree at ers flowing straight or crooked The religion of the Vedas Parliament of Religions? Was it Dakshineshwar by Sri Ram- would fall into the sea. Here, taught us that the highest goal not an incredible achievement akrishna in his own life some Swamiji was only paraphras- of human life was to realize the that the Hindu delegate with three decades earlier, namely, ing Sri Ramakrishna’s pithy divinity inherent in us. Swamiji no credential from any Hindu universality and harmony of statement, “as many paths, so declared, “…. The Hindu refus- organization should become religions. Swamiji’s success in many faiths.” es to call you sinners. We are the honoured world-teacher Chicago was just their natural the children of God, the shar- of Vedanta over-night? Appar- extension - the world’s recog- The second lecture that Swa- ers of immortal bliss, holy and ently, it was so, most undoubt- nition and acceptance of those miji gave on 15 September perfect beings. Ye divinities on edly; but if we cared to go a bit conclusions. Therefore, it was dealt with the ‘frog in the well’ earth – sinners! It is a sin to deeper into the matter, it would both factual and reasonable attitude of the religious leaders call a man so it is standing libel be found that this was the only to conclude that the unseen which was the cause of all the on human nature. Come up, O natural outcome of all the tri- hand of Sri Ramakrishna was bigotry, intolerance and fanati- lions, and shake off the delu- als that Swamiji had to face Swamiji’s strength and support cism in the world. The narrow- sion that you are sheep; you from time to time ever since he at every step and in all his dif- ness of ‘my religion and my are souls immortal, spirits free, reached Chicago. ficulties. God alone, and no other’ was blest and eternal ….” (12). Its

18 ible, indefinable enchantment Nothing would prevent us from Even a surface analysis of at the root of all troubles. This on the soul of the audience coming to the conclusion that Swamiji’s six lectures given would end, Swamiji pointed that the listeners were moved it was the invisible hand of Sri at the Parliament of Religions out only with God-realisation to give a standing ovation to Ramakrishna that guided the would show that he was inter- when all quarrels and contro- Swamiji for full two minutes! Swamiji through all the vicissi- preting his Master’s teachings versies in the name of God tudes from near-defeat to glori- to the West effectively and in an would be found hollow and With his opening speech last- ous success. It was the same idiom intelligible to them. In the futile. This was just an eluci- ing less than five minutes, the hand that beckoned Swamiji very first address delivered on dation of the Master’s parable nameless monk from India be- to follow and took him safely 11 September, Swamiji struck of the strange creature on the came the world-famous Swa- to America. In fact, the work the keynote of all his lectures tree – the chameleon. On the mi Vivekananda. The morning entrusted to him was to spread to follow, namely the spirit of 19th Swamiji read read A Pa- newspapers hailed him as “an the message of his Master universality, religious harmo- per on Hinduism on the Vedic orator by divine right” while Sis- which was the same as ‘doing ny and tolerance breathed by religion. The Vedas, he ex- ter Nivedita assessed it thus, the work of the Mother’, as he the world’s most ancient reli- plained, were “ the accumu- “.. when he began to speak, it put it. And it was to carry out gion, Hinduism, the mother of lated treasury of spiritual laws” was of ‘the religious ideas of this life’s mission that Sri Ram- all religions which he had the the eternal laws” that govern the Hindus,’ but when he end- akrishna led his wonderful and honour to represent. The Hin- the spiritual world, the moral, ed, Hinduism had been cre- worthy instrument up the steps dus believed, he declared, that ethical and spiritual relations ated.”( 9). What he did, in fact, to the podium of the Parliament the followers of the different between soul and soul and be- “was to proclaim the charter of of Religions. And the message faiths, choosing different paths tween individual spirits and the Neo-Hinduism”… (10). Was it that rang out from the six lec- according to their tastes and Father of all spirits,” muck like not a miracle that the Swamiji tures that he delivered there tendencies, would finally reach the laws of nature, beginning with his maiden speech lasting was the conclusions reached the One God called by many -less and endless. less than five minutes should by the Parliament of Religions names, even as the many riv- become the hero-figure in the held under the banyan tree at ers flowing straight or crooked The religion of the Vedas Parliament of Religions? Was it Dakshineshwar by Sri Ram- would fall into the sea. Here, taught us that the highest goal not an incredible achievement akrishna in his own life some Swamiji was only paraphras- of human life was to realize the that the Hindu delegate with three decades earlier, namely, ing Sri Ramakrishna’s pithy divinity inherent in us. Swamiji no credential from any Hindu universality and harmony of statement, “as many paths, so declared, “…. The Hindu refus- organization should become religions. Swamiji’s success in many faiths.” es to call you sinners. We are the honoured world-teacher Chicago was just their natural the children of God, the shar- of Vedanta over-night? Appar- extension - the world’s recog- The second lecture that Swa- ers of immortal bliss, holy and ently, it was so, most undoubt- nition and acceptance of those miji gave on 15 September perfect beings. Ye divinities on edly; but if we cared to go a bit conclusions. Therefore, it was dealt with the ‘frog in the well’ earth – sinners! It is a sin to deeper into the matter, it would both factual and reasonable attitude of the religious leaders call a man so it is standing libel be found that this was the only to conclude that the unseen which was the cause of all the on human nature. Come up, O natural outcome of all the tri- hand of Sri Ramakrishna was bigotry, intolerance and fanati- lions, and shake off the delu- als that Swamiji had to face Swamiji’s strength and support cism in the world. The narrow- sion that you are sheep; you from time to time ever since he at every step and in all his dif- ness of ‘my religion and my are souls immortal, spirits free, reached Chicago. ficulties. God alone, and no other’ was blest and eternal ….” (12). Its

19 realisation could be attained the followers of Krishna and preachers, for this one is dis- possible for the Parliament to only by long and intense seek- of Christ, on saints and sin- tinctly different in tone from his show that the followers of the ing through spiritual disciplines ners alike……It will be a reli- other addresses). different religions would grow and not by scholarly disputa- gion which will have no place to fullness and fruition in God- tions or religious conversions. for persecution and intoler- The fifth lecture Swamiji gave realization through their own The truth of any religion was ance in its polity….and whose on the 26th dealt with Bud- innate strength much like a to be tested on the touchstone whole scope, whose whole dhism as the fulfillment of Hin- seed growing into a plant. The of experience, of the direct force, will be centred in aiding duism. Here, he made some duty of every religionist was perception of God. And the humanity to realize its own significant points comparing to strive for this goal and not means to reach and realize true, divine nature” (14). This, the Indian and Semitic reli- to quarrel, fight and destroy God, the Swamiji pointed out, one can see, was the religion gions on the one hand and the others, for virtuous, men were many and varied deter- lived and taught by Sri Ram- Brahminism and Buddhism on of holiness and purity were to mined by the stage at which akrishna, the religion marked the other. He held the view that be found in all religions. Swa- the spiritual aspirant stood. “To by the spirit of universality and India’s slavery for a thousand miji concluded his speech with the Hindu, man is not travel- harmony. years was due to the divorce the hope and prayer that the ling from error to truth,” he de- between the head of Sankara Parliament of Religions would clared, “ but from truth to truth, The fourth address delivered and the heart of Buddha. With succeed in keeping the banner from lower to higher truth. To on 20 September was more the tremendous absolving ca- of harmony and peace aloft to him all the religions from the humanistic than religious in pacity and wonderful resilience usher in a happy, new world lowest fetishism to the highest its tone. In it, Swamiji made of Hinduism, the two were held order. absolutism, means so many it clear that what India stood in a happy harmony to form an attempts of the human soul to in need of was food for her ideal religion. It will be easy even for a cas- grasp and reach unity, and to starving bodies and not Chris- ual reader of the Ramakrish- remain free from the shackles tian preaching for her well-fed The sixth and final lecture of na-Vivekananda literature to of creedal dogmas, therefore, souls. To preach religion to Swamiji was on 27 Septem- recognize that Swamiji’s Chi- formed an essential, integral the poor, starving people, he ber 1893 at the concluding cago addresses were eloquent part of Vedanta. said, was an insult, a cruel session of the Parliament of recreations in English of the joke. He concluded his short Religions. He made use of it Universal Gospel ofSri Ram- It was here in the context of speech with the criticism that to thank the organizers, the akrishna tolerance and acceptance of it was very difficult “to get speakers and the audience, all paths leading Godward as (monetary) help for heathens for making the wonderful reli- true that Swamiji presented from Christians in a Christian gious dream come true. It was before the world audience his land.” (15) (If one may haz- References:- idea of a Universal religion: ard a guess, this lecture must 1.Swami Vivekananda: His life and Legacy, by Swami Mayavati, Pitoragarh, Himalayas, 1992, Page 12 “….if there is ever to be a uni- Tapasyananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai; 2002, 8.Ibid, page 14 have been given in answer page 62 9.Chicago addresses, Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, versal religion, it must be one to a provocative speech 2.Vivekananda: His call to the nation; Advita Ashrama, 1968, Inner cover flap. which will have no location in Mayavati, Pitoragarh, Himalayas, 1992, Page 11 10.Swami Vivekananda, Chennai, 2002,page 70 made earlier by a Chris- 3.Swami Vivekananda, Chennai, 2002, page 63 11. Chicago addresses, page 10 place or time; which will be in- tian delegate in justifica- 4.Ibid, page 64-65 12. Ibid, page 19 finite like the God it will preach, 5.Ibid, page 64 13.Ibid, page 32 tion of the useful missionary 6.Ibid, page 66 14.Ibid, page 36-37 and whose sun will shine upon work in India by the American 7.Vivekananda: His call to the nation; Advita Ashrama, 15.lbid, page 40

20 realisation could be attained the followers of Krishna and preachers, for this one is dis- possible for the Parliament to only by long and intense seek- of Christ, on saints and sin- tinctly different in tone from his show that the followers of the ing through spiritual disciplines ners alike……It will be a reli- other addresses). different religions would grow and not by scholarly disputa- gion which will have no place to fullness and fruition in God- tions or religious conversions. for persecution and intoler- The fifth lecture Swamiji gave realization through their own The truth of any religion was ance in its polity….and whose on the 26th dealt with Bud- innate strength much like a to be tested on the touchstone whole scope, whose whole dhism as the fulfillment of Hin- seed growing into a plant. The of experience, of the direct force, will be centred in aiding duism. Here, he made some duty of every religionist was perception of God. And the humanity to realize its own significant points comparing to strive for this goal and not means to reach and realize true, divine nature” (14). This, the Indian and Semitic reli- to quarrel, fight and destroy God, the Swamiji pointed out, one can see, was the religion gions on the one hand and the others, for virtuous, men were many and varied deter- lived and taught by Sri Ram- Brahminism and Buddhism on of holiness and purity were to mined by the stage at which akrishna, the religion marked the other. He held the view that be found in all religions. Swa- the spiritual aspirant stood. “To by the spirit of universality and India’s slavery for a thousand miji concluded his speech with the Hindu, man is not travel- harmony. years was due to the divorce the hope and prayer that the ling from error to truth,” he de- between the head of Sankara Parliament of Religions would clared, “ but from truth to truth, The fourth address delivered and the heart of Buddha. With succeed in keeping the banner from lower to higher truth. To on 20 September was more the tremendous absolving ca- of harmony and peace aloft to him all the religions from the humanistic than religious in pacity and wonderful resilience usher in a happy, new world lowest fetishism to the highest its tone. In it, Swamiji made of Hinduism, the two were held order. absolutism, means so many it clear that what India stood in a happy harmony to form an attempts of the human soul to in need of was food for her ideal religion. It will be easy even for a cas- grasp and reach unity, and to starving bodies and not Chris- ual reader of the Ramakrish- remain free from the shackles tian preaching for her well-fed The sixth and final lecture of na-Vivekananda literature to of creedal dogmas, therefore, souls. To preach religion to Swamiji was on 27 Septem- recognize that Swamiji’s Chi- formed an essential, integral the poor, starving people, he ber 1893 at the concluding cago addresses were eloquent part of Vedanta. said, was an insult, a cruel session of the Parliament of recreations in English of the joke. He concluded his short Religions. He made use of it Universal Gospel ofSri Ram- It was here in the context of speech with the criticism that to thank the organizers, the akrishna tolerance and acceptance of it was very difficult “to get speakers and the audience, all paths leading Godward as (monetary) help for heathens for making the wonderful reli- true that Swamiji presented from Christians in a Christian gious dream come true. It was before the world audience his land.” (15) (If one may haz- References:- idea of a Universal religion: ard a guess, this lecture must 1.Swami Vivekananda: His life and Legacy, by Swami Mayavati, Pitoragarh, Himalayas, 1992, Page 12 “….if there is ever to be a uni- Tapasyananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai; 2002, 8.Ibid, page 14 have been given in answer page 62 9.Chicago addresses, Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, versal religion, it must be one to a provocative speech 2.Vivekananda: His call to the nation; Advita Ashrama, 1968, Inner cover flap. which will have no location in Mayavati, Pitoragarh, Himalayas, 1992, Page 11 10.Swami Vivekananda, Chennai, 2002,page 70 made earlier by a Chris- 3.Swami Vivekananda, Chennai, 2002, page 63 11. Chicago addresses, page 10 place or time; which will be in- tian delegate in justifica- 4.Ibid, page 64-65 12. Ibid, page 19 finite like the God it will preach, 5.Ibid, page 64 13.Ibid, page 32 tion of the useful missionary 6.Ibid, page 66 14.Ibid, page 36-37 and whose sun will shine upon work in India by the American 7.Vivekananda: His call to the nation; Advita Ashrama, 15.lbid, page 40

21 Sarada KG “We Can Do It” nnovation has been a key driving force of Sarada IKindergarten since its in- ception 20 years ago. During the current academic year, it took a bold step forward with its “Setting our own Goals” as the Innovation Project – a goal inspired by Swami Vive- kananda’s saying, “Stop Not Till The Goal is Reached.” In this project, explained Swa- mi Muktirupananda, President of the Ramakrishna Mission, each child sets and perseveres to achieve his or her goal. “I am very happy to inform you Mr. Kesavapani that this project has won us the Distinction Award,” added the Swami in his address at the 20th Annual Graduation cum Concert on 29 September. Noting that the 2011-12 has been another year of achievements for Sara- da, he detailed them:

1. Distinction Award for Out- The facsimile of a hand-written forward from Dr. Sukarno, for- standing Kindergarten Teacher. mer President of Indonesia, to “Voice of Vivekananda” published by the Indian community in Indonesia in 1963 to com- 2. Merit Award for Outstanding memorate the 100th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Innovation. During the 25 years he was in prision or exile, Dr Sukarno dived deep into the works of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vive- At the function all the chil- kananda and drew considerable inspiration from their lives. dren received their cer- Swami Muktirupananda tificates from Guest of

22 Sarada KG “We Can Do It” nnovation has been a key driving force of Sarada IKindergarten since its in- ception 20 years ago. During the current academic year, it took a bold step forward with its “Setting our own Goals” as the Innovation Project – a goal inspired by Swami Vive- kananda’s saying, “Stop Not Till The Goal is Reached.” In this project, explained Swa- mi Muktirupananda, President of the Ramakrishna Mission, each child sets and perseveres to achieve his or her goal. “I am very happy to inform you Mr. Kesavapani that this project has won us the Distinction Award,” added the Swami in his address at the 20th Annual Graduation cum Concert on 29 September. Noting that the 2011-12 has been another year of achievements for Sara- da, he detailed them:

23 Honour, Mr K. Kesavapani, Sin- It was not all play though. The gapore’s Ambassador to Jordan. Tamil drama “Nammaal mudi- yum” (We can do it) dealt with In brief remarks, Mr Kesavapa- a social theme that is the topic ni recalled his long association of frequent discussion in the with the Ramakrishna Mission. community – whether there is a He said he was happy to note gulf between the English-fluent that from all the three angles youngsters and the dialect- – the care and attention given speaking older generation. to the children, their academic progress and the welfare of A pair of grand parents visiting teachers – Sarada had contin- the son’s family find the children ued to maintain high standards. very much at home in English He wished the children the very but shy with Tamil because of best in a challenging world. the lack of fluency. The children also developed some complex Earlier in the day all the 164 in school with classmates flu- graduating children took part ent in Tamil. They sought the in the hour-long concert which help of the grandparents who included songs and English not only conversed with them and Tamil dramas. A rousing in Tamil but also narrated sev- demonstration of martial arts by eral interesting stories in Ta- well-trained children in glittering mil which spurred their inter- attire was greeted by the audi- est in the language further. ence with prolonged applause.

24 Honour, Mr K. Kesavapani, Sin- It was not all play though. The gapore’s Ambassador to Jordan. Tamil drama “Nammaal mudi- yum” (We can do it) dealt with In brief remarks, Mr Kesavapa- a social theme that is the topic ni recalled his long association of frequent discussion in the with the Ramakrishna Mission. community – whether there is a He said he was happy to note gulf between the English-fluent that from all the three angles youngsters and the dialect- – the care and attention given speaking older generation. to the children, their academic progress and the welfare of A pair of grand parents visiting teachers – Sarada had contin- the son’s family find the children ued to maintain high standards. very much at home in English He wished the children the very but shy with Tamil because of best in a challenging world. the lack of fluency. The children also developed some complex Earlier in the day all the 164 in school with classmates flu- graduating children took part ent in Tamil. They sought the in the hour-long concert which help of the grandparents who included songs and English not only conversed with them and Tamil dramas. A rousing in Tamil but also narrated sev- demonstration of martial arts by eral interesting stories in Ta- well-trained children in glittering mil which spurred their inter- attire was greeted by the audi- est in the language further. ence with prolonged applause. Ramakrishna MissionWishes all our Readers, Members and Devotees a Happy, Peaceful and Contended New Year 2013

25 FESTIVAL CALENDER (Jan 2013 - Mar 2013) TEMPLE PROGRAMME Daily Jan 2013 6.00am Mangalarati 9.00am Puja 01 Tuesday Kalpataru Day 7.00pm Evening Arati & Bhajan 04 Friday Birthday of Sri Sarada Devi Ekadashi 08 Tuesday Birthday of Swami Shivananda 6.15pm Vishnu Sahasranamam 08 Tuesday Ekadashi 7.00pm Arati followed by Rama-Nama 17 Thursday Birthday of Swami Saradananda Sankirtanam 22 Tuesday Ekadashi 26 Saturday Birthday of Swami Turiyananda DISCOURSES and CLASSES Saturdays Feb 2013 5.00pm Religious-Bhajan & Cultural Classes For Children (Temple hall – I level) 03 Sunday Birthday of Swami Vivekananda 6.00pm Study of the Bhagavad Gita 06 Wednesday Ekadashi by Swami Satyalokananda (Library) 12 Tuesday Birthday of Swami Brahmananda 7.30pm Vedic Chanting & Bhajan Class 14 Thursday Birthday of (Temple) Swami Trigunatitananda Sundays 21 Thursday Ekadashi 9.30am Yoga Class (Sarada Hall) 25 Monday Birthday of Swami Adbhutanandai 4.00pm Sanskrit Language Classes (Library) Mar 2013 5.00pm Discourse on “Svetasvatara Upanishad” by Swami Samachittananda 08 Friday Ekadashi (Temple hall – I level) 10 Sunday Maha Shiva-Ratri 6.00pm Discourse on “Narada Bhakti Sutras” 13 Wednesday Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna by Swami Muktirupananda 23 Saturday Ekadashi (Sarada Hall) 27 Wednesday Birthday of Sri Chaitanya Deva