1 TheVedanta Kesari March 2020

1 Bengaluru’s Cover Story Floral Tribute to Swami Vivekananda page 11 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta

A Cultural and Spiritual Monthly 1 `15 March of the Ramakrishna Order since 1914 2020 2

Vivekananda Navaratri, 2020 in Vivekananda House, Chennai

Swami Vivekananda’s 9-day stay in Castle Kernan, Chennai, now known as Vivekananda House is celebrated every year as Vivekananda Navaratri by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai

Regd. Off. & Fact. : Plot No.88 & 89, Phase - II, Sipcot Industrial Complex, Ranipet - 632 403, Editor: Swami Mahamedhananda Tamil Nadu. PRIVATE LIMITED Published by Swami Vimurtananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai - 600 004 and Phone : 04172 - 244820, 651507, (Manufacturers of Active Pharmaceutical Printed by B. Rajkumar, Chennai - 600 014 on behalf of Sri Ramakrishna Math Trust, Chennai - 600 004 and Ingredients and Intermediates) Tele Fax : 04172 - 244820 Printed at M/s. Rasi Graphics Pvt. Limited, No.40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014. E-mail : [email protected] Web Site : www.svisslabss.net Website: www.chennaimath.org E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 6374213070 3

The Vedanta Kesari A Cultural and Spiritual Monthly of The Ramakrishna Order Vol. 107, No. 3 ISSN 0042-2983 107th Year of Publication CONTENTS MARCH 2020 tory er ov C 11S

Bengaluru’s Floral Tribute to Swami Vivekananda Suresh Moona 49 16

Should India Be a FEATURES Allama Prabhu Wholly Secular State? Shivanand Shahapur 8 Atmarpanastuti Swami Madhavananda 9 Yugavani Sri Ramakrishna and the 10 Editorial Swami Vivekananda’s Pilgrimage Mindset 14 Reminiscences First Chicago Speech in Swami Chidekananda 27 Vivekananda Way Major Local Newspapers 33 Pocket Tales Asim Chaudhuri 52 Pariprasna 53 The Order on the March 45 20

Sri Yogananda-Dashakam Poorva: Magic, Miracles Swami Japasiddhananda and the Mystical Twelve Lakshmi Devnath

36 31

Editor: Swami Mahamedhananda Published by Swami Vimurtananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai - 600 004 and Printed by B. Rajkumar, Chennai - 600 014 on behalf of Sri Ramakrishna Math Trust, Chennai - 600 004 and Printed at M/s. Rasi Graphics Pvt. Limited, No.40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014. Website: www.chennaimath.org E-mail: [email protected] Ph: 6374213070 TheVedanta Kesari

First issue of Brahmavadin, September 1895 He was a much-celebrated and much-feted Swami. His famous address at The World’s Parliament of Religions, Chicago in 1893 had catapulted him to the status of a super star. But Swami Vivekananda was not one to bask in chaffy glory. A letter to one of his trusted followers, from the USA, dated 12 Jan 1895, read, ‘I want to preach my ideas for the good of the world. …What work have you done in the way of advancing the ideas and organising in India? …My life is more precious than spending it in getting the admiration of the world. I have no time for such foolery.’ March 2020 Swamiji, as Swami Vivekananda was fondly addressed, loved and revered his motherland 4 as his own mother. Every breath of his aspired for her well being and every cell in his body yearned that she regain her lost glory. She had been a beacon light for the world until repeated invasions pillaged her ruthlessly and left her not just poverty-stricken but also psychologically drained. The latter struck at the very core, underlying the urgency for immediate redressal. Swamiji’s panacea for this lay in India’s very own practical and ennobling Vedantic wisdom. Vedanta recognises no weakness. It proclaims that in every individual lies a mine of strength. All that is needed is an effort to draw from it. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Swamiji started looking for the right channel to propagate the powerful message of Brahmavadin Vedanta. He opted for the print medium and decided to bring out a journal, giving it the name ‘Now I am bent upon starting the . In February 1895, he sent from USA $100 and a letter to his trusted disciple journal. Herewith I send a hundred dollars… Hope this will go just Alasinga Perumal. The letter read: a little in starting your paper.’

If selflessness and devotion would have a form, it would have borne the name of Alasinga Perumal. Brahmavadin became Alasinga’s calling and the first issue rolled out from a press in Broadway, Chennai The Vedanta Kesari, May 1914 on 14 September 1895. The magazine included a First issue of The Song of the Sannyasin’. poem of Swamiji specially composed for the occasion. It was titled, ‘ One verse ran thus: The One hundred and seven Vedanta Kesari years and going strong….

“Strike off thy fetters! Bonds that bind thee down,

Love, hate — good, bad — and all the dual throng,

For fetters, though of gold, are not less strong to bind;

(Handwritten words in Swamiji’s own hand) March 2020

5 With this message that marked its mission, Brahmavadin made a determined entry into the strife-ridden climate of pre-independence India. The birth of the magazine was certainly ‘I learnt from your letter the bad financial state an occasion for celebration but the struggles were far from over. that Brahmavadin is in.’ ‘I pledge One of Swamiji’s letters to Alasinga read: myself to maintain the paper anyhow.’ This was followed by another letter that carried the line, The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Bolstered by this pledge, Alasinga Perumal braved on, surmounting many an impediment. Sadly, Swami Vivekananda passed away in 1902, at the age of thirty-nine. Alasinga’s intense anguish morphed into heightened devotion towards the magazine. But the next hurdle in Brahmavadin’s journey came in 1909, in the form of Alasinga’s own demise. In May 1914, the magazine, tottering as it was, floundered and ground to a halt. It was at this crucial juncture, that the Ramakrishna Mission stepped in to revive it. The ‘The Mission was itself in its nascent stages with many a teething problem but nothing could come Brahmavadin is a jewel – it must not perish!” Brahmavadin in its way of reviving the Brahmavadin. For, had not their beloved Swamiji repeatedly said, The Vedanta Kesari. And so, the very same month when The Vedanta Kesari closed, it was resuscitated with the new name The history of is much more than just a tale of sweat, toil and a dream realized. It is a narrative of Swamiji’s passion for India and Alasinga’s devotion to his master. It is a celebration of love,ECO-FRIENDLY transcending forms.Trees are the life-breath of our world. To support environment conservation The Vedanta Kesari is printed on paper prepared mainly from sugarcane bagasse. Sponsor a Page Appeal Once a year, please sponsor one or more pages of the magazine. We need around 600 sponsors annually. Sponsorship for one page For the last 106 years, without missing in one issue: ` 1000/- a single issue, the magazine has been carrying the invigorating message of Vedanta and alongside, continuously revamping itself VK for Students to meet the changing needs of the times. To encourage noble conduct, we are offering The relevance of Vedantic wisdom to a complimentary copy of VK to students (class everyday life is all the more pertinent today 10-12) when they manifest honesty, selfless- than ever before. ‘Arise, Awake and stop not ness, etc., in their daily school life. Teachers till the goal is reached,’ is the thundering will every month choose a boy & a girl from their class to receive this Character motto of Swami Vivekananda. The Recognition gift. Please sponsor these gifts. Ramakrishna Mission, as you all know, is a unique organization where sannyasis and lay people come together and endeavour for the March 2020 Outreach Gift common good. Let’s join hands in taking 6 To spread the message of Ramakrishna- forward our revered Swamiji’s vision and Vivekananda-Vedanta, please gift The Vedanta mission for The Vedanta Kesari. Kesari to academic/public libraries & influential personalities of your choice or those selected by us. 4 Gift Subscriptions for 1 year: Rs 600/- The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Patrons Become a Patron of The Vedanta Kesari & help us to meet the running cost by contributing every month ` 5,000/- & above

Permanent Fund To establish the magazine on firm financial footing please contribute ` 1,000/- & above to the Permanent Fund. SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS PATRONS Rates Inclusive of Postage & a Special Issue Pragati Offset, Hyderabad ` 25000 Annual 3 yrs 5 yrs Dr. Subramaniyabharathiyar R., ` 10000 Kancheepuram India ` 175 ` 500 ` 900 A Devotee, New York, USA ` 6746 Bangladesh Nepal ` 1200 ` 3500 * PERMANENT FUND DONORS Sri Lanka Other Countries ` 2700 ` 8000 * Sri Deepak J Sarda, Bengaluru ` 50000 ` * 5 yrs subscription only in India. Swami Achintyananda, 25000 R.K. Math, Rajahmundry Ms. Vijaya B, Chennai ` 10000 For Physical copy subscription Sri. Sriraman Sundaresan, ` 10000 & Free Digital copy visit Chennai https://rkmath.in/thevedantakesari Smt. Sumita Roy, Hyderabad ` 10000 Download the Vedanta Kesari App Sri. Ajay Kumar, Ch, Chennai ` 10000 free on your Android/Apple device Sri. Krishnan R, Chennai ` 5000 Sri. Rajendra Arayuru, Bengaluru ` 5000 Uma Maheswar Kiran Ati, ` 3440 PAYMENT DETAILS Canada 1. You can send subscription payment/donations either A Devotee, Houston, Texas ` 3373 by Cheque/DD/MO or Bank Transfer or Online Payment. ` Smt. Sunila Dutt, New Delhi 3000 March 2020 2. Cheque / DD / MO (through Speed Post) in favour of: A Devotee, Mumbai ` 2500 ‘Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai’ Sri. Ganesh Narayanan, Chennai ` 2000 7 Postal Address: Sri Ramakrishna Math, # 31, Sri. Doraiswamy B S, Bengaluru ` 1000 Ramakrishna Math Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004. 3. Bank Transfer in India: reaching 2088 libraries.... Name of the Bank : United Bank of India Name of the Branch : R.K. Math Road, Chennai - 4 Contact details for Name of the Account : Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai Contributors: [email protected] S/B. Account Number : 1511010100001 Mob. 6374213070 Subscribers: [email protected] Bank Code No. : 600027009 Kesari The Vedanta Phone No. (044) 24621110 IFSC : UTBI0SRM842 {here ‘0’ is zero} Swift Code : UTBIINBBMBS of UBI  You can subscribe to The Vedanta Kesari from any month. 4. Donate Online: https://donations.chennaimath.org  On your address slip, the number on the left 5. After any donation please e-mail transaction of the first line is your subscription number. details to : [email protected] Always mention this in your correspondence. a) In the e-mail / covering letter please mention  If you do not receive your copy by the 15th of a purpose of payment: VK Subscription / VK month, please intimate us. Complaints reaching Patron / VK Permanent Fund / VK Sponsor a us before this or after one month (two months Page / VK Outreach Gift / VK for Students. for overseas subscriptions) of posting of the b) Kindly mention your postal address and contact journal are not entertained.  number. Only one complaint copy will be sent in a year. c) Please give your PAN Number for donations  ` Subscribers facing irregular postal delivery 10,000 and above. can choose Registered Parcel by paying d) All donations are exempt from Income Tax under additional `36/- per issue or opt for digital section 80G of the [Indian] I.T.Act, 1961. copy (pdf). Atmarpanastuti

Sri Appayya Dikshitendra

Sloka - 8 अर㔕饍셋णप्रभृतिकुसुमैरर㔚नं ते विधेयं प्र섾प्य तेन स्रहर फलं मोक्षसा륍섾ज्लक्㔮ă । एत煍जनन्नपि शिव शिव व्र्यन् कालमात्मन्नत्饍셋ही करणविवशो भूयसाधःपतामि ॥८

8) Your worship can be performed even with wild flowers such as arka and drona. By that the supreme bliss of liberation can be attained, O destroyer of Cupid. In spite of knowing this, alas! I, traitor to myself, am wasting my time, being under the control of my senses, and am falling lower and lower, O supreme Self! Sloka - 9 March 2020 किं वा कुर핇 विषमविषयस्वरिणा वैरिणाहं ब饍ध स्वामन् वपुषि दयग्रन्थना सार्मस्मन् । 8 उक्ष दर्ज्रभरजुषा साकमेकत्र धन饍 �섾म्न् वत्स स्रहर युगे धावता किं करोतु ॥९

9) What can I do! O Lord, in this body I am bound by the objects of sense which are uncontrollable along with the knots of the heart (the vāsanas). How can a calf, in spite of its best efforts, cope with an extremely haughty bull running very fast when the two are yoked together, O Slayer of Cupid!

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Sloka - 10 नाहं रोद㔧ु करणनिचयं दुर्यं पारयामि स्मरं स्मरं जनिपथ셁जं नाथ सीदामि भीत्य । किं वा कुर핇 किमुचितमिह 啍वद्य गच्छाम हन् त्त्पदाब्प्रपदनमृते नैव पश्यम्युपयम् ॥१०

10) I am not able to control the wayward senses. Thinking again and again of the sufferings of transmigratory existence I tremble with fear, O Lord! What should I do, what is the proper thing to do here, where shall I go now, alas! I do not see any means other than total surrender at Your lotus feet.

Translated by Sri. S.N. Sastri. Yugavani

Seeing God

et me tell you one thing. God can be seen. The Vedas say that God is beyond mind and speech. The meaning of this is that God is unknown to the mind attached to worldly objects. Vaishnavacharan (a Vaishnava scholar and sadhaka) used to say, ‘God is known by the mind and intellect that are pure.’ Therefore, it is necessary to seek the company of holy men, practice prayer, and listen to the instruction of the guru. These purify the mind. Then one sees God. Dirt can be removed from water by a purifying agent. Then March 2020 one sees one’s reflection in it. One cannot see one’s face in a mirror if the mirror is covered with dirt. 9 Living in solitude now and then, repeating God’s name and singing His glories, and discriminatingL between the Real and the unreal – these are the means to employ to see Him. If by the grace of the guru one’s ego vanishes, then one sees God. Through restlessness—the restlessness a child feels for his mother. The child feels bewildered when he is separated from his mother, and weeps longingly for her. If a man can weep like that for God, he can even see Him. PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, VERSOVA, MUMBAI VERSOVA, DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE

Kesari The Vedanta Why is it that people do not see God? It is because of the barrier of ‘lust and greed’. One cannot see God unless maya steps aside from the door. … But maya steps aside from the door when God shows His grace to the devotee. When the visitor stands before the door, the door-keeper says to the master, ‘Sir, command us, and we shall let him pass.’ It is one thing to hear of God, another thing to see God, and still another thing to talk to God. … You will get peace of mind only when you have seen God. You will enjoy bliss and gain strength only when you have talked to Him. I used to see God directly with these very eyes, just as I see you. I put the palm of my hand near Her nostrils and felt that Mother (Bhavatarini in Dakshineswar Kali Temple) was actually breathing. I observed very closely, but I could never see the shadow of the Mother’s divine person on the temple wall in the light of the lamp at night. I heard from my room Mother, merry like a littel girl, going upstairs, Her anklets making jingling sounds. I came out to verify and found— Sri that Ramakrishna She, with Her hair dishevelled, was actually standing on the verandah of the first floor of the temple and was now viewing Calcutta, and next the Ganga. Editorial Vedantic Secularism The Vedanta Kesari

ecently when multi-religious country we cannot allow any one volunteers approached a private particular religion to shape the character of our educational institution offering the children. Also, allowing all religions to have a say ‘VK for Students Scheme’, the principal quickly is not possible because they bring contradictory dismissed the proposal as unbefitting the values and ideals. Indeed, no faith – which insists ‘secular’ credentials of her institution. The free that its doctrines are the only true ones; which offer, which is for students from class 10 to believes that those who do not believe in its degree college, requires the class teacher to doctrines will go to some terrible place; which recognise every month a boy and a girl who even draws the sword to compel others to believe manifest noble characteristics like honesty, R The Vedanta Kesari. as it says;st which demands that its God be selflessness, self-control, and service, and gift accepted as the Supreme, – should have any say them each a copy of But the in the 21 century education system. principal saw this gift as promotion of a religious But we are talking about Vedanta, the March 2020 ideology and therefore an unsecular activity. Universal Religion based on universal 10 Behind the Principal’s ‘secularist’ stance principles of life. Vedanta is a system of lies two reasons. The first is the unfortunate knowledge which is marked by a scientific influence of the West where the academia spirit – a critical and bold inquiry into Truth largely rejected religion as unscientific thinking made with objectivity and precision, and and mere rigid dogmas. But it should be noted welcoming the challenge of verification. that in our land, right from the Vedic times, Vedanta is the pursuit of a unified vision and religion has been upheld not as a finished experience of life which naturally leads to dogma, but as “a method and a means to pierce spiritual growth within and social productivity The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta the veil that hides the ever-present meaning and peace in the world outside. and mystery of existence.” This religious approach encompasses all dimensions of life, all If the State does not actively support and fields of knowledge. The Mundaka Upanishad impart this Vedantic view of life in education and declares that for a total understanding and in the functioning of public institutions, a large number of our rapidly increasing population will development of lifepara at the vidya physical, mental, and moral levels, man should cultivate two kinds of grow up with a fundamentalist mind-set. They can at best only rise to the level of toleration, knowledge – the orapara the supreme vidya knowledge that unveils the eternal Truth which is but only a mild form of violence. behind the manifest life, and the or We should remember that our traditions the ordinary knowledge dealing with scriptures and value system are rooted in the pursuit of and all the sciences and arts of the perishable para vidya. Neglecting this spiritual tradition manifest world.sarva-vidya-pratistha Again, of the two vidyas, apara and denying it to our younger generation, will or Brahma vidya occupies the primary position make us untrue to the growth of our civilisation because it is , the basis of since ages, and will only result in individual and all secular knowledge. social moral degeneration. For The second reason behind the ‘secularist’ a deeper understanding of this rejection of religion in education, is that being a topic see page 16 of this issue. Cover Story

Bengaluru’s Floral Tribute to Swami Vivekananda SURESH MOONA A unique form of floral tribute was offered to Swami Vivekananda in January 2020 in the city

of Bengaluru. A brief description of this Flower Show is presented here. March 2020

11 ince the time Kempe Gowda-I, a more dead than alive” was written to chieftain under the Vijayanagara Chamaraja Wadiyar, the Maharaja of Mysore. Empire, built Bengaluru in 1537, the For more than a century, the people of city with its salubrious climate, greenery, and Bengaluru have been paying tributes in various kind-hearted people has been steadily growing, ways to Swami Vivekananda, the patriot-monk. attracting people and organisations from Last January, a unique tribute was offered in the

PAGE SPONSOR : CHI. MOKSHIT KOKKU, HYDERABAD KOKKU, MOKSHIT CHI. : SPONSOR PAGE Viveka Pushpa Namana across the country and even abroad. form of the Republic Day Flower Show, 2020 at Kesari The Vedanta For the devotees and admirers of the Lalbagh. It was called or Ramakrishna Order, there are two significant ‘Floralth Respectth to Vivekananda’, and held from eventsS in the history of Bengaluru: the first is 17 to 26 January 2020. Swami Vivekananda’s visit in 1892 and later Lalbagh Garden was conceived by Hyder Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi’s visit in 1911. Ali in 1760 and completed by his son Tipu These two visits, along with the visits of other Sultan. It gradually developed into the present direct-disciples of Sri Ramakrishna – Swamis 240-acre botanical garden nurturing a variety Brahmananda, Ramakrishnananda, Abheda- of plants and trees. From 1912 Lalbagh began nanda, Shivananda, and Vijnanananda, made to organise flower shows. There were two Bengaluru an important centre for spreading annual flower shows, known as Summer Show Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement across and Winter Show. Since 1951, these shows are Karnataka. One of the great maxims of Swamiji: organised as Independence Day Show and “They alone live whoThe live author for others,is a noted the scholar rest ofare the historyRepublic of Bengaluru Day and Show. a popular These columnist. shows serve as a [email protected] medium to educate people about the variety of Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. The event was the flora and develop public interest in plant joint effort of Sri Ramakrishna Vidyarthi Theconservation. Jewel of Lalbagh; The flower shows are organized Mandiram (SRVM), a unit of Ramakrishna Math, in the Glasshouse which is also known as the Basavanagudi and the Department of it is modeled on London’s Horticulture, Government of Karnataka. The Glass House Crystal Palace and was built around 1889. March 2020 th To commemorate the 157 birth 12 anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the theme In the Glass House the presentations for this year’s Republic Day Flower Show was included floral replicas of (i) Swami “Swami Vivekananda’s Life & Teachings”.th Titled Vivekananda Rock Memorial of Kanyakumari; as ‘Viveka Pushpa Pradarshana’, the 211 floral (ii) the interior of Swami Vivekananda Temple show recreated, using a wide variety of flowers, at Belur Math; (iii) the podium from where important incidents and places related to Swamiji addressed the audience at the Chicago Swamiji. Parliament of Religions as “Sisters and Brothers

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta The flower show was inaugurated by the of America” (with an audio rendering of his Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Sri B. S. speech in the background); (iv) a vertical Yediyurappa on 17 Jan 2020 in the presence of garden of the Swami Vivekananda Mantapa at the chief guest, Sri V. Somanna, Minister for the Ramakrishna Math, Bengaluru (with the Housing, Horticulture and Sericulture, stone bench on which Swamiji sat while staying Government of Karnataka, and Swami in Bengaluru); (v) embossed sculptures of Sri B. S. Yediyurappa, Sri V. Somanna & Swami Tadyuktananda Book exhibition-cum-sale Cultural programmes Tadyuktananda of Ramakrishna Math Swamiji; (vi) Swamiji’s statues in different attires; (vii) 110 boards displaying Swamiji’s SRVM arranged a book exhibition-cum-sale in life and message; (viii) original pictures of the garden. Near the Band Stand area, visuals Swamiji displayed on the walls of the Glass using 60,000 Chrysanthemum flowers depicted House; (ix) floral arrangement by many the moral stories narrated by Swamiji in his organisations with different themes; and (x) a lectures. Around 200 posters with attractive display of 2000 exotic flowers. floral arrangement displayed powerful Attractions in the garden March 2020 statements of Swamiji. Electric poles, ornamental poles, and trees all around Lalbagh 13 A number of activities and programmes displayed Swamiji’s quotations. were conducted in the park. A drawing Every evening from 4.00 pm to 6.30 pm, competition on Swami Vivekananda was held in SRVM arranged cultural programmes in which which 1300 students from class 1 to class 10 eminent artists and speakers presented bhajans, Vedic chantings, monoacting, classical participated on 16 January. A film show on the Viveka Pushpa Pradarshana life of Swami Vivekananda was held at the music, classical dance, and martial arts. PAGE SPONSOR : SRI PUSHKAR MAHAJAN, PUNE MAHAJAN, PUSHKAR SRI : SPONSOR PAGE Kuteera near the Bonsai circle. SRVM and The attracted Kesari The Vedanta Ramakrishna Math, Basavanagudi screened a over 3 lakh visitors. This crowd, and the wide documentary film on Swamiji and his famous media coverage rekindled the life and message lectures. These films were shown on wide of Swami Vivekananda in the minds and hearts screens near the Glass House and Bonsai circle. of the people of Bengaluru.

Book exhibition-cum-sale Cultural programmes Reminiscences Reminiscences of Sargachhi SWAMI SUHITANANDA

Swami Premeshananda (1884 – 1967) was a disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. For over two decades he lived at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi, West Bengal. Under his inspiration countless people led a life of spirituality and service, and many young men and women entered into monastic life. His conversations – translated from Bengali and presented below – were noted by his attendant who is now Srimat Swami Suhitananda, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Ramakrishna Order. (Continued from previous issue. . .) 47

23.11.60 Maharaj likeghat water pouring down from the roof through : However much you may engage the lion’s mouth; or like bathing in the Ganga at March 2020 in spiritual practices like meditation, japa, and a . Without Advaitic knowledge it is not possible to look upon every living being as 14 reflection on God, unless you once a day still the mind and free it from all thoughts, it is Narayana [God]. Those who frequently say ‘as impossible to get rid of lust and anger. the Lord wills’, ‘as Mother wills’, are confused Sharat Maharaj was a person of refinement; about things. But we have to be convinced that he did not have an iota of defect. How wonderful through the body-mind-intellect of every living were his dealings! Often he used to say, ‘First be being, the one Hari [God] sports, donning a gentleman, and then be a sadhu.’ If someone various appearances. Only then can we serve comes here to be a sadhu, we must consider people by knowing them as Narayana. If a leper The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta these things: 1) appearance, 2) education, 3) comes to me, I serve him – that’s all. I’m not behaviour, 4) parents, and 5) upbringing, i.e., the concerned with whether he lives or dies. My environment in which he grew up. purpose is to serve him. Who knows, perhaps 25.11.60 this time He is acting as a leper and next time Question Maharaj He will disguise Himself as a King. लोकस敍ग्रहार्म्, : Is the work we do presented as Maharaj : God is like a collectiveasti, body jayate, and the good of the world? the living beings are His individual cells. Each nashyati, : We cannot live without doing cell has to undergo the states of Question work; that is why we try to perform work as ‘existence, birth, and death.’ स饃शं चेष्टते स्स्या प्रकृते …, worship. Working thus, we gradually attain : How do the worshippers of knowledge “All God with form explain how God can be Maharaj beings act according to their nature.” (Gita omnipresent? Brahman. 3:33) Work then is no longer mere work, but : They manage it somehow. We worship. Again, work as worship can also lead know only the One: Nirguna It can be to a state where work comes to an end. Among seen through the round opening [in a wall, with us there are some who have attained an infinite landscape on the other side]; it is knowledge, yet they still have to perform work. Assume that you are a teacher. Trying to do was silent and quite inward oriented. The your allotted work as worship, you achieve people there know that usually sannyasins realisation. You will then no longer see your comment a bit adversely if they hear the names duty as teaching, but truly as the worship of Sri of Krishna and Narayana. He said that apart Ramakrishna. You should have firm knowledge from Narayana there is no one who can grant about: Who is God? Who is the individual jiva? liberation. With folded hands I said, ‘Yes, Yes. What is life? What is my relation to it? Along Who else can grant liberation other than with this you have to generate momentum by Narayana?’ When people say there is no one making the mind subtle through worship. (प्रणवो With धनुः who can grant liberation other than Krishna, or शाthatरो  subtleयत्म ब्रह्म mind तल्लक् youमुच ्य workे । अप्रम配 to targetतन वेद व and्य श र hitवत् Allah, or Jesus, we say, ‘Yes, Yes.’ This is because तन्Brahman.यो भवेत Only् ॥ then is yoga attained. we know that the same Nirguna Brahman is appearing in various forms. kishori bhajana “Om is the bow; the atman is the But as our spiritual capacity is limited, we arrow; Brahman is said to be the target. It is to should avoid practices like ; Question karmaphala be struck by an undistracted mind. Then the there is risk of downfall in those paths. atman becomes one with Brahman, as the arrow : Action begets , or 26.11.60 with the target.” Mundakopanishad. 2.2:4) the fruits of action. Is there no way out from Question: Maharaj this ignorance which has no beginning? March 2020 We are very broadminded in : I am already free. But by our views. But won’t this attitude dilute our mistake I have taken up the burden of body, 15 mind and intellect on my shoulders. Thus steadfastness? Also, shouldn’t a स sannyasinर्भूतस्मात ्म beनं very loving because he beholds the Self in all forgetting my true identity, I suffer and cry. सर्भूतानि चात्मन। ईक्षते योगयु啍तत्म सर्त्र समदर्नः।। Now, to regain my true identity I have to throw beings and all beings in the Self, away this burden. Until now I have served the Maharaj so’ham (Gita 6:29)? body-mind-intellect as a slave; but no more. But

: What fun! Someone says how will the tendency to work end? No PAGE SPONSOR : SRI K. SETHU MADHAVAN, CHENNAI SETHU MADHAVAN, K. SRI : SPONSOR PAGE daso’ham (I am He), and we chime in with him. Someone problem! You will see that the more you give Kesari The Vedanta else says (I am the Lord’s servant), your mind to God, the more the workload will and we at once say, ‘Yes! How can an individual यlessen;ोगः कर् andसु क workौशलम् also will no longer remain kishori mere work, but will transform into Karma-Yoga bhajanasoul claim “I am He”?’ In our eyes, worship of Allah, Krishna, or Jesus—and even “Yoga is skill in work” (Gita (the Vaishnava sadhana of imitating 2:50), or selfless work. When you continue to platonic love between a young boy and girl) — perform actions in this way, work will is not wrong. We know that all are worshipping eventually come to an end and you will become that same Nirguna Brahman. Why should we what you were. stick to only one aspect of God? Sri So it transpires that one doesn’t attain Ramakrishna has demonstrated to us through liberation or knowledge through work. his own practice that God can be worshipped Knowledge is already there; as soon as your through all spiritual disciplines. He said, ‘Why work is exhausted, knowledge is realised. You should I be monotonous? I will enjoy the same don’t have to work to purify your mind; fish cooked in different ways.’ knowledge dawns as soon as(to you be continued...)develop the I went to an ashrama of the followers of skill of finishing your prarabdha karma. Ramanuja. I found an 80-year old sadhu who Article

Should India Be a Wholly Secular State? SWAMI MADHAVANANDA

This is an article from the treasure-chest of . It was published in May 1949, soon after Indian independence, by Swami The MadhavanandajiVedanta Kesari when he was the General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission; he later became the Order’s 9th President. In this article, he analyses the implications of India choosing to be ‘secular’, wherein the State does not patronise any particular religion. In practice this policy has led to crass materialism, selfishness, and

March 2020 decay of higher values in individual and social life. Madhavanandaji presents Vedantic principles as a better alternative to ‘secularism’ as 16 understood and practised now. The article is as relevant today as it was when written.

ith the independence of our religious, such a choice may prove altogether country, many problems, disastrous. For no nation can live, much less political and other, are thrive, if it goes counter to the main current of exercising the minds of our leaders. Among its life-stream. As Swami Vivekananda has time

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta them not the least important is the question of and again said, India’s main function, the India’s being a secular or any other kind of rationale of her life, is “the spiritualisation of State. It is being repeatedly declared from the the human race”—“the regeneration of man the highest quarters that India will be a secular brute into man the God.” She has played this State. The reason adduced for this decision is role effectively in the past, and, through the that W in that case the State can advance Lord’s grace, she is going to do so again. unhampered by the communal troubles that The word ‘religion’ is a bugbear to many any admixture of religion in politics is because of the excesses committed in the past calculated to bring in its train. Of course they in its name in different countries, not excluding are at pains to point out that in a secular State India. But does the remedy lie in going to the it is not meant to stifle any religion, but that the opposite extreme and banning religion from sole purpose of making the State non-religious nation-building undertakings? Would that not is to give equal opportunities to all. Everyone be like killing both man and mosquito in order will admit that the motive is all right, and to get rid of the pest? Carefully analysed, it considering the state of development of would appear in most cases that it is not religions in most countries, the position may religion that is at fault, but the failure of its hold good. But in a country like India, which followers to understand it properly and act up from time immemorial has been primarily to its principles. If the State takes no cognisance of religion as a factor in moulding the life and there is keen competition for them, often character of a nation, and minds only the leading to mortal wars. As a result of this the secular interests of the people, will it not be world has ceased to be a place for decent neglecting one of the most potent forces of life, people to live in. The way out, as Man, society, which, if properly harnessed, might do may easily be imagined, is just the nation, all wonders? From non-religion it is but a step to opposite. Instead of apotheosising must have a irreligion. Granting that religion is often matter, we should strive to proceed spiritual misused by its purveyors, will the withholding through it to the spirit, on which of State recognition from religion in any form, the whole world is centred — outlook irrespective of its improving the moral tone of through lower forms of enjoyment to thrive and the people and thereby promoting peace and to higher and higher forms, till all manifest the brotherliness among the different sections, the shackles of nature are broken, best that is contribute to the future well-being of the State? and supreme bliss is attained. It is in them. Quite the contrary, we think. Religious here that religions come in. Of influences of the right type should permeate course, there are religions and the life of every citizen; the earlier the better. It religions, but all the great religions is high time for our leaders to ponder on the of the world—-those that have subject. stood the test of time and can satisfy our higher March 2020 Man is essentially a spiritual being. cravings just as well to-day as they did However much he may be preoccupied with thousands of years ago—are pretty unanimous 17 physical concerns, catering for these alone on the point that it is by subordinating our cannot satisfy his inner cravings. It is only in lower appetites to the higher yearnings that we the lower stages of evolution of the human can aspire after happiness. Not by self mind that creature comforts play an all- aggrandisement, but by self-abnegation can we important part. Higher up in the scale, things fulfil our destiny. Those who seek to obliterate that make for peace of mind have the upper strife and jealousy from the world solely by

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI VENKATARAMANAN T., CHENNAI T., VENKATARAMANAN SRI : SPONSOR PAGE hand. A cultured man would rather have mental efforts on the material plane, seem to us to be The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta peace with poverty than restlessness with chasing a will-o’-the-wisp. We must take a wealth. Otherwise there would be no suicide realistic view of things, and seek the help of among the millionaires. Hence for every religion to remove some of the evils which are country the goal must be clearly set according besetting the world to-day. If the word ‘religion’ to its characteristic trend and potentiality, and frightens us by evoking ugly memories, let us the paths to the attainment of that goal chalked substitute the word ‘spirituality’. Man, society, out so that the nation may proceed along them nation, all must have a spiritual outlook to with unfaltering steps. Fortunately for us, our thrive and manifest the best that is in them. forefathers settled this problem ages ago. We This is the truth that is too often lost sight of. It have only to know their solution and apply it to will not help us to turn away from the only our needs. course that can make for universal peace and If we reflect for a moment on why there is happiness. We must know the truth and follow so much conflict in the world, we shall find that it fearlessly. There should be no compromise. For, it is mostly due to too much stress being laid on in the words of Swami Vivekananda, “Truth the material side of life, such as comforts, does not pay homage to any society, ancient or power, fame, and all else that brings these modern. Society must pay homage to truth—or things. And since these are limited in the world, die!” Fortunately, in Vedanta, India has just the But they must be properly coordinated to religion which will solve not only her own produce the soul stirring symphony. Hence problems but those of other countries too. there is nothing to be afraid of in the Vedantic Unity in diversity is the theme of Vedanta. The principle of oneness being applied to all spheres whole universe, including man, is essentially of life. Rather it is exactly what the strife-torn one, not merely on the physical plane, as world needs today to heal its wounds. Keeping in science is demonstrating today, but on the view the particular goal of each country, and with spiritual plane also. Everything is spirit. We are “help and not fight” as its motto, it will give scope all spirit. Mind and matter If the State takes no to every individual and group are just our vestures, inner cognisance of religion as a to realize their highest and outer. It will not do to factor in moulding the life potentialities. Is that not the sneer at the idea, saying it is and character of a nation, best way to ensure the Theology! To attain a and minds only the secular common good of humanity? genuine solution of our interests of the people, will it And India can begin the problems, we must make experiment right now, with not be neglecting one of the ourselves conscious of the sincerity and steadfastness. reality, and then try to most potent forces of life, The minorities have nothing adjust our environment and which, if properly harnessed, to fear from an application of March 2020 all our concerns to that might do wonders? the assimilative principles of 18 central fact of life. Man is an Vedanta. For, as Swami epitome of the world. There Vivekananda put it, there is fine correspondence should be equal between the microcosm and macrocosm. As the opportunities for all; and if any distinction is to be mind and body are to the human soul, so are made, it should be in favour of the the worlds of mind and matter to the Universal underprivileged. Soul—the Principle that we call God. The We are hearing a good deal about supreme merit of Vedanta is that it is singularly communism nowadays. All sorts of claims are The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta free from the disadvantages we usually made on behalf of it, so much so that it is held associate with religion. For, unlike any other out to be an Aladdin’s lamp to solve all the religion, it is the synthesis of all religions. It has problems of the present-day world. Certainly a place in the world for all, literally all, because some good things have been done by it in according to it every being, and everything, is a Russia, and that has caught the fancy of our manifestation of the Divinity, nothing less than young men and women. But have they stopped that. Hence the Vedantic conception of life to think that what is good for Russia may not be safeguards the interest of every community and good for India? Besides, it is worthwhile to section of people, for it believes that the parts reflect on the evils communism has produced of a society or nation are, like the parts of a both in Russia and elsewhere. In Russia there is tree, integrally connected with one another. no individual freedom, even of speech. And the They constitute the society or nation. Vedanta, Communist thinks nothing of creating serious too, recognises differences, but these are not trouble in other countries, so that he may make fundamental, but only on the surface, analogous capital out of it. It is superfluous to mention the to the waves of an ocean. Like the notes of a unpatriotic attitude of people in a country flute, they add richness and variety to the always taking their cue from Russia, even in the melody. For who cares to listen to a monotone? most vital matters. Above all, the Communist’s open avowal of a thoroughly materialistic view standpoint. So it is not Communism, but of life, with all that it connotes, is something Vedanta, that will ultimately solve the world’s which is totally against the hoary traditions of problems. Communism is sure to set the forces India. It is easy for those who are ignorant of of reaction against it, as it Our political this precious heritage to set up Russia as the has already done, and God constitution, ideal for our country to follow. They forget that help us if the present our education, our it is the soul, and not the body, that is the political rumblings lead to social structure, fundamental part of a man’s life. Without caring another armed conflict. It our foreign policy, for that, if we care only for the body and for will do nobody good if the things that contribute to physical comforts only, wealth and energy of our home life, all we may turn out to be prize animals, but shall different nations are frittered should be framed forfeit the richest treasure which a man is away in the wholly needless on the Vedantic capable of achieving. Neither individually nor task of piling up destructive outlook of spiritual collectively is a merely material upbringing of weapons of amazing power. oneness. any substantial help. The way out of the menacing It is a perverse philosophy that leads cataclysm lies in their trying Communists to believe, or pretend to believe, to understand the that they can bring about peace on earth by wholesomeness of the Vedantic truths and adopting them as the March 2020 mustsowing the seeds of dissension everywhere. To gain true and lasting wellbeing, the means too, common views of life for all nations. India can 19 be as pure as the end. We cannot wash take the lead in showing the way, for it is on her dirt with dirt. Certain moral principles are soil that Vedanta has flourished. It will be a universal in their application. Virtues such as sorry spectacle if she, too, copying the West, non-injury, truthfulness, non-covetousness and chalks out a wholly secular programme of chastity belong to this category. No man or national regeneration, as she seems intent on nation can live or grow without observing them doing. From the Vedic ages down to our times, she has produced seers whose spiritual PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. G. KAMESWARI DEVI, HYDERABAD DEVI, KAMESWARI G. SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE to the best of its ability. A nation is great in The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta proportion as it possesses men and women magnitude is without parallel in the world. Let her not try to give the lie to her pristine culture who have dedicatedviz., themselves to the cultivation of these virtues. And there is a valid just to appear fashionable. reason for this, that in helping others we The Vedantic truths are not the exclusive help ourselves, and in hurting them we only property of any particular person, country or hurt ourselves, because we are all spiritually age. Time and again they have been tested and one. Like the conservation of energy in the found to be true. Even in the last century Sri material sphere, in the realm of the spirit also, Ramakrishna realized them in his life in diverse every action produces a corresponding ways, and declared them to be absolutely true reaction. We all believe in doing the greatest and capable of verification, by any sincere soul. good to the greatest number, but if we are Armed with this realization, he was, as is well- asked why we should do so, we cannot explain known, catholicity personified, and withal so it on material grounds. For unless we believe in pure, so loving and so dedicated to the service the abiding omnipresent soul, we might as well of all. From the spiritual standpoint, he do the greatest harm to the greatest number. It harmonised the most discordant(Continued phases on page of 35...)life is the Vedantic conception of the oneness of and society. To us it seems that free India has existence that truly explains the utilitarian Article

Swami Vivekananda’s First Chicago Speech in Major Local Newspapers

ASIM CHAUDHURI

Introduction

newspapers in Chicago at the time, keeping ince it was first delivered, Swamiji’s in mind that the names of the newspapers had4 a iconic “Response to Welcome” tendency Newspapers to change slightly within Time apublished short span speech on September 11, 1893, at of time due to mergers or for other reasons: Chicago Daily News the Parliament of Religions in Chicago has been The Chicago Dispatch read, re-read, dissected, analyzed, and its every The Chicago Evening Journal Evening word scrutinized ad infinitum. Most people Complete Works of The Chicago Evening Post Evening who were involved in these activities sought Swami Vivekananda Chicago Daily Globe Evening out the1 first volume of the The Chicago Herald Evening as the authoritative March 2020 The Daily Inter Ocean Morning source.S Another version of the speech appears Morning Chicago Mail in volume nine of the same series. This second 20 The Chicago Times Morning version is a combination composed by Marie The Chicago Daily Tribune Evening Louise Burke, who took the reports of the The Chicago Record Morning speech from four major Chicago newspapers Morning and synthesized2 them to arrive at whatThe Vedantathe vast Morning audience might have actually heard from Kesari The five morningThe Chicago papersHerald, whose The Swamiji’s lips. . A recent article in microforms are presently available in the key has compared the two versions in details Chicago Daily Tribune, The Daily Inter Ocean, The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Chicago libraries are: by conflating the texts and then discussing the The Chicago Record, Chicago Times relative merits of each3 version. The author calls Herald, Tribune, Inter Ocean,and Record, Times. For the first one “the short version,” and the second brevity, these will henceforth be referred to as “the long version.” That is how they will be and . referred to hereafter. These covered the Parliament of Religions This article will document the sources of proceedings with Herald varying degrees of detail, and the two versions for present and future use. It frequently reported on SwamijiInter Ocean and his will also present some background information speeches; the was undoubtedly the most on the sources and analyse them to help the comprehensive of them all; the was readers understand the how’s and why’s of the next. All of them had one thing in common— Chicagoprocess that newspapers led to the oftwo 1893 versions. they were all morning newspapers. The evening newspapers gave the Parliament only a cursory coverage. Since the evening papers Before we go into the various reports of were usually published by 5 p.m., they mostly The author, a well-known researcher who has written a number of books on Swami Vivekananda, the speech,lives in let USA. us look [email protected] at the “major” daily reported on the morning programs, and that sic

too in a rather perfunctory manner. Since most of Suami [ ] Vivekananda, a young man of Swamiji’s Parliament and Scientific Section exceptionally handsome and with features which speeches were during the late morning, would command attention anywhere. His dress afternoon, or evening sessions, the evening was bright orange, and he wore a long coat and papers rarely mentioned them. regulation turban of that color. Vivekananda is a On September 12, four out of the five Brahmin monk, and Prof. Wright of Harvard is newspapers mentioned above reported on quoted as saying that he is one of the best Times, Times Swamiji’s maiden speech. We will get to those educated young men in the world.” later. The which had devoted to the The didn’t even care to report on Parliament proceedings three columns on the speech by “one of the best educated young September 12 under the heading “Men of Many men in the world” who “would command Faiths,” reported on the morning session, but attention anywhere.” The loss is theirs, but had only this to say about the afternoon what is intriguing is how they came to know session, when Swamiji spoke: “In the afternoon about the John Henry Wright quotation. another session was held, and many addresses Swamiji had Prof. Wright’s introductory letter were made by distinguished representativesTimes of (his only credential) with him, which the religions of the world.” In describing the probably mentioned in it the quoted words. But representatives on the platform, the , how did the reporter get hold of it? Swamiji March 2020 however, wrote the following: was in circulation in Chicago only for a little “The face and dress which attracted the over a day! We may never know the answer to 21 most notice, especiallyThe speech from as the reported ladies, wasby four that newspapersthat. (September 12, 1893) The Herald Most Ancient Order of Monks

Swami Vivekananda, of Bombay, India, was introduced after Rev. A. W. Momerie, of England, PAGE SPONSOR : DR. RAMYA S., CHENNAI S., RAMYA DR. : SPONSOR PAGE had spoken briefly. When Mr. Vivekananda had addressed the audience as “sisters and brothers of Kesari The Vedanta America,” there arose a peal of applause that lasted for several minutes. He spoke as follows: It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of the millions and millions of Hindoo people of all classes and sects. My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who have told you that these men from far off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to the different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal seclusionacceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions to be true. I am proud to tell you that I belong to a religion into whose sacred language, the Sanscrit, the word is untranslatable. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, a remnant which came to southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: “As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, Oh, Lord, so the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.” The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in Gita. “Whosoever comes to me, through whatsoever form I reach him, they are all struggling through paths that in the end always lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have possessed long this beautiful earth. It has filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for this horrible demon human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But its time has come and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention be the death knell to all fanaticism, to all persecutions withv thev swordv or the pen and to all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal. The Tribune Is a Deathknell to Persecution.

Swami Vivekananda was next introduced [after Rev. Momerie]. He said: March 2020 It is my unspeakable joy to rise in response to the grand words of welcome given to us by you. 22 I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks the world has ever seen. I thank you in the name of the mother religion of which Buddhism and Jainism are but the branches. I thank you in the name of that ancient monastic order, and I thank you finally in the name of the millions and millions of the Hindoo people of all castes and sects. My thanks to some of the speakers on this platform who have told us that these men from the various nations will bear to the different lands the idea of toleration which they may see here. My thanks to them for this idea. Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human gore, destroyed civilization, and sent whole The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta nations into despair. Had it not been for this horrible demon society would have been much farther advanced than it is. But its time has come and I fervently believe that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of the representatives of the different religions of the earth, in this parliament assembled, is the death-knell to all fanaticism [applause], that it is the death-knell to all persecution with the sword or the pen, and to all uncharitablev v feelingsv between brethren wending their way to the same goal, but through different ways. [Applause]. The Inter Ocean Suami Vivekenda [sic]

sic Said the chairman: “Great Britain is great indeed, great on the floor of this parliament. We are to hear again from the empire of India, and I am glad to present to this assembly Suami Vivekenda [ ]” [Applause.] Suami Vivekenda said: Sisters and brothers of America. [Great applause.] It is my unspeakable joy to rise in response to the grand words of welcome given to us by you. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks the world has ever seen. I thank you in the name of the mother religion of which Buddhism and Janish [Jainism] are but the branches. I thank you in the name of that ancient monastic order, and I thank you finally in the name of the millions and millions of the Hindoo people of all castes and tects [sects]. My thanks to some of the speakers on this platform who have told us that these men from the various nations constitutionwill bear to the different lands the idea of toleration which they may see here. My thanks to them for this idea. I am proud to tell you that I belong to a religion in whose sacred language, the Sanscrit, is untranslatable. [Applause.] I am proud to belong to a nation whose religion sheltered the persecuted and the refugees from all parts of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have carried in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I will quote to you, brothers, a few lines from a hymn which every Hindoo child repeats every day. I feel that the very spirit of this hymn, which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions and millions of men in India, has at last come to be realized. The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies as ever held, is in itself an indication, a declaration to the West of the wonderful doctrine preached in India. Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, has filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human gore, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations into despair. Had it not been for this horrible demon society would have been much farther

advanced than it is. But its time has come, and I fervently believe that the bell that tolled this March 2020 morning in honor of the representatives of the different religions of the earth, in this parliament assembled, is the death knell to all fanaticism. [Applause.] That it is the death knell to all 23 persecution with the sword or the pen, andv to allv uncharitablev feelings between brethren wending their way to the same goal, but through different ways. [Applause.] The Record sic

Swami Dviva Kananda [ ], India: “I thank you in the name of the most ancient religion; I PAGE SPONSOR : SRI VISHNU T. A., CHENNAI A., T. VISHNU SRI : SPONSOR PAGE persecutionthank you in the name of that ancient monastic order of which Gautama was only a member, and Kesari The Vedanta finally I thank you in the name of the great Hindoo people. I claim a religion in which the word is untranslatable. I am proud to belong to a nation which has been the refuge of the persecuted. The bell that tolled this morning was the death-knell of all fanaticism, the death-knell to persecution with sword and pen of brethrenv v whov are wending their way to the same good, but by different ways. The speech as reported in Barrows’ book (“Barrows version”)

Swami Vivekananda, of Bombay, was next introduced. When Mr. Vivekananda addressed the audience as “sisters and brothers ofSpeech America,” of Mr. there Vivekananda arose a peal of applause that lasted for several minutes. He spoke as follows:

It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects. My thanks, also, to some of the speakers on this platform who have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing to the different lands the idea of toleration. I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal exclacceptance.usion We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions to be true. I am proud to tell you that I belong to a religion into whose sacred language, the Sanskrit, the word is untranslatable. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, a remnant which came to southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy Temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest boyhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: “As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to thee.” The present Convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to me, through whatsoever form I reach him, they are all struggling through paths that in the end always lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have

March 2020 possessed long this beautiful earth. It has filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for this 24 horrible demon, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But its time has come, and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor5 of this convention may be the death knell to all fanaticism, to all persecutions with the sword or the pen, and to all uncharitable feelingsDiscussion between of the persons reports wending their way to the same goal. Herald

(see the report): “I am proud to tell you that I belong to a religion into whose sacred Now thatComplete we have Works here allof the Swami four available reports on the speech (readers can language, the Sanscrit, the word seclusion is The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Vivekananda Herald consult the untranslatable.” The word is “seclusion” in the for the “short” and the “long” version and “exclusion” in the Barrows versions), we can address them individually version. The two words are somewhat similar- and compare them with each other and the sounding but, between theInter two, Ocean “exclusion” “short version,” which is the generally accepted definitely makes more sense in the context. It is version. It is important to mention here that, interesting to note that the Recordused in based on the existing hard copies and that place the word “constitution”, which microforms, these were the only four doesn’t make any sense, and the Herald newspapers that reported on the speech. “persecution.” This brings up the question: The report is the longest and the “What exact word did Swamiji say that was untranslatable in Sanskrit?” most important one, because thatThe was World’s the Inter Ocean Parliamentmother-source of Religions for the “short version” of the It appears that he said “persecution.” speech. However, Barrows’ book, According to the , there was , published in 1893, first applause at the end of the sentence in question included this report with very minimal editing, (there could have been applause after the as we can see. The significant difference previous sentence that ended with: “we accept between the two is one word in the sentence all religions to be true”), so it is possible that Herald Inter Ocean Tribunethe representatives of the and Gautama’s name, which was not in the other didn’t hear the word properly (the three reports (although two of them referred to had that wordRecord in its headline) Buddhism). Dropping items that are in the due to noise from the audience, but the other reports is understandable, but adding representative of the did. Phonetically, something that is not in the others is “persecution” is closer to “seclusion” and questionable.Record Since it is a live speech that is “constitution” than is “exclusion.” Moreover, being reported, you edit things out, not in. But according to the three reports that mentioned the , however, did get the word the sentence, Swamiji went into the subject of “persecution” right! the “persecuted” and “refugees” (“of all Interestingly, in the “long version,” Marie religions and all nations”) next. In that context, Louise Burke used for her synthesis materials by “persecution” he must have meant religious that are both common and unique in the four persecution. newspaper reports, as she had proposed to do, Eminent Sanskrit scholars have been but used the word “exclusion,” which none of contacted to find out if there is an equivalent the reports used; it was taken from the Barrows word in Sanskrit for “religious persecution.” version. For reasons best known to herself, After considerable research into the matter, one Burke didn’t mention the other three versions such scholar concluded: “Sanskrit language as of the word. * Concluding remarks March 2020 such—right from the period of the Vedas—did not have a word for religious persecution.” 25 We therefore conclude that what Swamiji One wishes that there had been said was: “I am proudpersecution to tell you that I belong to arrangements to record the speeches on wax a religion into whose sacred language, the cylinders, a technology that was then available. Sanskrit, the word is untransla- Then we could hear Swamiji’s sonorous voice table.” And he was right. as he spoke, with all the correct inflections, When the “short version” was compiled syntax, and tone. But there is no indication that PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. CHANDRA AIYANGAR, CHENNAI AIYANGAR, CHANDRA SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE years later, around 1907, by further6 editing the there was any such arrangement. Even if the Kesari The Vedanta Barrows version, the sentence in question was speeches had been recorded, the shelf life** of the included, but was eliminated later. The decision cylinders would have been short, or there could to eliminate it was probably prompted by the have been Herald other technical issues. It is uncertainty surrounding the “untranslatable” unfortunate that more newspapers didn’t word, which had four significantly different follow the ’s lead in reporting on the versions floating around in the media, although Tribune speech. Even if they had done so, it is also there could have been other reasons. Herald unfortunate that the hard copies of all extant The report is considerably newspapers of that date (September 12, 1893) shorter than Inter the Ocean ’s, but it has a reference are no longer available; some were never to Buddhism Herald and Jainism that is absent in the microfilmed before they disintegrated or latter. The report, which is closer to disappeared. So, we have to be satisfied with the report in its length and content, also the “short” and the “long” versions, along with Record had a similar reference. their sources. Both versions reflect the mastery of the speaker in terms of organization, InterThe Ocean’s report is totally inadequate. First, it massacred Swamiji’s name (and so did sentiment, train of thought, poise, confidence, the ). Second, it brought up and, finally, eloquence. Notes

* Does the Sanskrit language have a word for ‘persecution’? बाध् बाधते -धितुं), प्रबाध्, परिबाध्, प्रतिबाध्, बाधार्म् or 饍셋हार्म् अनुमृ From among the major Sanskrit-English dictionaries, Monier Williams Sanskrit Dictionary has -सरति -सर्तुं, मारयति -यितुं), 饍वषपूर्वम् अनुसृ, 饍रह् 饍रुति, 饍셋हितुं), क줿श् क줿�नति क쥇शितुं), क쥇शं this entry: To PERSECUTE, v. a. (c. 1. 饍셋हं कृ, अभि饍셋हं कृ, उपद्ं क.ृ (c. 1. c. 10. - (c. 4. (c. 9. or असचद्ष्. Persecuting those who are not (his) worshippers. But is the word connected to persecution based on religion? असचद्ष्/ अ-सच- The Apte Sanskrit dictionary gives – For द्ष् the same entry Monier Williams quoting a Rig Veda mantra states the following: mfn. hating or persecuting the non-worshippers ([ BR. Gmn. ]) or not persecuting

worshippers([ NBD. ]) RV. viii , 20 , 24 (voc.) th th

This termth appears just only once in the entire Rigveda Samhita in the 8 Mandala 20 Sukta असचद्षः and 24 Mantra of the Rigveda. This is a mantra on the Maruts. The Maruts are praised as

असचद्षः असक्त्रवः शत्रुरहिताः When read with the Sayana Acharya Commentary, which is the traditional authority in –Those who are bereft of enemies or Those about whom the enemies are disinclined (to fight). understanding the Vedas, the meaning of the mantra appears as: असचद्षः March 2020 Hence, the meaning given by the dictionaries to the term is incorrect. Unless we find 26 other contradicting evidences, we can conclude that Swamiji was correct in stating that the Sanskrit language as such – right from the period of the Vedas – did not have a word for religious persecution. Monier Williams and Apte, probably merely looked into the etymology-root meanings and arrived at the meaning. But in determining the meaning of the Vedas, the meaning approved by the traditional commentators (who look into all the six Vedangas) carry more weightage than only grammatical analysis. Furthermore, the roots of the Vedic-Sanskrit words have many

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta meanings, which may not be accounted fully in grammatical texts. — Dr. M. Jayaraman, Director, Research Department, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai; Member, Expert panel for Yoga, TKDL-CSIR, Govt of India **

That, of course, didn’t stop the enthusiasts from making stuff up and putting it on the Internet (https:// www.latestly.com/lifestyle/festivals-events/swami-vivekanandas-iconic-1893-speech-in-chicago- watch-full-video-audio-of-the-historic-address-at-the-us-parliament-of-worlds-religions-584029. html.) This article, further supported by Marie Louise Burke’s “long version,” clearly indicates that the Internet version of Swamiji’s first speech is counterfeit.} References 1) The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. The Vedanta Kesari Authentic Visitors’ Guide to the World’s 1:3 2) Ibid., 9: 429-430. 3) “Two Versions of Swami Vivekananda’s First Columbian Exposition and Chicago. Chicago Speech,” William Page. , January 2019, pp. 24-26. 4) 5) The World’s Parliament of Religions. Richard J. Murphy. Chicago: The Union News Co., 1892, p. 50. John Henry Barrows. Parliament Publishing Co., 1893, Vol 1, pp. 101-102. 6) Personal communication with Swami Atmarupananda of Houston, TX. PULLOUT FOR REFERENCE

Series 5: Issue 5: Vedantism - contd.

I Defining Hinduism ISSUEISSUE 2610 II Books of the Hindus

The Core Principles III of Hinduism

IV The Practice of Hinduism

focus in this issue: V The Task Ahead Vedantism - part 3 This is the concluding issue of the talk 'Vedantism', delivered in Jaffna on 24th January

1897. In the previous two issues we explored Sections I II III the summary of which is shown below:

Aspects of the lecture on Vedantism covered in the previous two issues March 2020 27 part 1: Defining Hinduism and part 2: The Core Principles of Hinduism Books of the Hindus (Issue 24) (Issue 25) 1. An alternative word for Hindus: 1. Who created this world? Vaidikas or Vedantists 2. What is God? 2. The books of the Hindus 3. Is God partial or impartial? - a visualization 4. Why are some people happy or PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. SHALINI SRINIVASAN, CHENNAI SRINIVASAN, SHALINI SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE

3. Vedas are revelatory truths, Kesari The Vedanta unhappy? eternal, without beginning or end. 5. What is the Soul? 4. Vedas were revealed to the Rishis - who were spiritual discoverers 6. What is the goal of the human 5. The ideas of the Upanishads have soul? permeated through Indian society 7. What is the cause of birth & 6. Smritis are scriptures that convert rebirth, and what is the cure? the eternal principles of Vedanta 8. What is the relationship between into contemporary customs soul and God? 7. Puranas & Tantras illustrate the eternal principles to the people Designed & developed by ILLUMINE In this issue, we cover the balance of the lecture Knowledge Catalysts - The Practice of Hinduism and the Task Ahead >> ® www.illumine.in The practice and application of Hinduism

A: Hinduism supports unity in diversity

In India, various sects co-exist because of the theory of the Ishta.

The theory of the Ishta says that: Each Ishta 1. There are various forms of is a unique path to the worshipping God. highest truth... 2. It is also recognized that different forms requires different methods. and so on..

3. And, each person’s unique path HIGHEST is called in Sanskrit, my Ishta. TRUTH Each one recognizes that your way is good for you but not for and so on.. me, and my way is good for me but not for you.

March 2020 4. Thus each person selects 28 and worships the Ishta most appropriate to that person.

Contrary to the theory of Ishta is the view that everyone is to have the same religious opinion and takes the same path. The consequence of such a contrary viewpoint is that all religions and all thought are destroyed. Not only that, since variety is the soul of life, when variation dies out, creation itself dies. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta

What is the Hindu response to the idea of one God? We have no quarrel with any religion in the world, and when we see people coming and trying to force any one way on us, we laugh at them.

We have no quarrel with any religion in the world, whether it teaches men to worship Christ, Buddha, or Mohammed, or any other prophet."Welcome, my brother," the Hindu says, "I am going to help you; but you must allow me to follow my way too. That is my Ishta. Your way is very good, no doubt; but it may be dangerous for me. My own experience tells me what food is good for me, and no army of doctors can tell me that. So I know from my own experience what path is the best for me." B: Caste and other institutions have been necessary to preserve our nation

Though our castes & our How caste has helped create social stability other institutions are over the centuries... apparently linked to our Enabled social stability in the face of religion, they are not so. invasions & changing political landscapes Allowed for stable economic ecosystems Hindu religion preaches of interdependent relationships

inclusion of everyone and Enabled transmission and maintenance exclusion of none. of professions & knowledge traditions Allowed Indian society to assimilate new It is through these groups into the social fabric institutions that Indian Whilst caste had many Gave people alternative identities and society was able to have some evils, it was a unique self-esteem beyond the dominant power Indian Social Architecture measure of stability through structure many ups and downs over When the necessity for self-preservation no longer exists, scores of centuries. institutions like caste will die a natural death.

Task Ahead: What we now want in this country

A: Importance of the Impersonal God in the India of the future March 2020

THE IDEA OF THE “...This teaches us not to think ourselves as weak, but as strong, 29 IMPERSONAL omnipotent, omniscient. No matter that I have not expressed it yet, it GOD TEACHES US is in me. All knowledge is in me, all power, all purity, and all freedom. TO BE STRONG... Why cannot I express this knowledge? Because I do not believe in it. Let me believe in it, and it must and will come out. This is what the idea of the Impersonal teaches.

PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, TEYNAMPET, CHENNAI TEYNAMPET, DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE THE IDEA OF THE “... no one knew why it would be good to love other beings as The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta IMPERSONAL GOD ourselves. And the reason, why, is there in the idea of the Impersonal ALLOWS FOR A God; you understand it when you learn that the whole world is one — RATIONAL SYSTEM the oneness of the universe — the solidarity of all life — that in hurting OF ETHICS... any one I am hurting myself, in loving any one I am loving myself.

THE IDEA OF THE “...This idea of the soul is the life-giving thought, the most wonderful... IMPERSONAL GOD the great thought that is going to revolutionise the world and reconcile WILL BE THE KEY TO the knowledge of the material world with religion. RECONCILING SCIENCE & RELIGION...

HENCE, WE SHOULD “Make your children strong from their very childhood; teach them TEACH OUR FUTURE not weakness, nor forms, but make them strong; let them GENERATIONS THE stand on their feet: bold, all-conquering, all-suffering; GLORY OF THE and first of all, let them learn of the glory of the soul. SOUL... That you get alone in the Vedanta — and there alone. B: Take up the duty of the age - disseminate spiritual knowledge India is an eternal fountain of spirituality. We have a vast treasure of spiritual ideas, and we have noble examples of practical spirituality. Both these have to be made the common property of all – rich and poor, high and low, not only in India but all over the world. This is one of our greatest duties.

The Tapas and the other hard The Ladder of Service Yogas that were practiced in other Yugas do not work now. What is needed in this Yuga is giving, helping others. IV Spiritual knowledge (highest of gifts) What is meant by Dana? The highest of gifts is the giving of spiritual knowledge, III Secular knowledge the next is the giving of secular

II Saving of life knowledge, and the next is the saving of life, the last is giving food and drink. He

I Food & drink who gives spiritual knowledge, saves the soul from many and many a birth. He who gives secular knowledge opens the March 2020 eyes of human beings towards spiritual knowledge, and far below these rank all 30 other gifts, even the saving of life.

A word of caution: Avoid jealousy and one-upmanship

For ages we have been saturated with awful jealousy; we The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta are always getting jealous of each other. Why has this man a little precedence, and not I? Even in the worship of God we want precedence, to such a state of slavery have we come. This is to be avoided. If there is any crying sin in India at this time it is this slavery. ...First, learn to obey. The command will come by itself. Always first learn to be a servant, and then you will be fit to be a master. Avoid this jealousy and you will do great works that have yet to be done.

FOR THE FULL LECTURE, REFER TO COMPLETE WORKS OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA, VOL. 3, LECTURES FROM COLOMBO TO ALMORA.

If you have any questions on this lecture, do post your queries on www.vivekanandaway.org You can also access previous issues of Vivekananda Way here. a i M ir g a c es , M an t e e ve cl ysti a

d l h M c l Tw

LAKSHMI DEVNATH

Roots in the Air and Shoots in the Soil

(Continued from previous issue. . .) The Story of Thirumazhisai Aazhvaar

oorva halted. The night had become so dark that she could barely see her own feet, and all around was an eerie silence. She was beginning to feel somewhat

uneasy when the darkness of the night was transformed miraculously into broad March 2020 daylight. Her hazel eyes glistening with happiness, she observed: “That was almost like electricity being restored after a power cut.” She noticed that the roads of Kanchi were 31 clean and wide, though now sadly lifeless. Poorva walked on, racking her brains as to how she could trace the Aazhvaar and his companions. As she walked along, Poorva recalled her impressions from the last time she had been down the same road. It had been bustling with activity – chariots plying up and down, vedic chantsP from nearby schools resonating in the air, and shops selling reed mats, wooden toys, PAGE SPONSOR : SRI SHARATKUMAR VARIYAR, BENGALURU VARIYAR, SHARATKUMAR SRI : SPONSOR PAGE

bamboo artefacts, silver and gold jewellery, and so much more. Kesari The Vedanta Poorva now found the schools empty and the shops closed. Kanchipuram did seem godforsaken. She smiled ruefully to herself at the irony of that thought. Someone rushed past her in great haste. The atmosphere suddenly became electrified and a cloud of dust hampered her vision. When the dust settled down, Poorva found that it had been caused by the king’s chariot racing down the street. The flag with the emblem of the bull and the muted cries of “Long live Pallava Maharaja, Rajaadhiraja …” proclaimed the monarch’s identity. In a flash, Poorva put two and two together – the king was going in search of the Aazhvaar. Excited beyond measure, she ran behind the chariot as fast as her legs could carry her. The royal chariot zoomed ahead and Poorva watched its fading contours with dismay.

“I wish Thesomeone author is woulda researcher give and me writer a lift. with I various don’t books think and I canarticles run on anyIndian longer,” music and she culture gasped. to her credit. [email protected] Illustrator: Smt. Lalithaa Thyagarajan. [email protected] Almost instantaneously, she found herself not just matching the chariot’s speed, but outstripping it quite comfortably. At that pace, she could hardly feel the ground. For that matter, she could hardly feel herself. At intervals, she even had to slow down to allow the royal chariot to catch up with her! Finally, the chariot halted. Breathless after the sprint, Poorva sat down on a flat stone under a tree, and was immensely relieved to find, right beside her, a pot of cool water. Thankful for the thoughtfulness of whoever had placed it there, she gulped down several glasses of water in quick succession. Gradually, she stopped panting and surveyed the scene around her. There was a huge crowd a few yards ahead of her. People were craning their necks to peer over their neighbours’ shoulders, obviously eager to get a view of something. Poorva was immediately in their midst, bursting with curiosity. To her great disappointment, she found that she could not make her way through. She stood on her toes and stretched all four feet eleven inches of herself, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was happening, but in vain. Just as she was beginning to despair, she felt herself being lifted up. She was standing on stilts! Utterly embarrassed, she looked around. Thankfully, no one in the gathering seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary. Poorva relaxed, cast her gaze forward and March 2020 got quite a shock. The Pallava king was falling at the feet of Kanikannan! 32 She heard Thirumazhisai Aazhvaar tell the Lord, “We’re going back. You too go back to Your temple. Spread Your serpent bed there and lie down.” As before, the Lord promptly rolled up His serpent bed and the three began their return journey. The king and the entire town followed them. Babbling voices and happy laughter filled the air. “Ha, ha …” Poorva turned back to see a buoyant Swami Thaatha. Happy to see him, she yelled, “Thaatha, it’s great that you too are here. I was afraid you had missed out on all the fun. Hope you got to see everything.” The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta “Most of it,” replied the Swami with a twinkle in his eye. He asked her, “Do you know where we are? In a little village on the outskirts of Kanchi. This place will become famous as Oriravirukkai – oru meaning ‘one’, iravu, ‘night’, and irrukkai, ‘stayed’; that is, ‘the place where the Lord stayed for a night’.” “Talking about God,” said Poorva, “He seems to implicitly obey the Aazhvaar. Makes me wonder who the master is and who the servant!” “God is always the servant of His true devotees,” the Swami said with emotion. “From today, this Lord of Thiruvehka will be known as Sonna vannam seydha Perumaal or Yathokthakaari. It means ‘the Lord who did what He was told to do’, which is exactly how you described Him.” “Anyway, all’s well that ends well,” said Poorva. “Say goodbye to this village. We are returning to Kanchi,” the Swami told her. Twilight descended. The sky looked beautiful as streaks of daylight glistened through the invading darkness. Almost like a grand finale to the exhilarating events of the day, there This story book is available through www.lakshmidevnath.com (to be continued. . .) was a light shower. The two ambled on silently, unmindful of getting wet. Pocket Tales

A Day of Surprises GITANJALI MURARI A fictional narrative based on incidents from the childhood of Swami Vivekananda.

here are we going dada? Tell me, please,” little Batul tugged at Naren’s hand. But Naren smiled at his cousin and shook his head refusing to say a word. Soon, they reached a large fairground with a great many people milling around decorated pavilions. “It is a festival,” Batul clapped his hands. “What a wonderful surprise!” “Yes, Shiva festival,” Naren said. “Now stay close or you could get lost…” The two boys went from one pavilion to the other, offering prayers to the images of Shiva and Parvati. “Dada, I want a Ganesh idol,” Batul announced suddenly. “A small one,” he measured with his hands.

“W March 2020 “Very well,” Naren nodded. “And I will get myself a Shiva image, which I can keep by my bed…” They found a stall selling clay images in different sizes and in all sorts of colours. 33 Batul chose a baby Ganesh crawling on all fours, his raised trunk holding a round PAGE SPONSOR : SRI SUMANTH TIMMADASARI, BENGALURU TIMMADASARI, SUMANTH SRI : SPONSOR PAGE The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta

The author is a media professional and writer. The Crown of Seven Stars is her first novel. She lives in Mumbai. [email protected] Illustrator: Smt. Lalithaa Thyagarajan. [email protected] sweetmeat. It took Naren some time to find his Shiva and when he did, he cried out joyfully, “Just what I wanted!” Covered in ashes, Lord Shiva sat cross-legged in deep meditation, surrounded by a ring of white mountains. Paying the artisan, he told Batul, “The sun is about to set…it is time to head back home…” The streets were crowded with evening traffic. “Come on, hurry up,” Naren urged his cousin. “I am tired dada,” the younger boy complained, trailing behind. “Look,Dada we are almost home,” Naren pointed to the mansion in the distance and started to cross the road. As he reached the other side, a piercing scream rang clear above the noise of traffic, “ …” Naren spun around, his eyes widening in shock. Batul stood frozen in the middle of the road. A carriage raced towards him, the driver, unable to control the plunging horse, waving frantically at him. “Get out of the way,” he yelled at the petrified child. But Batul did not move. He stood shaking, his face white. It seemed certain that he would be crushed under the thundering hooves, but Naren

March 2020 reached him in the nick of time and pulled him to safety. The carriage swept on, the driver looking back in relief. The bystanders broke into a loud applause. “What a brave lad,” they 34 patted Naren; but he paid no heed, his attention on Batul. Dusting off the little boy, he helped him to his feet and after making sure he was not hurt, he said, “Don’t say a word to Pishi anyone when we reach home or they will worry unnecessarily…” But as soon as they stepped through the door, Batul ran to Naren’s mother. “ ,” he cried, “I almost got run over by a carriage!” Bhuvaneshwari Devi turned to her son in alarm. “Is this true, Naren?” pishi

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta “It doesn’t matter, ma,” he replied, “Look, we are fine…” “The horse came rushing towards me, ,” Batul carried on excitedly. “And I would have got badly hurt if dada had not pulled me away…there were so many people but nobody came to help us…they were all too scared…but dada, he was not frightened at all!” Bhuvaneshwari Devi’s face softened. She embraced the two boys, holding them close. “I am very proud of you, Naren,” she told her son. “You showed true courage…always be a man, my child…always help those in distress…” “What an adventure we had today,” Naren grinned at Batul.

Batul’s eyes shone, “Yes“The dada,earth andis enjoyed I hope by tomorrow heroes” - too this is is full the of unfailing surprises!” truth. Be a hero. Always say, “I have no fear.” Tell this to everybody - “Have no fear.” Fear is death, fear is sin, fear is hell, fear is unrighteousness, fear is wrong life. All the negative thoughts and ideas that are in this world have proceeded from this evil spirit of fear. — Swami Vivekananda (Continued from page 19...) Should India Be a Wholly Secular State?

nothing to lose, but on the contrary everything conclude with the prophetic exhortation of to gain, by treading the ancient yet supremely Swami Vivekananda: “Be great. No great work efficacious path of Vedanta as lived and taught can be done without sacrifice. Lay down your by Sri Ramakrishna and his worthy disciple, comforts, your pleasures, your names, fame or Swami Vivekananda. If our leaders appreciate position, nay even your lives, and make a bridge the wonderful synthesising power of Vedanta of human chains over which millions will cross and apply it to meet the different pressing this ocean of life. Bring all the forces of good problems that confront us, it will pave the way together. Do not care under what banner you for a lasting peace not only within the country march. Do not care what be your colour, green, but through it in other lands as well by laying blue or red, but mix all the colours up and the foundation of a real federation of the world. produce that intense glow of white, the colour Our political constitution, our education, our of love. Ours is to work. The results will take social structure, our foreign policy, our home care of themselves. If any social institution life, all should be framed on the Vedantic stands in your way of becoming God, it will give outlook of spiritual oneness. Thus alone will way before the power of Spirit. I do not see into India fulfil her destiny. She has been the torch- the future; nor do I care to see. But one vision I March 2020 bearer to the world in the past and she is going see as clear as life before me: that the ancient to be so again. Only we, her children, should be Mother has awakened once more, sitting on Her 35 mindful of our duties, shed our pettiness and throne, rejuvenated, more glorious than ever. unite for common action. The march has only Proclaim Her to all the world with the voice of v v v begun. We have to push on to the goal. Let me peace and benediction.”

Statement about ownership and other particulars about The Vedanta Kesari (according to Form IV Rule 8, circulated by Registrar of Newspapers for India). 1. Place of Publication : Chennai - 600 004 PAGE SPONSOR : SRI RAVI CHAMUTURI, HYDERABAD CHAMUTURI, RAVI SRI : SPONSOR PAGE

2. Periodicity of Publication : Monthly Kesari The Vedanta 3. Printer’s Name : B. Rajkumar Nationality : Indian Address : M/s. Rasi Graphics Pvt. Limited, No.40, Peters Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014 4. Publisher’s Name : Swami Vimurtananda Nationality : Indian Address : Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004 5. Editor’s Name : Swami Mahamedhananda Nationality : Indian Address : Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004 6. Names & Addresses of the individuals who own the newspaper and partners or share-holders : Sri Ramakrishna Math, 31, Ramakrishna Math Road, holding more than 1% of the capital Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004 I, Swami Vimurtananda, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Date: 1.3.2020 (Swami Vimurtananda) Signature of the Publisher Article Sri Yogananda-Dashakam Hymn of Ten Verses on Swami Yogananda

SWAMI JAPASIDDHANANDA Here is a hymn of ten verses presenting salient features of the austere life and message of Swami Yogananda (also known as Jogin or Yogen), a sannyasi direct- disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. He was specially known for his exemplary service to Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, the spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna. Each verse is followed by translation and relevant incidents from his life. Readers can read a sloka, go through its meaning, ruminate over the incidents connected with the sloka, and then come back to chant the verse now rich with significance. This will give a feeling of blessedness while chanting the hymn. All the quotations and paraphrased incidents are from , published by Advaita Ashrama, Kolkata. God Lived With Them – the Life Stories of Sixteen योगानन्द महात्मMonasticनं रामकृष् सुDisciplesपार्दम्। of Sri Ramakrishna �रसारदापरं धीरं तपोनि�ठ नमाम्हम्॥१॥ so much knowledge and devotion that I am To whom Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi was unable to express it all.”

March 2020 the highest bow down to Swami Yogananda to 36 whom the state of communion with – Diverse is the nature of men in the God was the source of bliss, the1 great world; and so it is in spiritual realm too. soul, eminent companion of Sri Ramakrishna, Devotion to God, some think is the best path to to whom Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi was the liberation, others consider knowledge the highest, the wise and the one established in highest, and yet others psychic control, and so The great soul austerities. on. Swami Yogananda, however, was uniquely – Great men alone can blessed with the realization that service to Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi was the highest – both

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta bring to light the greatness hidden in others. Sri RamakrishnaI (also referred to here as ‘Master’) as means and end. He served the living Mother recognized some of his disciples as intimate of the Universe with steadfast devotion2 for companions and they formed his inner circle. more than twelve long years – from the He once said to Jogin: “It is wonderful that we autumn of 1886 to the spring of 1899. The have come to know of each other now. You Mother herself testified to his impeccable must come often. You have been born into a service: “Boy-Yogen served me very well noble family and possess many characteristics indeed, none else can do the like of it....” When of spiritual greatness. You will easily advance Yogananda passed away Mother remarked: “I on this path.” Yogananda too was aware of his don’t see any one who can now carry my mission in life. Once when someone jokingly burden (i.e., shoulder her responsibilities). called him a eunuch, he laughingly replied: “You Yogen was there....” And again: “Nobody loves will see – just wait. Jesus left a group of me as Yogen did. If anybody gave him so much eunuchs who shook the world. We will do the as eight annas, he kept it by saying, ‘Mother will same thing.” In his last days once Yogananda go out on pilgrimages, etc., and then she will said: “ByThe the author grace is ofHead, the DepartmentMaster I have of Sanskrit attained and Philosophy,need it.’” Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (deemed-to-be-University) Belur Math. [email protected] The wise Dhira

– The Sanskrit word means he wouldईशकोट repeatिं नित्यस his饍ध ल mantramीलया तनुध dayारिणम्। and night ‘wise man’. Kalidasa, the greatestKumara- of the almostज ीवकोटnonstop...”िं भवात् त्र섾तुं युगेशसहचारिणम्॥२॥ sambhavaimmortal poets of India gives an excellent definitionvikarahetau of the wordsati vikriyante in his work yesham na cetamsi ta which eva dhirah, is worthy of memorization. He 2) I take refuge in Swami Yogananda, who says, is a Godlike soul, ever free, assumes body (i.e., meaning “They indeed takes birth) playfully, and accompanies the Godlike soul are wise whose mind is not perturbed even in Lord of the age in protecting ordinary souls. the presence of objects of temptation.” A very - Sri Ramakrishna said that practical definition indeed! It was well Ishvarakotis six of his disciples were godlike souls exemplified in the life of Swami Yogananda. In Accompanies the Lord of the age ( ) and Jogin was one of them. this regard, Swami Shivananda, another monastic direct-disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, – Six once narrated: “Swami Yogananda was a highly months before Yogananda’s passing away Sri evolved soul. He was extremely handsome and Ramakrishna appeared before him and told him had a manly body. Once he was travelling in that he would have to be born again with him Central Province, and he was alone in a train for the good of the world. But initially, car. At a particular station when the train was Yogananda even as Swami Vivekananda and about to leave, a beautiful courtesan hurriedly others did, refused to take birth again. A man of March 2020 spiritual illumination alone knows what it got into the same car with her luggage. As soon 37 as her eyes fell on Swami Yogananda, she was means to be born again in this phenomenal infatuated and begged him, ‘I offer my world; it is an extreme torture for them to be everything to you, please accept me.’ When bound within the body-mind complex. But that Yogananda did not respond, she became Yogananda eventually acceded to the Master’s impatient and threatened him, ‘If you don’t wish is known from his conversation with listen to me right now, I shall pull the alarm Girish Ghosh: “All right. Let the Master’s will be chain to stop the train, and I shall complain to done. I am his servant. Whatever he asks me to PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. MADHAVI CHAMUTURI, HYDERABAD CHAMUTURI, MADHAVI SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE In protecting ordinary souls the guard that you had molested me.’ She was do, I will do.” Kesari The Vedanta carrying a bottle of wine in her bag. She began – There is an to drink the wine to become more excited, but incident where Swami Vivekananda (hence- it had the opposite effect. She became so drunk forth Swamiji) elicits wonderful words from that she passed out on her seat. When the train Swami Yogananda which shows the true mettle reached the next station, Yogananda got off the and calibre of the sannyasi. When Yogananda’s train unharmed. Look, what grace of the health deteriorated, Brahmachari Krishnalala Austerities Master! Who else can protect except he?” (later Swami Dhirananda) was deputed to – “Yogananda did not care assist him in serving the Holy Mother. Noticing much for studying. He loved to be in solitude, many women devotees regularly visiting Holy and would practise japam and meditation for Mother, Swamiji once asked Yogananda: “As you many hours. Sometimes he would leave the know, various kinds of women come to Holy monastery and practise austerities on the bank Mother. Who will be responsible if this of Ganga. Due to his intense fasting Yogananda’s brahmacharin’s mind wanders from the body was lean, but his eyes were bright and spiritual path?” Immediately, touching his chest luminous.... For the sake of God, he was ready to Yogananda replied: “I will be responsible. I am give up everything – even his body. Sometimes ready to sacrifice my life for him.” It is needless to speakदिव् aboutबाल्य सम theाय Unseenाप् गु셂प सदनPowerादिभिः that। uttered nature, Jogin avoided situations that demanded theseसं wordsसिद्ध् throughयतमानं त ं Yogananda’sशोभमानं शमादिभिः lips॥३॥ as “I”. flexing of his muscles. Sri Ramakrishna recognised this tenderness as a potential barrier to his spiritual unfoldment and cured 3) I take refuge in Swami Yogananda, who the malady. When a co-passenger on a boat having passed the divine childhood, struggled openly vilified Sri Ramakrishna, Jogin avoided to attain perfection by approaching Guru, etc., confronting him. When he heard of it, Sri Ramakrishna reproached Jogin for not and The shines divine by childhood the virtue of spiritual qualifications like control over the mind. confronting the abuser. On another occasion, – When he was a despite Sri Ramakrishna’s instruction to kill the child of five, he would often be overwhelmed cockroaches in the cloth-chest Jogin let them with spiritual feelings. In the midst of play, a free in the garden; Sri Ramakrishna then serious thought would suddenly possess him rebuked him for weakness of heart and warned and he would lose all interest in the sport. He of the risks that come in the wake of would withdraw into a quiet corner and, disobedience. But it was not a lesson in looking at the sky, ask himself: “Where am I? aggressiveness or belligerence; a sensible Certainly, I don’t belong here. These are not my balance is what was intended. Sri Ramakrishna playmates – I have other friends and also taught him to ignore words that were March 2020 companions. I must have come from one of worthless. Jogin, once reprimanded some 38 those stars. But which one? I don’t know. And villagers of Dakshineswar for their unfounded why am I here if I belong to another world? Is comments against Sri Ramakrishna. Sri this all a dream?” After his sacred thread Ramakrishna then advised him to save his ceremony, Jogin began to spend more time in valuable time and energy for spiritual pursuits meditation and worship. He would get joy from and not squander them on worthless issues. Sri reading the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and Ramakrishna taught him how to avoid the other scriptures. He was fond of listening to extremes, and led him by the hand on the kirtan or devotional singing and to the spiritual path. Seekers of God are expected to The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta recitationStruggled of the to attain Bhagavata. perfection Sometimes by approa- he have complete sincerity and faith on the one chingwould Guru, help hisetc. father pick flowers‘approaching for worship. hand and a sound common-sense on the other. Guru etc.,’ Sri Ramakrishna was a past master in striking - By the phrase a balance between the two – the ideal and the is meant the formal, Upanishadic reality. He saw to it that this essential skill of procedure of getting registered as a pupil under achieving balance percolated into the a competent teacher of eminence for guidance constitution of his disciples. Once when, and support in spiritual life. Jogin and other impressed by the religious signs of a disciples, even as the pupils of the Upanishadic shopkeeper, Jogin purchased an iron pan age, yearned to attain perfection under the without scrutiny and brought home a broken tutorship of their guru Sri Ramakrishna, the one, Sri Ramakrishna reproved him saying, Lord of the Age. Sri Ramakrishna too keenly “Because you are a devotee of God, does it mean observed and monitored the progress of his that you should be a fool? Do you think any disciples and guided each disciple according to shopkeeper opens a shop to practise religion? his nature. In his methodology, apparently Why did you not examine the pan before you ordinary details like food, sleep, and speech purchased it? Never act so foolishly again...” were given much importance. Kind-hearted by Incidents such as these give a glimpse of the uniqueप्रणिपात training-परिप्रश that-परिचर्याद Jogin-स त underwentक्रमैः। for Jogin despaired that his spiritual life was attainingपायं perfection.पायं गुरोर्वणĂ मुच्मानं च संशयैः॥४॥ over when, overcome by his family’s pressure, he got married. Deeply dejected, he stopped visiting Dakshineswar. Sri Ramakrishna, who 4) I take refuge in Swami Yogananda, who could fathom the hearts of men, was very also got rid of his doubts by drinking deep the worried about Jogin. He sent for Jogin several words of Guru obtained through the times. But when Jogin refused to come, Sri (prescribed) excellent method of obeisance, Ramakrishna hit upon a plan. He knew that Got rid of doubts, etc., by drinking deep the inquiry, servitude, etc. Jogin had to return some balance money of a words of Guru transaction with a person in the Kali temple. So – Many were the occasions where he sent word, in a manner that would hurt Jogin doubted Sri Ramakrishna. For example: Jogin’s pride, asking him to return the money. Once attracted by a hathayogi’s techniques, Jogin felt grievously wounded that Sri Jogin wanted to learn from him some exercises Ramakrishna considered him a cheat. He to overcome lust. When he wanted to know Sri immediately came to Dakshineswar to return Ramakrishna’s advice to conquer cupid, he was the money and then never see Sri Ramakrishna advised: “Chant the name of Hari, then it will again. But as soon as Jogin came into his presence, Sri Ramakrishna with deep concern

go.” To Jogin this was just a clichéd advice. So, March 2020 the next day he went to listen to the hathayogi assured him that his spiritual life would not be staying in the Dakshineswar garden. But soon affected by marriage and he would work out 39 Sri Ramakrishna came there with that priceless things for his spiritual progress either as a expression of solicitude of a worried parent, householder or as a renouncer. Overwhelmed and holding Jogin by his hand took him to his by his guru’s boundless love, Jogin felt room. There, like an anxious mother he immensely uplifted. He also realised that he dissuaded Jogin from his attraction for mere had misunderstood his guru. physical yogic exercises. Jogin suspected Sri When Sri Ramakrishna was persistent in

PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. RAJAM SUBRAMANIAM, CHENNAI RAJAM SUBRAMANIAM, SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE procuring his share of temple offerings arranged Ramakrishna was selfishly trying to keep him Kesari The Vedanta in his circle. However, overcome by Sri by Rani Rasmani, Jogin read petty mindedness in Ramakrishna’s pure love he repeated the name his conduct. But Sri Ramakrishna who only of the Lord with a concentrated mind and wanted to ensure fulfillment of the great lady’s experienced its tangible result. noble objective, at least in part, explained the Once at midnight Jogin did not find Sri rationale behind his act. Jogin felt ashamed again of his meanness and inability to see the lofty Ramakrishna3 on his cot. Immediately he suspected that Sri Ramakrishna had gone to intentions of the Master. Nahabat to spend the night with his wife. To Thus gradually Jogin learnt to discover, to know the truth, he stood outside watching the his amazement and joy, deep significance in Nahabat. But when Sri Ramakrishna came every act of Sri Ramakrishna, irrespective of walking from the pine grove, where he had how trivial it appeared at first. Thus passing gone to ease himself, Jogin was filled with through turbulent seas of doubts, he attained firm faith in his guru and holding on to his shame for doubting his guru. But to his Through the (prescribed) excellent method words eventually landed on the shores of Light. astonishment Sri Ramakrishna, who of obeisance, inquiry, servitude, etc. immediately understood Jogin’s suspicion, approved his behaviour. - What does (prescribed) excellentतद्वि method प्रणिपात ेनmean? परिप्र� Itन isसेव theया। for Holy Mother that he would not touch her उmethodपदेक्न्त spokenते 煍ञनं of 煍 ञान inनस ancient्配तदर्श न Indianः।। spiritual feet even while offering obeisance to her. When sciences, such as - others questioned about it he apologized that “Know that he did not have the insolence to keep her Truth(God) by obeisance (prostrations), proper standing and waiting for him to bow down to questioning, and service to the teacher. (Moved her. He would rather touch the spot with his by humility, etc.) They, the knowers of Truth, head after Mother left the place. The excellence will impart to you that knowledge.” (Bhagavad he hadसे वachievedमानं सुतीर् inषु servingयोगतुङ्गविह theारि णMotherीम्। was rare Gita 4:34) Spiritual sciences (like the to be रfoundामकृष् inमयĂ anyone दिव्या रelse.ाधाभावविलासिनीम्॥६॥ Upanishads) give the methodology and pre- requisites which a spiritual aspirant is expected to excelदेव्या in. �Joginरसारद ाimbibedमण्या स्न गthem्धवत् byल् भlivingाजनम्। with 6) I take refuge in Swami Yogananda, who Sri Ramakrishnaशिष्माद्यं सदा and शु饍 followingध मातृपादरज ोनिधिhis advice.म्॥५॥ served Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi who revelled in the heights of Yoga (samadhi) in prominent sacred places of pilgrimage, had 5) I take refuge in Swami Yogananda, who Herself become Sri Ramakrishna, was divine, was the recipient of the loving affection of the and sported in the ecstasy of Radha- Goddess Sri Saradamani, her first disciple, ever consciousness. March 2020 pure, Recipient and to whom of the dustloving of affection the feet of Holy The following words of Swami Yogananda 40 Mother was a treasure. helps us to contemplate on the meaning of this – “Jogin verse: “At Vrindavan the Holy Mother had many and SharatFirst disciple belonged to my inner circle” said spiritual experiences. One day her women Holy Mother. companions found her absorbed in deep - Sri Ramakrishna, after samadhi. They uttered the name of the Lord in leaving his mortal frame, instructed Holy her ears and tried to bring her mind down. I Mother Sri Sarada Devi to formally initiate repeated the name of Sri Ramakrishna with all Jogin. Jogin too received an instruction from Sri my strength; then the Mother seemed to return The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Ramakrishna to seek initiation from Holy to the ordinary sense plane. During such periods Mother. But both, shy by nature, ignored the of ecstasy, her manner of speech, her voice, her counsel thinking it to be their imagination. way of taking food, her way of walking, and her When the vision repeated for the third time, general behaviour were exactly like those of the Mother apologized and expressed her shyness. Master. We have heard that in deep meditation Sri Ramakrishna then told her to take the help the worshippertadatmyabhava and the worshipped become of Yogin-ma. Shortly after, the Mother initiated one. The scriptures mentionBhagavata a spiritual state Jogin Ever and pure he thus became her first formally known as – being at one with initiated disciple. God. We have read in the how the – Though Jogin had to marry gopis (shepherd girls of Vṛindavan), unable to under the pressure of circumstances, he lived the bear separation from Krishna, became so deeply life of a strict celibate. He and his wife never absorbed in his thought, that for the moment slept in the same bed. Further Sri Ramakrishna’s they forgot their own individuality and behaved deputationTo whom of Jogin dust to of the the service feet of of HolyHoly Mother as though they were Krishna. In the same wasis in aitself treasure a testimony for his calibre. manner the Mother, too, forgot her own separate existence and acted just like the Master, feeling – Jogin had such high reverence her oneness with him. When I asked her some 4 complex question about spiritual matters shortly pale into insignificance.” Yogananda replied: after her states of samadhi, she replied in a god- “Sharat,饍वारेऽ Iर्ज tellननाम youानं क लौ one य ो thing:गीन्संज्ञ clingम्। to Holy intoxicated mood, very much like Sri Mother.योग Whateverा셂ढं संयमीन she饍र पाव saysनं निश –ि thatतव्रत isम्॥८॥ right.” Ramakrishna; that is, in the same manner characteristic of the Master, even using the same dvapara-yuga 5 easy style of expression with metaphor and 8) I take refuge in 6Swami Yogananda, who parables. We all were surprised to see the spirit was named Arjuna in , christened7 of Sri Ramakrishna united with hers. It was Yogindra in Kali-yuga, established in Yoga , unique. We then realized that the Master and the chief among those who possess self-control, Established in Yoga Mother were one in essence, though appearing holy and of intense austerities. in separate forms. Is it not said in the scriptures: - Swami Shuddhananda, ‘Lord, thou art man, thou art woman.’ The Master who lived with Yogananda for some time, said: told me many times that there was no difference “Jogin Maharaj was so absorbed in meditation between him and the Mother. most of the time that his face would always look “...(Holy Mother) passed nearly two days in serene and luminous. Even when he would come that superconscious state. A great transformation from his bath, one would feel that he had just Chief among those who have self-control came over the Mother after that experience. ....She come out of his deep meditation.”

sometimes behaved like a simple, innocentdarshan girl. - March 2020 Sometimes she would express an eagerness to Swami Vivekananda once remarked: “If there is visit the various temples of Vṛindavan for 41 anyoneराम amongstकृष्-महासङ्घ-मह us whoाल hasक्-प्र conqueredशिक्षणे । lust in (seeing the deity) or to visit holy spots on the all respects, it is Jogin.” banks of the Jamuna associated with the divine जहदात्ग्रहं दक्षं तुष्यन् त配तरक्षणे ॥९॥ sport of Krishna and the gopis. She was then in such a blissful state of mind that at times her 9) I take refuge in Swami Yogananda, who yearning for Krishna’s presence and her utterance abandoned his conception (and aspirations) for of his name with intense love reminded of Radha. the sake of preaching the stupendous ideal of PAGE SPONSOR : SRI DHARAM VIR SETH, DEHRADUN SETH, VIR DHARAM SRI : SPONSOR PAGE I have heard from her women companions that the great organization of Sri Ramakrishna, Kesari The Vedanta the Mother at times spoke frankly of herself as competent (in carrying out the mission Radha. She passed her time in constant assigned to him), and who rejoices in meditation and japam and would often go into safeguarding principles (even at the cost of ecstasy, remaining forgetful of herself for hours Who abandoned his conceptions सारदावचनं चर्यं सर्वशस्त्र्सारदम्। giving up his personal opinions). together.” एवं शंसन्मानन्द तत्दार्चािशारदम्॥७॥ – Yogananda did not always readily accept Swamiji’s revolutionary ideas. But when it came 7) I take refuge in Swami Yogananda, who to work, he always followed the commands of blissfully proclaimed that the life and message the leader and setting aside his natural leaning of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi conveys the for a meditative life worked hard to further the essence of all scriptures, and who is an adept in cause of the organization. From 1895 to 1898 serving her lotus feet. he arranged the birth anniversary festivals of Once Saradananda said to Yogananda: Sri Ramakrishna on a large scale. When Swami “Brother, I do not always understand Swamiji. Vivekananda returned from the West in 1897, He speaks in various moods. Whatever stand he Yogananda took active part in organising the takes, he makes so much of it that the others reception function. When Swamiji established the Ramakrishna Mission on 1 May 1897, Yogananda for this unique service. Unique, Yogananda was made its Vice-president, in because no other brother-disciple dared to which capacity he presided several times over engage the colossal spiritual power that was Rejoices in keeping intact principles and the weekly meetings of the Mission. Swami Vivekananda in any kind of debate. ideals Swami Yogananda was a blend of independent – Yogananda led an ideal life, and he spirit �셀विand वobedienceेकयतीꅍ饍रण सwhichसं ्酁तं सम makesुपाशये। him an ideal for others to follow. taught by his example. He did not lecture or do सारदाङ㔘 ्섿सरोजे सद्-भक鄿भावादिसिद्धये॥१०॥ any spectacular work. Although born into a rich family and married, he demonstrated how to practise renunciation and purity. He was an 10) I take refuge in Swami Yogananda, uncompromising sannyasi: he shunned who was praised by Swami Vivekananda, the everything that took his mind away from Sri leader of sannyasis, for the sake of attaining Ramakrishna. In this matter he would not spare true devotion, ecstasy etc., at the lotus feet of Who was praised by Swami Vivekananda even the beloved leader Swami Vivekananda. Sri Sarada Devi. Yogananda once apologized to Swamiji: – “Whatever you will, shall come about. We are Swamiji held Yogananda in high esteem. He always ready to follow your lead. I see clearly considered him as the best among those who that the Master is working through you. Still, I March 2020 had mastery over themselves. As Yogananda lay confess, doubts do sometimes arise in my mind, ill in his last days the words uttered by Swamiji 42 for, as we saw it, his method of doing things was bears out his deep regard for him: “Jogin, you get so different. I am led to ask myself whether we well, let me die instead.” Indeed all the brother are not straying from Sri Ramakrishna’s disciples cherished Swami Yogananda in their teachings.” But when Swamiji explained to him heart for his exalted life, severe austerities, and the principles on which he worked, Swami the unmatched service he rendered to the Holy Yogananda was deeply moved and praised Mother. Once Swami Niranjanananda said: For the sake of attaining true devotion, Swamiji’s greatness. “Jogin, you are our crest jewel.” ecstasy etc., at the lotus feet of Sri Sarada Devi

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Yogananda argued with Swamiji on several occasions until he was convinced about the necessity and propriety of innovations – Yogananda commanded love and respect for made by Swamiji for the Ramakrishna Order. his sterling, saintly qualities. But what set him He, represented, as it were, the collective mind apart as a class among the disciples of Sri of the brethren, voiced their doubts, argued, Ramakrishna was his devoted service to Holy and elicited wonderful answers from Swami Mother Sri Sarada Devi. He was one of the first Vivekananda which today guide us in sannyasis to discover the extraordinary understanding Swamiji’s ideas. The spiritual greatness of Mother, hidden under her Ramakrishna Order is beholden to Swami rural simplicity. References Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi.

1) Sri Sarada Devi was the spiritual consort of Sri Ramakrishna. 2) Swami Gambhirananda, Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1955, p.187 3) The unused concert tower in the Dakshineswar temple where Sri Sarada Devi lived. 4) This is the short form of Saradananda’s premonastic name – Sharat Candra Chakravarti 5) The third leg of the quadral division of time cycle 6) Iron age, the current one and the last leg of the quadral division of time 7) Yoga is the state of being one with the Supreme Self otherwise known as God, etc. A (A Sub-Centre of Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai) Ne adu w Sr il N i Ram r, Tam akrishna Math at Thanjavu

AN APPEAL TO SERVE GOD IN MAN Dear Devotees and well-wishers, We pray that Sri Ramakrishna may shower His blessings on all your endeavours. Thanjavur is a historically and culturally important city, famous for its art and ancient architecture, especially temples. It was Swami Vivekananda’s earnest desire to install Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna in every town and spread the culture of worship and service. We now propose to begin a centre in Thanjavur and initiate various activities: l to develop self-confidence, awareness of health and yoga etc.

Youth Camps - March 2020 l Balaka Sangha - to train children in cultural and spiritual traditions, etc. l Spiritual Practices - daily puja, bhajans, japa yajna, parayanam, discourses. 43 l Spiritual & Cultural Literature - promotion and sale. l Seminar/Workshops - for teachers, doctors and other professionals. l Medical Services - for the poor and needy. To establish a new centre and conduct the above activities, an amount of Rs. 7 Crore is required. We invite you to contribute whatever you can

and be a part of this noble mission. Kesari The Vedanta

Names of those who contribute Rs.10,000/- and above will be inscribed in the Math premises. Donations are exempted under Section 80 G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Donations may be sent cheque/DD in favour of “Sri Ramakrishna Math”. For Online donation please visit https://donations.chennaimath.org After online payment please intimate us by email your address, and PAN number. Yours in the Service of the Lord, Swami Gautamananda, Adhyaksha. Sri Ramakrishna Math 31, Sri Ramakrishna Math Road, Mylapore, Chennai-4. & : 24621110. email : [email protected] Website : www.chennaimath.org For more details - Mob : 98409 87307 March 2020

44 The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Article Sri Ramakrishna and the Pilgrimage Mindset SWAMI CHIDEKANANDA (Continued from the previous issue…)

Introduction

In modern times, the absorption of n the previous two issues, we spiritual vibrations may be compared to flying discussed the importance of cultivating on an airplane and wishing to connect to the a pre-pilgrimage mindset before Internet so that one can watch a movie during embarking on a pilgrimage. The next question the flight. To download the movie, one first is: How should we conduct ourselves during the requires a password. Once passengers get the pilgrimage so as to maximise our spiritual password, they can then connect with the progress? Internet and download the movie into their Sri Ramakrishna’s Four Vidyas hard drive. In his

pilgrimage to Varanasi March 2020 spiritual experiences in 1) Tuning to the Divine VaranasiI reveal subtle with Mathur Babu, Sri hidden truths about 2) Spiritual Association Ramakrishna gives us the 45 places of pilgrimage—and 3) Presence of the Sacred password which will also how sincere seekers 4) Poking the Honeycomb enable us to connect to can access them. Sri the holy vibrations of a Ramakrishna says that the place of pilgrimage. Once “wind of God’s grace 1 is we connect with this always blowing. We only spiritual atmosphere, we PAGE SPONSOR : DR. SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR R., KANCHEEPURAM R., SUBRAMANIYABHARATHIYAR DR. : SPONSOR PAGE have to unfurl our sails.” This is especially true can then download these holy vibrations into Kesari The Vedanta our mind. in places of pilgrimage where the devotion of How to access these spiritual vibrations in countless devotees and great souls “has caused places of pilgrimage? a spiritual atmosphere to become palpable in that place,2 so [that] one can easily become spiritually awakened and have a vision of God Sri Ramakrishna’s pilgrimage mindset— there.” tanmatras”3 which he applied in hisvidyas pilgrimage to Swami Vivekananda further explains that Varanasi—shows us the way. The pilgrimage sattvasuch places “become full of good or mindset consists of four (spiritual spiritual vibrations and become saturated with practices based on subtle truths). Each of these sattva. In order vritti to access this vast reservoir of vidyas is supported by the scriptures and spiritual vibrations, we simply have to awaken affirmed by his own realisations. The four the (thought-wave) in our own vidyas of the pilgrimage mindset practised by minds, and tune it to the particular frequency Sri Ramakrishna are: (1) Practice of Tuning to of the place ofThe pilgrimage. author is a sannyasi of the Ramakrishna Orderthe andDivine; is serving (2) atPractice Advaita ofAshrama, Spiritual Kolkata. Association; [email protected] 4 (3) Practice of the Presence of the Sacred; (4) to the preponderance of sattva caused “by the Practice of ‘Poking the Honeycomb’ . priceless love and faith of innumerable7 Before we discuss how we can apply these monastics and devotees throughout the ages” , vidyas during our pilgrimages, we will have to Lord Shiva’s name,8 form, and qualities have address a fundamental doubt that arises in the become condensed and can be easily accessed by spiritual aspirants in a particular manner. On mind of many jivas spiritual seekers: Sri Ramakrishna was an incarnation and we are the other hand, in Vrindavan, where countless merely ordinary . There is a gulf of devotees have chanted and danced to Sri difference between his pure mind and ours. So Krishna’s name, his name, form, and qualities how will his spiritual experiences help us? have become condensed. For this reason, Sri Ramakrishna says, “I expected to find everyone More than 1200 years ago, Sri in Varanasi absorbed in samadhi, meditating on Shankaracharya, the great exponent of Advaita Shiva twenty-four hours a day, and everyone in Vedanta, answered this question. In his Vrindaban wild with ecstatic joy9 in the commentary on chapter 2, verse 55 of the Gita, company of Krishna. But when I went to those he explains the relevance and necessity of a places, I found them to be different.” realised soul’s spiritual experiences and स्थिप्रजलक्षणं साधनं च उपदिश्ये । सर्वत्रै हि spiritual practices to ordinary souls: In choosing a specific mood, Sri अध्यत्मशस्त् कृतार्लक्षणानि यानि तान्ये साधनानि Ramakrishna also hints that externals—like the March 2020 उपदिश्यन् ।। type of food one eats and the clothes one 46 “In all the scriptures, whatever are wears—may be helpful in fostering a particular the characteristics of the man of realisation are mood, but this must also be done with the right themselves presented as the disciplines for an motivation. Sometimes we may assume a aspirant, because these (characteristics) are the spiritual attitude and wear certain clothes or have a specific diet (like vegetarianism) for the result of effort. And those that are the5 disciplines requiring effort become the sake of posing or projecting a holier-than-thou characteristics (of the man of realization)”. In attitude. The goal is to imitate the holy man rather than just mimic him. The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta other words, Sri Ramakrishna’s spiritual Kathamrita practices and his spiritual moods are the means For this reason, Sri Ramakrishna for us to make spiritual progress. repeatedly emphasised ,in the that Vidya 1: Practice of tuning in to the Divine a spiritual mood must be combined with virtues like sincerity broad-mindedness, humility, and self-efficacy. When visiting ‘Tuning in to the divine’ means adopting a Kashi—in spite of being an incarnation—Sri specific spiritual mood during the pilgrimage tanmatra Ramakrishna assumed the spiritual identity of which will enable one to access the particular a humble seeker of the knowledge of Oneness. or spiritual vibration of a holy site. Sri This attitude gets especially reflected when he Ramakrishna6 vishesa-bha wouldva often remark that he meets Trailanga Swami (an incident that we visited each holy place with a specific spiritual teerthasthan shall discuss later). mood or (in Bengali). Similarly, Sister mumukshu Nivedita, before her Understanding that each has pilgrimage to Amarnath, describes her mindset, its own particular spiritual current, he would which is ideal for a certain definite(seeker quality of choose a spiritual mood accordingly. For liberation). She writes: “I am learning a great example, in Varanasi (also known as Kashi), due deal…That there is a which may be called spirituality

; that it is worth having; that the soul may long for GOD as the heart for human love; that nothing that I have ever called nobility or unselfishness was anything but the feeblest and most sordid of qualities compared to the fierce white light of Sister Nivedita real selflessness…At present, it is of course just groping in the dark—asking an opinion here and there, and sifting evidence. Someday10 I hope to have first-hand knowledge and to give it to others with full security of truth.” Here, Nivedita’s mindset strikes the right balance between self-efficacy and humility, which is ideal for a spiritual seeker. She understands that “there is a certain quality which may be called spirituality,” and at the same time, she understands that she is merely determination, endurance, and broad- “groping in the dark.” Nonetheless, she is clear mindedness like Sister Nivedita. March 2020 about her goal to “someday...have first-hand Vidya 2: Practice of Spiritual Association knowledge and give it to others with full 47 security of truth.” Nivedita’s mindset also indicates a clear The practice of spiritual association is focus, inwardness, and determination to have powerful,sattvika practical and easy. It is the practice of some type of spiritual experience during her utilising our knowledge of holy places to awaken pilgrimage to Amarnath. This determination is the quality within our own mind. especially helpful to spiritual aspirants, who In the first article, we discussed the

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI HEMANT GUPTA, CHANDIGARH GUPTA, HEMANT SRI : SPONSOR PAGE importance of acquiring and then meditating must have the strength to withstand the teerthasthan Kesari The Vedanta inevitable difficulties and even insults which upon spiritual, historical, and Puranik they will encounter in places of pilgrimage. For knowledge about a beforehand. In example, Sister Nivedita, after her arduous his visit to Kashi, Sri Ramakrishna shows how journey to Badrinath near the end of her life, a spiritual aspirant—with such knowledge of was prevented from entering the inner sanctum places of pilgrimage—can access the deep of the temple by the priest. Though initially reservoir of “condensed spirituality”. taken aback, she soon “overcame her From his early boyhood days, Sri disappointment, and losing11 herself in prayers, Ramakrishna had absorbed the essence of she joined the pilgrims circumambulating the scriptures by listening to sadhus and scholars. temple, telling their beads.” How could she do In this manner, he became very familiar with this? In addition to her determination, she also texts like the Kashi Khanda. He also had a vast possessed a broad-mindedness which allowed knowledge of the different Puranik incidents her to transcend the local customs and connect which had taken place in Kashi. As a result, with the deity at a deeper level. Similarly, if we when he visited temples like Viswanath or want to achieve something during our Kedarnath, his knowledge enabled him to pilgrimage, we must also possess a quickly connect with the spiritual vibration in 12 13 that temple and thereby experience “ecstasy in people can attain only after ages of all temples”. concentration and austerity.” Kashyam Maranam Kashi Khanda— MuktihiIn addition, Kashi is particularly famous Another well known Puranik incident— because it is believed that described in the is when a pillar or “Death in Kashi is liberation”. But of light appeared in Kashi and neither Vishnu how does this take place? TheTaraka Kashi Khandamantra nor Brahma was able to trace the beginning or describes that at the time of one’s passing, Lord the end of the light. After learning that the Shiva comes and whispers the pillar of light was none other than Viswanath into the ear of the departed soul. While himself,kashate).” Vishnu named14 the area Kashi because travelling by a boat in front of the Manikarnika it is “that light where the unspeakableRudramaya Shiva Ghat cremation ground, Sri Ramakrishna shines ( Other scriptures state15 that, literally experienced the truth of this statement. “Kashi transforms the inert into or He describes his vision of Kashi as the abode of made of the substance of Rudra himself.” mukti: “I saw a tall white figure with tawny In his visit to Kashi, Sri Ramakrishna matted hair steadily approach each funeral pyre Rudramaya”.literally experienced the “light of Shiva” in the in turn, carefully raise each individual soul from form of a “golden colour” and also the “inert as its cast-off body, and whisper into its ear the He saw in a vision that “the city of [mantra] that liberated a soul. Seated on the March 2020 Shiva was truly made of gold: There was no clay opposite side of the pyre, the Divine Mother or stone in Varanasi.” Swami Saradananda 48 untied the gross, subtle and causal knots of further explains that the “subtle form of the city bondage created by each individual soul, thus had been made golden by the priceless love and sending the soul to the Absolute by opening the faith of innumerable monastics and devotees gate of liberation. Lord Viswanath was blessing throughout the ages. The real16 To Varanasi be continued is those souls by bestowing in an instant the luminous and full of spirituality while the experience of non-dual, infinite bliss thatReferences external one is but its shadow.” ( ) Sayings of Sri Ramakrishna Sri Ramakrishna and His Divine Play The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda The Eternal Companion The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta 1) , p. 181 2) See [hereafter Divine Play], p. 605 Divine Play. Ibid Ibid Divine Play 3) , Volume 1, p. 248 4) , p. 90 (2016) Letters of Sister Nivedita. Sister Nivedita. 5) Translation by Swami Gambhirananda 6) p. 607 7) 8) 9) . p. 607 Divine Play. Divine Play. 10) Kolkata: Advaita Ashrama, 1:15 11) Kolkata: Sister Nivedita Girls’ School, Divine Play. p.,282 12) p. 331 13) p. 610 14) Banaras: City of Light.Diana L.Eck. p. 380, note 35 quoting Kashi Khanda, 26.67 15) Ibid. p. 381, note 50, quoting Kashi Rahasya, 7.21 16) p. 609 Article Allama Prabhu SHIVANAND SHAHAPUR Beginning from this issue we are searlising the Sharana Sahitya, the Veerashaiva devotional literature of Allama Prabhu, Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi, and others. Early Life

ndia has always been the cradle of Shunya spirituality. From the seers of the Vedic SampadaneWe have three major works in Kannada age to the modern times, a number of related to Allama Prabhu’s life. In rishis and yogis have realised the eternal Truth (15 CE), Shivagana-prasadi and expressed it in various ways in different 12Mahadevayya skilfully weaves a narrative of languages and cultural settings. Allama Prabhu interactionth among various Shiva-sharanas of the (12 CE) belongs to this illustrious line of century Kalyana (capital of Western spiritual luminaries. Chalukyas), making use of their Vachanas. In this Sri Ramakrishna classified gurus into three narrative, Allama Prabhu is given a pivotal role. kinds.I He explained their nature by comparing This work is valued for teachings of Allama them to three kinds of physicians: superior, Prabhu and other Sharanas of his time and the Prabhudevara Ragale March 2020 mediocre and inferior. The inferior physician work also has anecdotal value. His early life is merely feels the patient’s pulse and recommends described in of Harihara 49 a suitable medicine. The mediocre physician not (late 12 CE) in which the young Allama is depicted only prescribes medicine, but also gently coaxes as a young man fond of music. While leading a the patient to take the medicine. The superior happy married life, he became intensely grief physician, when facing a stubborn patient, pins stricken when his wife had an untimelyPrabhulinga death. He him down physically and forces the medicine Leelewas thus exposed to all the human failings before down his throat! Even so are the gurus. Allama he rose above them and found peace.

PAGE SPONSOR : SRI RANGANATH K. SHETTY, MUMBAI SHETTY, K. RANGANATH SRI : SPONSOR PAGE Prabhu belonged to the third category of gurus. of Chamarasa (15 CE) on the other hand, The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta He was relentless in his approach and adopted depicts Allama as ever free from worldly variousVachana ways to impart his teachings. His attractions. Mayadevi, a princess who is also a teachings have come down to us in a composition beautiful dancer, sets out to win his heart, but fails called , a form of poetic prose in Kannada. to charm him. Allama seems to allude to the pull Though his Vachanas are known to be quite hard of Maya in one of his Vachanas: to decipher, they are full of colourful metaphors, “Strike not thy arrow, O’ Cupid! imageries and soulful poetry. When understood, You are stupid, they reveal a remarkable clarity. You can’t burn me, 1 It is difficult to box Allama Prabhu into Who is already burnt by the pangs any particular category. His Vachanas share MeetingOf separation his Guru, from Animisha Guheshwara.” common ground with Veerashaiva, Vedanta, Agamas, Raja Yoga and Hatha Yoga. But above all, he is uncompromising when it comes to the From his Vachanas, we can deduce that non-dualThe aspect author, of a youngReality. engineer, is now involved in translatingAllama into wasEnglish well-acquainted ‘Vachana Nirvachana’, with an analytical Vedas, study of Allama Prabhu’s vachanas in Kannada language by Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji of Jnana Yogashrama, Bijapur. [email protected] Agamas, Yoga and Tantra. Yet, none of these of Ishtalinga, a representation of the works tell us how he acquired this knowledge. omnipresent God which one can hold Kayaka on his Was he self-taught or did he learn from some palm and worship with devotion. This devotion, great masters? In the Kannada works, we come Basavanna believedDasoha is also expressed in across brief references to his guru Animishayya or honest workdaasa to earn a living to support the whom he met in an underground temple, family, and for which means serving the seated in a lotus position, gazing at the Linga on needy as a (servant). Basavanna firmly his palm. Without any exchange of words, the believed that all Shiva’s devotees are equal and life-force of Animisha is said to have left his no one can be branded as inferior on account of body and permeated the whole body of Allama. birth, gender, caste, or occupation. Allama writes: When Allama came to Kalyana, “I have gazed at the source of all light, Basaveshwara was overjoyed. He took Allama to I have seen my Supreme Master. the gathering of Shiva’s devotees – men and I have seen the inconceivable women. The place where they met regularly was And beheld the sweep of my consciousness. called Anubhava Mantapa or Hall of Spiritual Having seen, I have been saved, O’ Experience. The Shiva Sharanas gathered in Guheshwara.” Anubhava Mantapa used to discuss spiritual, mystical and social matters. Basavanna

March 2020 Thus, it is through this episode that we learn how Allama became one with the requested Allama Prabhu to preside over this 50 AbsoluteMeeting BasaveshwaraConsciousness, his Guheshwara. meeting. Allama was coronated to the Shunya- peetha or the throne of Shunya (void). It is to be noted that this had been kept vacant for several Allama started wandering to spread the years by Basveshwara who was waiting for the divine light among sincere devotees. Even great most adept person to come and occupy it. sadhakas hit a spiritual plateau at some stage Most of the Vachanas that we read today of their sadhana when they need guidance from were discussed in this very Anubhava Mantapa. a self-realised master. How Allama Prabhu Allama presided over all these discussions and The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta guidedShunya the Sampadane sadhakas of his time to move on to resolved even the minutest of doubts that higher consciousness is graphically described arose, especially in the matters of mystical in . spirituality. Besides Basaveshwara, many prominent Sharanas like Siddarameshwara, SharanaDuring this period, Basaveshwara, also called Basavanna, was the leading light of the Channa Basavanna, Akka Mahadevi and community that he had built in Muktayakka, were led to the path of Shiva by Kalyana (today’s Basava Kalyana in Bidar Allama himself. One of the prominent episodes district of Karnataka). He served as the Prime is the arrival of Akka-Mahadevi and the minister of Bijjala, the ruler of Kalyana. While dialogue that takes place between Allama and Allama was a wandering Jangama (ascetic), her. Basavanna was a householder devoted to Shiva. Akkamahadevi, when she reached Basavanna could feel the presence of Shiva in Kalyana was already spiritually quite advanced. the world outside and in his own heart. He saw An embodiment of renunciation, she had Shiva in one and all. At the same time, he turned away from her marriage with a petty realized the need for worship. He wanted no ruler named Kaushika and had walked out of middle man between a devotee and God. So, he his palace naked. Such was her faith in Shiva advocated direct worship of Shiva in the form whom she called Chenna-Mallikarjuna that, she walked out of home in search of her beloved, thought he was invincible and had attained Chenna Mallikarjuna. Allama did not accept her immortality. He challenged Allama to poke him readily. He put her through severe tests to find with a sword. Laughing at his ignorance, Allama out how she had conquered the worldly ways at in turn asked him to poke that very sword such a tender age. Undeterred by his sharp through him instead. On doing that, Goraksha, questions, Akka Mahadevi replied that the body to his surprise, found the sword passing is akin to a poisonous snake. If the fangs (lust through Allama’s body as if it was made of air. and other vices)Videha of such a snake is removed, it Astonished, he surrendered to Allama becomes the body of God. Those who achieve requesting him to teach the secret. Allama this become (bodiless) and Maya has no pointed out that Yogic feats were insignificant, hold on them. Allama and the whole and what mattered most was conquering one’s congregation, recognising the spiritual ego. This would erase the sense of greatness of Akka Mahadevi, bowed down to differentiation and bring about the state of her after this exchange. She stayed in Kalyana ultimate realisation. Thus corrected, Goraksha for a short period during which Allama guided continued his sadhana and attained Self- her through the final stages of sadhana which Realization. is aptly captured in one of her Vachanas – Details of Allama’s last days in Kadali is “Having ended the trinity, I have become not known. Although accounts differ on how he March 2020 twain of I and the Absolute. drew the curtains over his life, and the samadhi Having ended the duality, I have become a present there3 today cannot be really proved to 51 unity. be his, there is no doubt that he attained It is because of the grace of you all Lingaikya in Kadali, Srisailam. I salute Basavanna and all assembled here When he learnt of Allama’s final journey Blessed was I by Allama my Master- Basaveshwara composed this Vachana: Now bless me all, that I may join my “He who is as great as Linga, has lost his Final journey to Kadali ChennaMallikarjuna” sense! PAGE SPONSOR : SMT. BRAGADA S., CHENNAI S., BRAGADA SMT. : SPONSOR PAGE He who is as great as Jangama, has lost his Kesari The Vedanta One day, addressing the gathering at motion! Anubhava Mantapa, Allama told the Sharanas He who is as great as Prasada, has lost his that he had fulfilled the mission of laying down form! the path of Shivachara and putting forth the He who is as great as Sadachara, has lost his principles of Shivayoga. Hence, he desired to limbs! spend his last days in the Kadali grove of He who is as great as Consciousness, has Srisailam (now in Andhra Pradesh). lost his action! 2 When in Lord Kudala Sangama, On his way to Srisailam, Allama met Prabhudeva Attained the Ultimate state, Goraksha, a hatha yogi who was very proud of vajrakaya Sanganna Basavanna’s soul at once went his accomplishments. Goraksha had made his (To be continued. . .) after him.” body into (hard as diamond) andReferences

1) All Sharanas ended their Vachanas with their Ankita naama (signature) which was nothing but a pseudonym for Shiva. 2) Gorakasha is said be the same as Yogi Goraknath of Gorakhpur, the founder of the Nath tradition who championed Hatha Yoga all over the country. 3) Lingaikya means to shed the mortal body and get merged into Linga, the Absolute Consciousness. Pariprasna Srimat Swami Tapasyananda Ji (1904 – 1991), was one of the Vice-Presidents of the Ramakrishna Order. His deeply convincing answers to devotees’ questions raised in spiritual retreats and in personal letters have been published in book form as Spiritual Quest: Questions & Answers. is a selection from this book.

QUESTION: Pariprasna

The Lord has said in the Gita: ‘You are competent only to act but not to claim the results of your actions.’MAHARAJ: This is very difficult to practise. Is there any way to make this practicable? So long as we are absolutely self-centred, it is impossible for us to practise this teaching. For it is only the result or the gain out of a work that makes a self-centred person exert himself. So the only way to put the Gita’s teaching into practice is first to discipline ourselves by

March 2020 identifying ourselves with bigger and bigger ‘wholes’. An animal only eats, sleeps and mates except when certain instinctive drives in certain species goad them to work for the species. The ‘animal- 52 man’ is also like that. He exists for his food and his pleasures. But as his self gets identified with a group, say, his family and is thus drawn out and expanded, he learns to work to some extent without personal ‘compensation’ and in the interest of a bigger group, the family. As he evolves, the ‘whole’ or ‘group’ with which he identifies himself will also grow bigger and bigger, progressing towards a universal ideal. Thus he can become the leader of a village, of his community, of his country, of his race and of humanity. To the extent he identifies himself with these progressively expanding ‘wholes’ or ‘groups’ he becomes capable of greater and greater personal sacrifices for the good of

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta the greater ‘wholes’ with whom he identifies himself. Now if a person is a devotee of God in truth and in spirit, he accepts the whole universe as His and also as His expression, and becomes capable of doing everything as His service. There should however be genuine enlightened faith and devotion, if one were to act in this way. But most of those who say they have faith in God and devotion for Him, have only pseudo-faith and pseudo-devotion, and these will never, help one to attain to that sense of joy and elation which work done without Primer Minister at Belur Math personal motive, as a service of God, would bring. Indifference and irresponsibility alone can be the result of pseudo-faith and pseudo-devotion. One who is fit to follow the Gita ideal would put his best into his work, although he does not personally gain anything by it. Even where conditions of life require the acceptance of a salary for subsistence in the world, his work is not regulated by his salary but by the urge he feels for doing the work to the best of his capacity, as he is doing it for the Lord who is the Master of everything. People who have not got this kind of true faith and devotion would be well-advised not to stand on that highest ideal expounded in the Gita, but on the lesser ideals described earlier, namely, identification with groups or ‘wholes’ like the community, country, humanity, etc. If the love for these bigger ‘wholes’ is genuine, man will grow in strength and detachment and will gradually be able to dedicate all his works to God. An absolute and living faith in Divine reality is needed for this discipline. The Order on the March News & Notes from Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission

Belur Math Guests of Honour

The birthday of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated Sri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of March 2020 at Belur Math on Friday, 17th January 2020. Thousands India, visited Belur Math and stayed at of devotees attended the celebration throughout the day. the Math guest- house from the evening 53 Khichri prasad was served to about 12,000 devotees. Swami of 11th January to the morning of 12th Satyeshananda, one of the Asst. General Secretaries of the January. He addressed the gathering of Order presided over the public meeting held in the afternoon. youth at Belur Math on the occasion of 65 centres in India celebrated the National Youth Day (12th National Youth Day on 12th January. January) with great enthusiasm by conducting programmes Sri M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President such as processions, youths’ conventions, speeches and of India, visited Port Blair centre on th

PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, CHENNAI DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE cultural competitions. In the celebrations at Belur Math 18 January. Sri Jagdeep Dhankhar, The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta thousands of youths and devotees thronged the Belur Math Governor of West Bengal, and Sri premises throughout the day. Khichri prasad was served to Tathagata Roy, Governor of Meghalaya, about 30,000 people. visited Cossipore Math on 1st and 14th

Primer Minister at Belur Math Davanagere January respectively. Sri Jagdeep Dhankhar also presided over centres (1575 students & 82 teachers); the annual prize-giving ceremony of Narendrapur Vidyalaya Medinipur: 12 workshops (4654 students on 25th January. Sri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, & teachers); Mysuru: Quiz competition inaugurated Bhubaneswar Ashrama’s centenary celebrations on Swamiji (36,000 students from on 24th January. 387 educational institutions); Rajkot: Residential Personality Development News from Branch Centres Camp (88 students) and 13 programmes On the occasion of the Gangasagar Mela, Manasadwip outside (3149 students); Taki: Talks in 4 centre held a camp at Sagar Island in South 24-Parganas institutions (474 students); Vadodara: 3 district. About 1000 pilgrims were given free board and programmes (460 students). lodging at the camp. In addition, free meals were served to about 5000 non-resident pilgrims. Discourses and devotional Cyclone Relief singing were also arranged in the camp. Our Seva Pratishthan West Bengal: In the wake of the hospital through round-the-clock medical service treated 8374 devastation caused by Cyclone Bulbul patients, out of which 27 received indoor medical care. in November, Narendrapur centre In the second phase of its year-long centenary celebrations, distributed 1081 blankets, saris and Bhubaneswar Ashrama held a series of public meetings and mosquito nets among 1081 families in cultural events. In the three-day programme, inaugurated by North and South 24 Parganas districts. Sri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha, Srimat Swami Flood Relief Vagishananda Ji, one of the Vice-presidents of the Order, and a India: Purnea centre distributed 330 number of sannyasis and dignitaries addressed the gathering. March 2020 saris and 32 lungis among 362 families In all, about 200 sadhus and 1200 devotees took part in the that had been affected by floods in programme. 54 October. Sri Lanka: Batticaloa sub-centre As part of its centenary celebrations, Salem Ashrama of Colombo Ashrama distributed 2420 kg conducted a spiritual retreat and a workshop for teachers rice, 242 kg dal and 242 kg sugar among which were attended by 350 devotees and 113 teachers. 242 flood-affected families in and around Srimat Swami Gautamananda Ji, one of the Vice-presidents Batticaloa. of the Order, inaugurated the second floor of the school building at Kadapa centre. Winter Relief 40 centres in India distributed PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, CHENNAI DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE

The Vedanta Kesari The Vedanta Values Education and Youth Programmes The following centres held youth conventions, workshops, among the poor: 19,172 blankets, and lectures: Bagda: Talks (218 students & 63 students); 14,828 sweaters/jackets. Two centres in Cooch Behar: Convention (200 youth); Delhi: 21 workshops Bangladesh distributed 1330 blankets. in 11 cities (850 teachers & 215 principals); Gadadhar Distress Relief Ashrama: Talk (60 students); Gourhati: Convention (650 16 centres in India distributed 824 students from 20 schools); Haripad: Workshops (534 dhotis, 2671 saris, 18,724 shirts, 13,236 students); Kailashahar: Programmes in 4 educational trousers, and 305 mosquito-nets

Kadapa Jammu Kalady 55 PAGE SPONSOR : A DEVOTEE, CHENNAI DEVOTEE, A : SPONSOR PAGE

Kalady Vol.107. No.3 The Vedanta Kesari (English Monthly) March 2020. Regd. with the Registrar of Newspapers for India under No.1084 / 1957. Postal

56 registration number: TN / CH (C) / 190 / 2018-2020. Licensed to Post without prepayment TN/PMG(CCR)/WPP-259 / 2018-2020. Date of Publication: 24th of every month; Posted on 26 February 2020

A few heart-whole, sincere, and energetic men and women can do more in a year than a mob in a century. — Swami Vivekananda

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