JUNE 2014 - Volume 12 Number 06

日本ヴェダンタ協会ニュースレター The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter

NEWS, UPDATES AND MISCELLANY FROM THE VEDANTA SOCIETY OF

JULY Calendar z z Thus Spake "Don't be afraid. Human birth is full of suffering and one has to endure every- thing patiently, taking the name of God. None, not even God in human form, can escape the sufferings of body and mind." - Sri Sarada Devi

Sage Vyasa “No one should abandon duties because he sees defects in them. Every action, every activity, is surrounded by defects as a fire is surrounded by smoke.” Birthdays - Sri Krishna

Guru Purnima Saturday, 12 July ’s 150th Birth Anniversary Swami Ramakrishnananda Concluding Celebration Held in Japan Thursday, 24 July On Sunday, May 25, 2014, the Vedanta Society of Japan officially Kyokai Events brought its exhaustive year-long calendar of events commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Math and Mission founder, • June Zushi Retreat • Swami Vivekananda, to a concise and enthusiastic close. With the con- tinued support of the Indian Embassy of Japan and in collaboration with NEW DATE Seisen University, the Closing Ceremony was held in Seisen’s spacious 2nd Sunday in July auditorium with doors opening at 15:30. Admission was free. 13 July 10:30AM

• Summer Retreat • For weeks prior Swami Medhasananda, President, Vedanta Society of Japan (Nippon Vedanta Kyokai) managed the teams of volunteers in Wakayama Prefecture planning the myriad of details involved in scheduling, preparing, deliver- Mount Kōya Nannin ing and setting up of so many items, including the many speaker transla- At Kōyasan Shingon-shū tion overheads, spotlights, audio and video systems, table settings, spe- July 19~21 cial release packages, bouquets, etc., and of course, the musicians, Talk by dancers and singers perfecting their performances. Swami Medhasananda (con’t page 2) “The Practice of Karma Yoga” In this Issue: ... page 7 Address: • Thus Spake … page 1 • Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth An- 680 Koyasan, niversary Concluding Celebration Wel- • Monthly Calendar … page 1 Koya, Ito District, come Address by Swami Medhasananda Wakayama 648-0211 • Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth ... page 8 Contact Zushi Centre to Anniversary Concluding Celebration • Thought of the Month ... page 9 Sign Up Today! Held in Japan ... page 1 • Message from Revered Swami • News Briefs ... page 12 nnn Atmasthanandaji, President, Rama- krishna Math & • A Story to Remember ... page 13 The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 1 of 13 150th Close (from page1) Promptly at 16:00 the stage curtain opened to seated speakers center stage- In the foyer a provisional bookstore offering right and -left; downstage-left a life-sized, discounted Ramakrishna-Vivekananda lit- framed, colour photo of Swami erature in both Japanese and English, an Vivekananda adorned with beautifully ar- assortment of altar photographs, audio cas- ranged bouquets stood; at upstage right settes and CDs, incense, etc., was manned the team of English- and Japanese- MCs by multilingual volunteers. A photo exhibit began their introductions as a pair of covering all the Society’s events and col- swamis and pairs of male and female laborations of the yearlong celebrations of devotees dressed in kurta and sari bowed Swamiji’s 150th Birth Anniversary was also to the audience and to Swami set up opposite the bookstore. A reception Vivekananda, who then offered Vedic desk was centrally set up to provide each Peace Prayers to commence the event. attendee with a programme, a special edi- Special bouquets were offered to all the tion of the Society’s magazine, ‘The Univer- guests by children of the Society, and spe- sal Gospel, plus a copy of ‘Arise and cial guest speaker Swami Suhitanandaji, Awake,’ a booklet compilation of Swamiji’s General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and inspiring messages and a copy of ‘Anec- Mission, was assisted by Swami Medhas- dotes of the Life of Swami Vivekananda, ananda in offering a bouquet to the portrait both of the latter are bilingual editions. (con’t page 3)

Bouquet Offering Guest Bouquets

The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 2 of 13 Swami Medhasanandaji Welcome Sister Shioya Welcome

150th Close (from page 2) Kyokai newsletter.] Sister Junko Shioya, Chairperson, Managing Board of Seisen photo of Swami Vivekananda, the cere- University, next offered a brief welcome on mony’s very special honoree. behalf of Seisen University highlighting words from Swami Vivekananda that par- At center stage-left sat special guest ticularly impressed her and her thoughts speakers, Smt. Deepa Goplan Wadhwa, on the need for religious ideas to help the Ambassador of and Swami Suhi- peoples of Asia and the world over. tanandaji. The the table opposite was shared by guest speaker Professor Sen- A message from Swami Atmasthanandaji, gaku Mayeda, Director, Hajime Nakamura President, Ramakrishna Math and Ra- Eastern Institute and Professor Emeritus, makrishna Mission [presented in the June Tokyo University, and Swami Medhasan- issue of The Vedanta Kyokai newsletter] anda. After the special guests were intro- was read by Swami Subhakarananda, who duced, MCs Kathy Matsui of Seisen Uni- had accompanied Swami Suhitanandaji versity (English) and Ms. Satsuki Yokota from Ramakrishna Math and Mission (Japanese) invited Swami Medhasananda headquarters in Belur, India. Vedanta So- to give the Welcome Address. ciety Secretary, Mr. Kenichi Mitamura, then read the message received by the Society Swami’s Address highlighted the many from Japanese Prime Minister Shintaro events and achievements of the year-long Abe wishing the success of the Society’s calendar of events held across the Japa- commemorative functions in Japan at the nese archipelago, including collaborations 150th launch in June 2013 [See the June with the recently established Ramakrishna 2013 issue of The Vedanta Kyokai]. Vedanta Society of the Philippines and the newly formed Vedanta Society of South Next Swami Suhitanandaji was called up- Korea. [This speech is presented in its en- on to release a special book entitled, tirety in the June issue of The Vedanta (con’t page 4)

Suhitanandaji Release Ambassdor Release

The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 3 of 13 Medhasanandaji Release Prof. Maeda Release

150th Close (from page 3) Christian’s church and kneel before the crucifix; I shall enter the Buddhist temple, ‘Ancedotes in the Life of Swami where I shall take refuge in the Buddha Vivekananda’ translated into Japanese. and in his Law. I shall go into the forest Ambassor Wadhwa then released a spe- and sit down in meditation with the Hindu, cial issue of the Society’s bi-monthly who is trying to see the Light that enlight- magazine, The Universal Gospel. Profes- ens the heart of everyone.” Ambassador sor Mayeda then released the Japanese Wadhwa also noted that Swamiji had en- language booklet, Okakura Tenshin and visaged close links between Japan and Swami Vivekananda and Swami Medhas- India based on the “common cultural val- ananda released a new Japanese edition ues and beliefs” before her concluding of Karma Yoga. Three speeches and sev- salutations. eral tributes were then offered. Dr. was then introduced. The first speaker was Her Excellency Smt. Professor Mayeda has an extensive aca- Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Ambassdor of demic curriculum vitae. After graduation India, who greeted the audience and all from Tokyo University and a Ph.D from distinguished guests and shared two main Pennsylvania University he became a pro- thoughts on the Celebration. Firstly, she fessor of at Tokyo Uni- wondered if “the celebrations of the life of versity until retirement in 1991. He cur- one of the greatest savants of modern rently serves as President of Nakamura times can ever really conclude,” and was Hajime Eastern Institute in Tokyo. His talk pleased that Swami Medhasananda had was on time spent in India with his young agreed with her on this point. She went on family and the interesting, meetings, trav- to note Swamiji’s accomplishments in up- els and research on Sri Shankara that led lifting his nation, while at the same time to introspection on Swami Vivekananda. expounding “incontrovertible beliefs ap- The professor concluded his remarks by pealing to the highest sensibilities of all quoting the iconic speech Swamiji gave on mankind.” These included absolute “re- September 11, 1893 at the first World Par- spect for the religions of others.” This led liament of Religions in Chicago addressing to her second point, saying she was struck the audience; “Sisters and Brothers of by the multi-religious nature of the gather- America ...” [Professor Mayeda’s complete ing and cited Swamiji’s role in fostering, remarks will be presented in the August “tolerance and mutual understanding in the Issue of ‘The Vedanta Kyokai’ newsletter.] world.” She then quoted Swamiji again, “I accept all religions that were in the past, Next Revered Swami Suhitanandaji was and worship with them all; I worship God invited to address the assembly. After of- with every one of them, in whatever form fering greetings to the many dignitaries in they worship Him. I shall go to the mosque attendance, he offered his profound thanks of the Mohammedan; I shall enter the (con’t page 5)

The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 4 of 13 Swami Suhitanandaji Ambassador Wadhwa

150th Close (from page 4) “stands as testimony to the monumental contributions this great icon made to the to the Japanese devotees for taking such world.” great and loving care of ‘our’ brother monk Swami Medhasanda. [The full text of Next Swami Sadyojaatah of the ‘Art of Liv- Swami Suhitananadaji’s prepared com- ing’ Foundation began by chanting a vedic ments will be presented in the July issue of peace prayer. He then stated that life is a ‘The Vedanta Kyokai.’] He then told of a complex gift to us and offered some ex- brief hospital stay wherein he got the book amples saying that Swami Vivekananda’s entitled ‘Ideals of the East: The Spirit of teachings are most valuable for the youth Japanese Art’ written by Kakuzo Okakura of the world as they offer eternal solutions. (Tenshin) and he reflected on some of the ‘He has left the young with a dream, and if points Tenshin makes and tied them in with we carry this dream in our hearts, there is the ideals and the early connections of the no other way than progress in the world.’ Ramakrishna Mission. Suhitanandaji then The swami noted that Indian philosophy pursued the relevance of Swami was once considered superstition and that Vivekananda 150 years after his birth and Vivekananda presented these ideas with a offered brief descriptions of Swamiji’s con- practical and scientific approach, giving tributions in the crucial fields of harmony, them their rightful place in the world. He human society, religion, service and went on to say that in the traditions of Ve- peace. He then quoted several world danta, Yoga and Sanatana Dharma lie all thinkers on the impact Swamiji had on the solutions for the problems and ills of them, before closing his remarks. today’s world.

Several distinguished guests were then The Reverend Hakuei Yamaguchi of the asked to give a few remarks on Swami Nounin-ji Temple in Chiba followed. The Vivekananda, first was a message by His Reverend spoke as if addressing Swami Excellency Masud Bin Momen of Ambas- Vivekananda himself. He began by offering sador of Bangladesh, who was unable to his heartfelt gratitude to Swamiji for having attend, read in his stead by Bangladeshi inspired and encouraged him to this very and 150th Celebration Committee mem- day. Having experienced the transience of ber, Mr. Sukhen Brahma. life at 18 years old, he read a quote from the Buddha stating: “I alone am honored in This was followed by His Excellency Ma- heaven and on earth” and decided to re- dan Kumar Bhattarai, Ambassdor of Nepal nounce the world and become a Zen offering a brief summary on that which im- monk. He then told of meeting an ascetic pressed him most about Swamiji. In clos- monk who introduced him to Swamiji’s ing he noted that as one who had visited message. He confessed that although he Belur Math often, he said that the Ra- did not accept Swamiji at that time, he makrishna Mission founded by Swamiji (con’t page 6) The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 5 of 13 Attentive Audience Vedanta/Kailas Chorus

150th Close (from page 5) civilizations, and sent entire nations to de- spair. Had it not been for these demons, later came to appreciate and even devel- human society would be far more ad- oped a firm belief that Swamiji “never vanced than it is now.” He ended his re- ceased to shower” his “divine protection” marks saying the world today needs the on him. Reverend Yamaguchi said that miracle of more people like Swami Swamiji’s words that have most fortified Vivekananda. him are: “I do not believe in reform. I be- lieve in the enhancement of the spirit.” He The last speaker was Mr. Ryuko Hira of stated that Swamiji was indeed a “Great the Institute of Sathya Sai Education and Bodhisattva of Mahayana Buddism” and the Honorary President of the Indian asked for Vivekananda’s continued bless- Chamber of Commerce. He began his re- ings in reaching worth goals and aspira- marks by stating what an honour it was to tions. be the last speaker on this occasion. He offered his “loving and prayerful salutations Next Father Cyril Veliath, a Jesuit Father on behalf of the ISSE’s teachers at the Di- and professor at Sophia University in To- vine Lotus Feet of Swami Vivekananda. kyo, greeted all and noted he first read of He told a little of his involvement and sup- Swami Vivekananda as a university stu- port with projects of the Vedanta Society of dent and was amazed to learn Swamiji Japan. Regarding education he quoted had translated a few paragraphs of the Swamiji, “Vidya (correct knowledge) with- 15th century ‘Imitation of Christ’ into Ben- out Sraddha (perseverance) is futile” say- gali. He praised Swamiji’s dedication to the ing that while present day Japanese youth idea that “religion should not remain as misplace their Sraddha resulting in weak- something theoretical or abstract.” He then ness and loss of faith in themselves. To quoted HIs Holiness Pope Francis speak- rebuild a stronger Japan, Vidya with Srad- ing on the suffering of millions: “Human dha is the only way to success for the rights are violated not only by terrorism, youth. repression, or assassination, but also by unfair economic structures that create At the close of Mr. Hira’s remarks the MCs huge inequalities.” Father Veliath then said announced a ten-minute tea break and that the Pope’s words echo the wisdom of urged all 400 attendees to take advantage Swami Vivekananda who more than 100 of the discounts at the bookstore in the years earlier in Chicago said: “Sectarian- auditorium foyer while the stage was being ism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, prepared for the cultural programme. Tea or fanaticism, have long possessed this chai, provided by Mr. Jagmohan Chandrani beautiful earth. They have filled it with vio- of Spice Magic Calcutta, was served in the lence, drenched it with blood, destroyed lower foyer. (con’t page 7) The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 6 of 13 Studio Odissi Dance Talik Kamod Raga

150th Close (from page 3) thanked an impressive list of distinguished guests and speakers of all the pro- The audience was still taking their seats grammes and the many volunteers who when the curtains opened to combined contributed so much to the success of the group of devotees from the Vedanta Soci- Society’s ambitious yearlong calendar of ety and members of the Kailas Yoga events. School of Yokohama. Led by Ms. Shanti Izumida on grand piano with Dinesh A the conclusion of Mr. Chandrani’s brief Chandra Dyoundi on tabla, the group sang remarks the house curtains opened once Ramakrishna Saranam. When the song again. This time the stage was set for a came to an end the stage was cleared for sitar recital with Mr. Amit Roy on sitar, a performance by an Indian classical Pandit Lalit Kumar Dixit on tabla and Mr. dance troupe of five led by Ms. Kazuko Mizuta Takanori on tampura. Mr. Roy se- Yasunobu of Studio Odissi in Tokyo. lected the melodic classical Hindustani raga ‘Tilak Kamod’ for their 20-minute per- At the conclusion of their Odissi perform- formance. The audience applauded enthu- ance Mr. Jagmohan Chandrani, Secretary, siastically as the raga came to its conclu- Celebration Committee, was then called sion. upon to offer the Vote of Thanks as the stage was being prepared for the next per- Finally, as the curtain closed, the MCs formance. He acknowledged that all good urged everyone to pickup a snack, also things must come to a close and thanked provided by Spice Magic Calcutta, on their all for their support and participation. He way out of the auditorium. •

Message from Revered Swami Atmasthanandaji President, Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission

April 26, 2014

I am happy to know that the Nippon Vedanta Kyokai of Japan is going to release a special number of the Kyokai’s bi-monthly maga- zine “The Universal Gospel” on the occasion of the concluding celebrations of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda to be held at Seisen Women’s University, Tokyo, on May 25, 2014.

Based upon the unshakeable foundation of direct experience, Swami Vivekananda propounded the idea of “Harmony of Religions,” which he got from his Master, Sri Ramakrishna, irrespective of (con’t page 8)

The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 7 of 13 President’s Message (from page 7) race, religion or sex. He saw human- ity marching as a whole towards a higher spiritual goal. Though he recognised the differences in human temperment, in spite of this his said that all the religious paths lead to the same ultimate destina- tion. In one of his lectures Swamiji said, “If there is ever to be a uni- versal religion, it must be one which will have no location in place or time; which will be infinite line the God it will preach, and whose sun with shine upon the followers of Krishna and of Christ, on saints and sinners alike; which will no be Brahminic or Buddhistic, Christian or Mohammedan, but the sum to- tal of these, and still have infinite space for develoment ...”

My earnest prayer to Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda is to shower their choicest blessings on all of you and hope the magazine will help to disseminate the universal and eternal message of the Holy Trio in Japan.

Swami Atmasthananda President Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission

Swami Vivekananda 150th Birth Anniversary Closing Ceremony 25 May 2014 - Seisen University Auditorium, Tokyo, Japan

Welcome Address by Swami Medhasananda

Dear Friends, by using analogies of nature, manity that has lost its way, onto the right we may describe that Swami Vivekananda’s path. Consequently, his impact, sometimes first appearance on the world stage in 1893 vibrant, and at other times silent, has been was sudden like a comet causing a tremen- bringing about a transformation in the dous sensation; since then his message has realm of thoughts , not only in India, but been illuminating and energising many the whole world as well. souls steeped in ignorance and weakness was like the shining sun; his ideas providing His unique contribution is now being rec- a means of attaining harmony to the diver- ognised publically and privately by the peo- gent elements of the world was like the in- ples of many countries, including Japan, on divisible sky above; and, finally, Vive- the occasion of the celebration of his kananda shines like a polestar, guiding hu- (con’t page 9)

The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 8 of 13 Welcome Address (from page 8) Hindu monk born in India, is also for all. On the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary. In Japan this anni- 150th Birth Anniversary celebrated around versary has been observed for one continu- the world, we have observed that people of ous year, coming to an end today with this all ages, professions, faiths and countries of closing ceremony. the East and West have gathered to pay homage to the hallowed memory of Swamiji Dear friends, of behalf of the Organising who inspired them. Committee instituted by the Vedanta Soci- ety of Japan, a branch of the Ramakrishna Although today’s gathering is not that large, Mission headquartered in India, and my- people of various backgrounds and different self, I heartily welcome you all to this clos- nationalities have assembled here to take ing celebration. part in our programme and we heartily wel- come them all. Tributes to Swamiji will also We feel blessed by the holy presence of Re- be offered by distinguished guests from vari- vered Swami Suhitanandaji, General Secre- ous stations of life and belonging to various tary of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, faiths today, including; H.E. Madan Kumar whose participation today in spite of his Bhattarai, Ambassador of Nepal; Reverend busy schedule has made us immensely Hakuei Yamaguchi of the Nounin-ji Temple happy and inspired. We cordially welcome of Chiba Prefecture; Father Cyril Veliath, a him and look forward to his comments con- Jesuit Priest and Professor at Sophia Univer- cerning Swamiji. sity, Tokyo, and one of the most enthusiastic and resourceful members of our Celebration We are also very happy that Her Excellency Organising Committee; Swami Sadyojaatah Smt. Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Ambassador of the “Art of Living Foundation” headquar- of India, has graced this occasion as our tered in India, and Mr. Ryuko Hira, Chair- Chief Guest. While organising the various person, Managing Board, Institute of Sathya programmes and events of our year-long Sai Education and Honorary President of the celebration of Swamiji’s 150th birth anni- Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry versary, the Indian Embassy, under the Japan. leadership of Her Excellency, has been our constant support and inspiration. We cor- Celebration of this event in Japan is of spe- dially welcome your Excellency. cial significance. As you may be aware, Swamiji had visited this country on his way We also cordially welcome Professor Sen- to attending the first World’s Parliament of gaku Mayeda, President of the Hajime Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he Nakamura Eastern Institute and Professor made his historic appearance giving a spec- Emeritus of Indian Philosophy, at the Uni- tacular speech on religious harmony. He versity of Tokyo. Professor Mayeda is a dis- had a profound love and appreciation of Ja- tinguished scholar who has been recently pan, its people and culture, and wanted his awarded the prestigious Padmashree Award countrymen, especially its youth, to imbibe of India in the field of Literature and Edu- some of the sterling qualities he had ob- cation, and we are honoured to have him as (con’t page 10) a main speaker today.

Just as is not only for • Thought of the Month • Buddhists, or Jesus Christ only for Chris- tians, or even Hazrat Muhammad only for “As a child of God, I am greater than Muslims, they are for all and collectively the anything that can happen to me.” most precious of the heritage of all human- kind in comparison to any material heri- - A. P. J. Abdul Kalam tage. Similarly, Vivekananda, though a The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 9 of 13 Welcome Address (from page 9) casion of the Opening Ceremony of the this 150th Birth Anniversary. In this regard, served of the Japanese. Vivekananda’s inspiring messages of self- confidence, peace and harmony based on Okakura Tenshin, the famous art critic and moral and spiritual values can be of tre- savant of Japan had gone to India to invite mendous importance to the Japanese. Swamiji to revisit Japan and stayed with him for a certain period of time in 1902. But Hence the organising committee planned many are not aware that the first foreigner an ambitious year-long calendar of events who had lived in the monastery at Belur throughout Japan to familiarise residents Math, our headquarters, under the personal with Swamiji’s ideas, adopting various pro- care of Swami Vivekananda, like a brah- grammes and projects, most of which, in machari to study , for about five spite of our limited resources, have been months and later lived in the Brahmacharya implemented. I now offer a brief summary Ashram of Santiniketan under the personal of these events as follows: care of Rabindranath Tagore, was a young Japanese named Shitoku Hori who had ac- The Opening Ceremony companied Okakura to of the Celebration was India and was loved held at the Indian Em- dearly by both Swamiji bassy Auditorium on and Tagore. the 9th of June 2013, and H.E. Smt. Deepa Swamiji could not re- Gopalan Wadhwa also visit Japan though in- graced that occasion as vited by some distin- the Chief Guest. Swami guished Japanese, in- Atmajnananandaji of cluding the celebrated the Vedanta Society of Meiji Emperor. That Washington D. C. and Japan occupied his Professor Yasuaki Nara, mind on even on the and eminent scholar, last day of his mortal were main speakers. existence is revealed is Highlights of the Cul- revealed from his fol- tural Programme in- lowing significant re- cluded a compilation of mark on July 4, 1903, songs, narrations, a “I want to do something video-show, etc., on the for Japan” he declared. ‘Love of Vivekananda’ under the direction of Mr. Ranjan Gupta. Swamiji’s visit to Japan and Okakura’s, as well as Shitoku Hori’s, visit to India laid the A similar programme was held later in foundation of a bridge between Japan and Osaka for people in the Kansai area on the India in Modern times with far reaching 30th of November 2013. Among the main consequences, further strengthened by the speakers were Mr. Aseem R. Mahajan, Con- poet Rabindranath Tagore and other sul General of India for Osaka-Kobe; Mr. J. prominent Indians and Japanese. S. Dayal, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Keishin Kimura, Presi- Present day Japan is in urgent need of re- dent of the Japan Yoga Therapy Associa- gaining self confidence; of setting out goals tion; and Professor Akio Tanabe of Kyoto to reach for both the individual and the na- University. Another programme was held in tional life; and to start working towards Kumamoto for the people of the island of reaching them as Prime Minister Abe ob- Kyushu on the 12th of April 2014. The main served in his message sent to us on the oc- (con’t page 11) The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 10 of 13 Welcome Address (from page 10) It is heartening to observe that the aim o f a l l speakers were Mr. Takashi Masaki, a dis- the activities summarised above to acquaint tinguished author and peace activist and the people of this country with the elevating Swami Medhasananda. ideas of Swamiji, so that they can get guid- ance from him in leading an ideal life of An exhibition highlighting the historical wisdom, strength and peace, has been more Japan-India relationship and the life and or less fulfilled by the concerted efforts of so message of Swami Vivekananda was organ- many and, above all, by the grace of Swa- ised at the Indian Fair called ‘Namaste In- miji. dia’ in Yoyogi Park in Tokyo September 28th and 29th, 2013 and inaugurated by It would not be out of place to also mention former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro our Vedanta Society collaborated with the Mori. This exhibit was again installed and Ramakrishna Vedanta Society of the Philip- inaugurated by Her Excellency Ambassador pines and the Vedanta Society of Korea who Wadhwa at the Indian Embassy Art Gallery both celebrated the 150th Birth Anniversary and open to the public from the 3rd to the of Swamiji in a grand way in Manila and 6th of April 2014 drawing a large number of Seoul respectively last year. viewers. The purpose of these collaborations was to A seminar on Swami Vivekananda and help spread the life-giving message in the Okakura Tenshin was also hosted by the countries of Asia that deserves the special Indian Embassy on the 26th of March 2014, attention of our organisation. In both of chiefly in collaboration with the Vedanta these programmes the local Indian Ambas- Society of Japan, but also in cooperation sador joined other distinguished guest with ‘Discover India’ and ‘Tagore 150.’ Her speakers. At the Manila event Mr. Fidel Excellency Ambassador Wadhwa offered Ramos, former President of the Philippines ‘Opening Remarks’ and speakers included and Swami Bodhasarananda, then Presi- Swami Tyagananda of the Vedanta Society dent of the Adviata Ashrama of India, a of Boston, Swami Medhasananda of Japan, branch of the Ramakrishna Mission, both Dr. Kuniko Hirano of Sophia University, spoke. Tokyo, Dr. Kana Tomizawa of Tokyo Uni- versity and Professor Takashi Okakura, the Here I would like to mention here, with a great grandson of Okakura Tenshin. heavy heart, that Professor Tsuyoshi Nara, a celebrated scholar and humanist, as well as The Society also distributed winter gar- Vice-President of this Celebration’s Organ- ments and fruit among the destitute, who ising Committee, passed away in January of Swamiji taught us should be looked upon as this year. We recall, with a deep sense of gods and be served accordingly. appreciation and gratitude, Professor Nara’s invaluable contributions to spread- The Society published four books and a ing the message of Ramakrishna, DVD related to Swamiji. It also published Vivekananda and Vedanta in this country. two special issues of its bimonthly magazine in Japanese with many thoughtful articles Ceremonially today we close our extensive and photos. The Society also published and year-long calendar of programmes on distributed hundreds of inspiring and in- Swamiji. But it is not really an ending, but formative books related to Swamiji in Japa- the beginning of a new phase of continued nese among the people on the occasions study, propagation and practice of Swa- noted earlier and have also arranged to dis- miji’s teachings with greater energy and en- tribute these books to educational institu- thusiasm. tions and public libraries in collaboration with Embassy of India. (con’t page 12) The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 11 of 13 Welcome Address (from page 11) Thus, both as citizens of a given country, but also as global citizens, we need both I conclude my welcome speech with the fol- Vivekananda and Vedanta today to give lowing comment: The history of the Mod- practicality to the ‘One World Concept’ by ern World has shown that Capitalism has bringing about the psychological unity of failed, the experiment with Communism the conflict-ridden world - which is now has also been unsuccessful, and now, to- merely physically united. Because there is gether, we have to move forward to an era no better option to respond to the chal- of pluralism and harmonism. Swami lenges of effectively interacting among the Vivekananda was the champion of these peoples of the world, brought to each spirits. Not only was Swamiji an advocate of other’s close proximity by the advanced harmony in all areas of individual and col- technologies of today, than cultivating the lective life, but he also provides us a phi- spirit of harmony and pluralism. losophy of harmony. This is based on the unity of existence in the plane of conscious- Finally, I again heartily welcome you all to ness as postulated by Vedanta philosophy of this celebration and pray to Swami India, which is ancient, yet profound, uni- Vivekananda to shower his blessings on all versal and harmonistic. of us.

Thank you! Arigatou gozaimashita! •

News Briefs: • Kevin Mueller, Associate Professor at Tokyo International University in Saitama, in- vited Swami Medhasananda to give a talk on for students of his class on World Religions on May 7, 2014 again this year. Thirteen students attended the swami’s talk on Hinduism and Swami Vivekananda. As the Vedanta Society’s yearlong calendar of events celebrating Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary was coming to a formal close on May 25, each student was also given a copy of ‘Swami Vivekananda, the Friend of All’ an English language booklet published by the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture in India and the Japanese language booklet the Vedanta Society of Japan had published to intro- duce Swami Vivekananda and his message to the general public and youth of Japan, ‘Vivekananda’s Message’.

Professor Mueller’s Class

• Swami Medhasananda also visited Sophia University in Tokyo on May 19, 2014. Fa- ther Cyril Veliath had invited him again this year to address students of his class on Indian Thought and Culture. About 40 attended the swami’s discussion of Indian Philosophy and introduction to Swami Vivekananda and his message. Each of these students were also given copies of the books noted in Tokyo International University story above. The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 12 of 13 • A Story to Remember •

Shoan and His Mother

Shoan became a teacher of Soto Zen. When he was still a student his father passed away, leaving him to care for his old mother.

Whenever Shoan went to a meditation hall he always took his mother with him. Since she always accompanied him, when he visited monasteries he could not stay with the monks. So he would build a little shelter and care for her there. He would copy sutras, Buddhist verses and such, and in this manner receive a few coins for food.

When Shoan bought fish for his mother, the people would scoff at him, for a monk is not supposed to eat fish. But Shoan did not mind. His mother, however, was hurt to see the oth- ers laugh at her son. Finally she told Shoan: "I think I will become a nun. I can be a vegaterian too." She did, and they studied together.

Shoan was fond of music and was a master of the harp, which his mother also played. On full- moon nights they used to play together.

One night a young lady passed by their house and heard music. Deeply touched, she invited Shoan and his mother to visit her the next evening and play. He accepted the invitation. A few days later he met the young lady on the street and thanked her for her hospitality. Oth- ers laughed at him, for he had visited the house of a poor woman of the streets.

One day Shoan lef for a distant temple to deliver a lecture. A few months aferwards he re- turned to find his mother had since passed away. Friends had not known where to reach him, so the funeral was then in progress.

Shoan walked up and hit the coffin with his staff. "Mother, your son has returned," he said.

"I am glad to see you have returned, son," he answered for his mother.

"Yes, I am glad too," Shoan responded. Then he announced to the people gathered about him: "The funeral ceremony is over. You may now bury the body."

When Shoan had grown old, he knew his end was fast approaching. He asked his disciples to gather around him in the morning, telling them he was going to pass on at noon. Burning incense before the picture of his mother and his old teacher, he wrote a poem:

For fify-six years I lived as best I could, Making my way in this world. Now the rain has ended, the clouds are clearing, The blue sky has a full moon.

His disciples gathered about him, reciting a sutra, and Shoan passed on during the invocation.

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Issued by: The Vedanta Society of Japan (Nippon Vedanta Kyokai) 4-18-1 Hisagi, Zushi-shi, Kanagawa-ken 249-0001 JAPAN Phone: 81-46-873-0428 Fax: 81-46-873-0592 Website: http://www.vedanta.jp Email: [email protected]

The Vedanta Kyokai Newsletter - June Volume 12 Number 06 Page 13 of 13