Issue 36
September 2016
Reach Newsletter of the Vedanta Centres of Australia
SAYINGS AND TEACHINGS IN THIS ISSUE
News From Australian SRI RAMAKRISHNA: ON THE INFLUENCE OF MAYA Centres ‚The cat catches her kitten with her teeth and they are not hurt; but when a mouse is so caught, it dies. Thus maya never kills the Adelaide devotee, though it destroys others.‛ Brisbane Source: Great Sayings: Words of Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. Canberra (Calcutta: The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture; 2013), 15. Melbourne
Perth SRI SARADA DEVI: ON WORLDLY EXISTENCE Sydney
‚What is there in worldly life? What an inordinate attachment people have for it. See how out of one so many come out, and how 2. Articles one’s attention and energies are all dissipated. Is it possible for a person placed under such conditions to attain to spiritual A. Feature Article — Life of the greatness? Have you not seen crabs? The mother crab peeps out of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi: A her hole again and again, and then goes down. It struggles hard Collage of Sri Sarada Devi’s Pil- repeatedly to free itself, but fails. And why? This is due to her grimages attraction for her numerous progeny living in the hole. This attraction drags her into the hole in spite of all her efforts. Such is B. Direct Disciples — Swami the case of those who are immersed in worldly life.‛ Source: Teachings of Sri Sarada Devi, The Holy Mother. (Madras: Sri Ramakrishna Vivekananda: Second Visit to Math, 1982), 70-71. the West and Remaining Years
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA: ON ALL KNOWLEDGE COMING FROM THE MIND
All knowledge that the world has ever received comes from the mind; the infinite library of the universe is in your mind. The external world is simply the suggestion, the occasion, which sets you to study your own mind, but the object of your study is always your own mind. Source: Teachings of Swami Vivekananda. (Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama), 54-55.
e welcome you all to the Vedanta Movement in Australia, as epitomized in the lives of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, and invite you to attend our programmes and actively participate in the
W propagation of the Universal Message of Vedanta.
Reach 1. NEWS FROM AUSTRALIAN CENTRES — 1 MAY TO 15 AUGUST 2016
ADELAIDE
506 Glynburn Road, Burnside, SA 5066
Email: [email protected] Contact: Dr Raman Sharma on (08) 8431 9775 Mrs Pathma Iswaran on (08) 8379 5336 URL: http://vedantaadelaide.org
Regular Activities:
Swami Sridharananda continued his monthly visits and delivered discourses on the Srimad- Bhagavad Gitā.
Celebrations:
The Vedanta Centre of Adelaide celebrated the auspicious Buddha purnima, inaugurating their own premises at 506 Glynburn Road, Burnside, SA 5066. The inauguration celebrations took place over two days (20-21 May) and were attended by anda and Swami Vedamritananda were present. local and interstate devotees. Over 120 devotees attended the puja.
The two-day inauguration ceremony concluded with a Cultural Programme on Saturday 21 May in
The inauguration began with Bhoomi Puja, Vastu Puja and Ganesha Puja by Sri Skandarajah Kuruk- kal, Priest of the Ganesha Temple of Adelaide on the morning of Friday 20 May. The puja was at- tended by 60-70 devotees and concluded with dis- tribution of prasad. In the evening, over 50 devo- tees gathered for bhajans and aratrikam, which was followed by prasad. the evening, at the Goodwood Institute Hall, 166 Goodwood Road, Goodwood SA. The programme On the 21 May, Br. Sridhar, assisted by Br. Swat- was well received and attended by over 200 people machaitanya as tantra dharaka, performed dasho- including many VIPs. The programme included pachar puja and havan in the morning by invoking classical vocal, instrumental music and dance per- the Divine Trinity, Buddha and Christ. The puja formances by local and interstate artistes. was accompanied by bhajans by devotees and con- cluded with pushpanjali and the distribution of prasad. Swami Sridharananda, Swami Atmeshan-
Page 2 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach BRISBANE Maintenance and worship of the image of Sri Ramakrishna at the Sri Ganesha temple, North 12 Greenwood Street, Springfield Lakes, QLD 4300 Mclean, is undertaken once a week.
Email: [email protected] Contact: Swami Atmeshananda (07) 3818 9986 Other Activities: URL: http://vedantabrisbane.org A satsang was held at the new residence of Shankar Kotha, in Springfield, on Saturday 25 Daily Activities: June 2016 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Devotional Meditation and the chanting of hymns were con- music and a talk on 'Significance of Prayer' ducted between 6.15 am and 7.15 am. were the highlights of the event . Vesper service (aratrikam), bhajans, and readings from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna were held A satsang was held at the residence of Dr. Bram between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Singh at Deception Bay. Devotees sang bhajans Members were encouraged to visit the Centre and Swami Atmeshananda delivered a talk on and discuss topics concerning spiritual life. 'Facing Challenges in Life' on Saturday, 9 July 2016. Regular Activities:
Sunday mornings:- a) yoga class b) class on Sri- mad-Bhagavad Gitā c) bala sangha or children’s classes. A discussion group met on the first Monday of every month at Sunnybank Hills. Sanskrit classes were held every Tuesday in the evening. Religious classes were held every Wednesday at West End primary school. At Deception Bay on 9 July 2016
'Yogawalk' programme at Bellbird grove in the Walkabout At Toowoomba on the first Wednesday of Every Month Creek area on 26 June 2016
A Vivekachudamani class was held on the first A 'Yogawalk' programme was conducted at Wednesday of every month at Toowoomba. Bellbird grove in the Walkabout Creek area on Classes on Meditation and Spiritual Life and the 26 June 2016 from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. The Ramayana were held on alternate Fridays. programme consisted of yoga exercises, guided Chanting of the Sri Ramanama Sankirtanam was meditation, bushwalk and the sharing of held fortnightly at the Centre on ekadashi days. snacks. Around 25 people participated. Prayer meeting (satsangs) were held on the first Saturday of every month.
Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 3 Reach Celebrations: Krishna janmashtami on 28 August 2016 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. The birthday celebration of Sri Sankaracharya was held at the Centre on Wednesday 11 May CANBERRA 2016 with worship, devotional music and a talk from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 17 Bean Crescent, Mckellar, ACT 2617 The Annual Day celebrations were held at the Email: [email protected] Indooroopilly State High School on Saturday Contact: Mr Jaishankar Venkatraman 0433 593 860 14 May 2016 from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm. Around 300 persons attended the programme. The Regular Activities: Hon. Grace Grace, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing Regular monthly talks on the Srimad-Bhagavad and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Queen- Gitā were conducted by Swami Sridharananda sland Government, was the guest of honour on 29 May, 12 June and 24 July 2016. and gave a speech. Swami Sridharananda also addressed the gathering. Children from the Other Activities: Bala Sangha of the Centre performed a skit. The programme also comprised of devotional mu- Mrs Geeta Kirpalani promoted the Interna- sic, classical dances and dinner. tional Yoga Conference being organized by the VCS and distributed brochures at old Parlia- ment House on 19 June 2016 in connection with the International Day of Yoga.
Forthcoming Programmes:
Lectures on the Srimad Bhagavad Gitā will con- tinue. The Annual Day Celebrations on 14 May 2016 at Brisbane MELBOURNE (The Hon Grace Grace (2nd from Left), Cr. Shella Ireland (5th from Left) with some of the Committee Members 5-7 Angus Ave, Ringwood East, VIC 3135 Buddha purnima was celebrated with worship, Email: [email protected] talk and potluck dinner on Saturday 21 May Contact: Mr Suresh Ravinutala 0413 040 599 2016 from 6:30pm to 8:00 pm.
Guru purnima was celebrated with puja, a talk and potluck dinner on 19 July 2016 from Daily Activities: 6:30pm to 8:00 pm. Vesper service (aratrikam) and reading from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna were conducted be- Special Announcements: tween 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The construction of the Centre’s new building on Vedanta Drive at Springfield Lakes will com- Regular Activities: mence very soon. Swami Sridharananda continued to deliver Forthcoming Programmes: monthly discourses on the Srimad Bhagavad- Gitā from the Thursday to the Saturday of a Sri Krishna janmashtami will be celebrated with prescheduled week at the Centre. puja and bhajans on 25 August 2016 from 6:30pm to 8:00 pm. The children of bala sangha will celebrate Sri
Page 4 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach Celebrations: Celebrations:
Buddha purnima was celebrated on 21 May Buddha purnima was celebrated on 22 May 2016 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm with Vedic 2016 from 11:00 am 12:00 pm. The programme chanting, bhajans, a reading and aratrikam. consisted of chanting, Gita dhyanam, bhajans, readings and prasad distribution. Other Activities: Sri Ramakrishna’s birthday was observed on 11 June 2016 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The pro- The Annual General Meeting was held at the gramme comprised of a puja by Swami Sun- Centre on 16 July 2016 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 ishthananda, bhajans by devotees, a talk on Sri pm. The meeting comprised of the Secretary's Ramakrishna by Swami Sridharananda, bhoga report, Treasurer's account presentation, and a and aratrikam, pushpanjali, and prasad distribution. review of the ashrama development activities.
PERTH
51 Golf View Street, Yokine, WA 6060
Email: [email protected] Contact: Hiren Mukhopadyay 0411 478 244 Parthiv Parekh 0430 511 699
Daily Activities: Sri Ramakrishna’s birthday celebrations on 11 June 2016 Vesper service (aratrikam), bhajans, reading from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna are con- Guru Purnima was celebrated on 19 July 2016 ducted between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm. The programme con- sisted of aratrikam, bhajans, playing a recorded talk on Gurupurnima by Swami Sunishthan- Regular Activities: anda, followed by prasad distribution. Satsangs were conducted on the first Sunday of every month. The programme included chant- SYDNEY ing, Gita dhyanam, bhajans, readings and prasad 2 Stewart Street, Ermington, NSW 2115 distribution. Swami Sridharananda continued to deliver 144A Marsden Road, Ermington, NSW 2115 (Entry) monthly discourses on the Srimad Bhagavad- Gitā. Email: [email protected] Contact: 02 8197 7351 URL: www.vedantaaustralia.org Other Activities: A working Bee session was held once a month. Daily Activities: A part of the premises of the Vedanta Centre of Perth, the seminar hall, was used as a polling The shrine was open from 6:30 am to 1:00 pm centre for the State and Federal elections. The and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm seven days a week. members of the Vedanta group of Perth organ- Meditation from 6:30 am to 7:30 am and chant- ized a books stall and food stall for the people ing from 7:30 am to 8:00 am. who came to vote on 2 July 2016 during the Vesper service (aratrikam), bhajans, and read- federal elections. ings from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna were conducted from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The times change on special occasions.
Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 5 Reach
Counselling, interviews and discussions are also held.
Regular Activities:
Swami Sridharananda again began classes on
the Srimad-Bhagavad Gitā on Sunday, 24 July 2016. The classes were held every Sunday be- tween 9.30 am and 10.30 am. VCS Annual Day Swami Sridharananda, JP Abood, Dr. Geoff A Class for Ladies was held every Monday be- Lee, Swami Vedamritananda and Swami Mahabodhananda tween 10.30 am and 12.30 pm. Swami Sun- ishthananda initiated discussion on Meditation Thakar who was accompanied on tabla by Arav- and Spiritual Life and the Katha Upanishad. ind Paranjape. Bhajans and classical vocal by Bala sangha classes which include moral and Chandana Ganguly, accompanied by Aravind spiritual lessons, drama and movement were Paranjape on table, singing Tagore songs. Srijani conducted for children every Saturday between 4.45 pm and 6.45 pm during the academic term. Meditation sessions were conducted by Swami Sunishthananda on Sundays between 5.00 pm and 5.30 pm. Classes on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras were con- ducted by Swami Sunishthananda on Sundays Sitar recital by Jyoti Thakar with Aravind Paranjape on tabla between 5.30 pm and 6.15 pm. Dan, Joytee Ghosh and Srijani's Group singing Parlour talks were conducted by Swami Srid- bhajans in solo and chorus. Classical and regional harananda at 1/98 Condamine Street, Balgow- dances were staged by Anjana Chandran of Mo- lah, NSW 2093, near Manly Beach on Tuesdays hini Attam, Ajanta Bhattacharya of Rabindra Nri- between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. tya and Nirmal Jena's troupe of Odissi Dance. The Classes on the Katha Upanishad were conducted Chief Guests were Dr. Geoff Lee, Member of the by Swami Sunishthananda every Wednesday NSW Parliament Legislative Assembly and MP between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. for Parramatta and Mr. J. P. Abood, Councillor, Classes on the Narada Bhakti Sutras were con- City of Parramatta Council. Around 400 people ducted by Swami Sunishthananda every Friday attended. between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. Jyoti Thakar, accompanied on tabla by Aravind Sri Rāmanāma Sankirtanam was conducted on Paranjape, performed a sitar recital on Monday, 2 ekadashi days after the vesper service. May 2016 at the VCS after the evening aratrikam Devotees also received spiritual counselling from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. and guidance. The Consul General of India in Sydney, Mr. B. Vanlalvawna visited the Vedanta Centre of Syd- Other Activities:
The Annual Day of the Vedanta Centre of Syd- ney was observed on 30 April 2016 at Roselea Community Centre, 645-671 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford, NSW, from 5.30 pm. to 9.30 pm. The variety cultural programme featured instrumental music, bhajans and classical vocal, and classical and regional dances. Instrumental music took the form of a sitar recital by Jyoti The Consul General of India in Sydney B. Vanlalvawna with the other members of VCS on 31 May 2016
Page 6 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach ney on 31 May 2016. The International Yoga The VCS attended the International Day of Conference and the participation of the VCS in Yoga that was organized by the Indian Consu- the International Day of Yoga on and around late in Sydney at the Taronga Zoo Function 21 June 2016 were discussed. Centre on 26 June 2016 to distribute brochures Dr Geoff Lee, Member of the NSW Parliament and speak to the attendees to promote the In- ternational Yoga Conference.
Celebrations:
Buddha purnima was celebrated at VCS on 21 May 2016. The programme began at 6:15 pm and ended at 9:30 pm and included aratrikam, a talk by Swami Sunishthananda and two musi- Dr Geoff Lee with Swami Sridharananda and some of the cal recitals. The first was a sitar recital by Sri R. other devotees at VCS on 20 June 2016 Nagaraj, accompanied on tabla by Sri. Nikhil Harishchandrarkar, and the second was a ren- Legislative Assembly and Member for Par- dition of Rabindra Sangeet by Sudeshna Sanyal ramatta, visited the Vedanta Centre of Sydney Rudra. There were about 85 people who at- on 20 June 2016 and interacted with some of tended the programme. the devotees and had lunch. Smt Vijaya Sankar sang some bhajans at the A group of students, who had been attending VCS in commemoration of Guru purnima on 19 the Bhagavad Gitā classes at the Vedanta Centre July 2016. The programme also included aratri- of Sydney, celebrated a special day of thanks- giving to the Divine Trinity to mark the com- pletion of their study. The programme was held on Sunday, 19 June 2016 from 8.45 am to 12.00 noon in the shrine of Vedanta Centre of Sydney. The programme included special wor- ship of Sri Ramakrishna with aratrikam, chant- ing from the Vedas, and talks by devotees on the benefit they derived from the study of the Gita. The programme concluded with the dis- tribution of prasad. About 200 people attended the function. Vijaya Sankar at the VCS on Guru purnima 19 July 2016
kam and a lecture by Swami Sunishthananda. There were around 170 people who attended.
Forthcoming Programme:
Sri Krishna janmastami will be observed on 25 August 2016. A Group of vevotees at Acharya Vandana function at the VCS The 5th International Conference on Yoga: Sci- on 19 June 2016 ence of Infinite Possibilities will be held from 1-3 October 2016 at the Western Sydney Univer- The VCS sold books, distributed brochures and sity, Parramatta South Campus. For further in- spoke to yoga enthusiasts about the Interna- formation and registration, please visit tional Yoga Conference at the Bondi Pavilion http://www.yogavedanta.org.au/ on 19 June 2016 in connection with the United Sri Durga Puja will be celebrated at VCS on 9 Nations’ World Yoga Day. October 2016 (astami puja). Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 7 Reach 2. ARTICLES
A. FEATURE ARTICLE:
Life of the Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi (continued from January 2016)
A Collage of Sri Sarada Devi’s Pilgrimages
ri Sarada Devi, the Holy Mother, was extraordinarily ordinary. But appearances are deceiving. It is impor- tant that we do not allow the external veneer of her life and circumstances to deceive us about the state of S her mind and the depths of her realization. In this instalment of the Holy Mother’s life, which focuses on her pilgrimage to South India, we get a glimpse behind the veil of the ordinary. While on pilgrimage to Kothar, the Mother revealed her identification with the whole of humanity and the universe: ’Do I eat through one mouth? Don’t be silly.’ This statement of the Holy Mother tallies with the other statements of the Holy Mother, especially her last teaching of not seeing the fault of others, but making the whole world one’s own, where no one is a stranger. Apart from this statement, this instalment of the Holy Mother’s life will also show the way She identified with people from diverse cultures, communicating and empathizing with them to the extent of guiding them spiri- tually, in spite of being unfamiliar about their language and customs. This happened not only at Madras, but also in Bangalore.
anquins and conducted them to replied, ‘Do I eat through one Ramakrishna Babu’s estate of- mouth? Don’t be silly. I tell you, fice. After a period of rest, they you shall eat.’ From that day his went to Kothar, about eighteen hesitation was over. miles away. Swami Achalan- anda joined them there in a few Because of the Mother’s pres- days. The whole party felt im- ence, the worship of Saraswati mensely happy at this place. was performed that year with great éclat. On that occasion, Pilgrimage to Kothar Ramakrishna Babu and his wife took mantra from the Mother. One member of the Mother’s Three devotees from Shillong party had adopted a very strict were initiated on the same day. regimen for himself for a couple On the night of the worship of months, his argument being there was an opera in which that he was following the South Indian Pilgrimage there was no dialogue but only Mother in her austerity. But the music, dance, and a little acting. Balaram’s wife, Krishnabhavini Mother one day served plenty Two boys, who played the lead- Devi entertained the hope of of good food on his plate de- ing roles of Radha and Krishna, taking the Holy Mother to their spite his protest and advised had such sweet voices and estate in Orissa. The Mother and him to eat it all. The devotee charming poses, that the Mother her women companions trav- obeyed for the time being; but was highly attracted and elled second-class between No- in the afternoon he asked the wanted the performance to be vember and December 1910. At Mother in the course of a dis- repeated the next day. Rama- Bhadrak station Tulasiram, cussion, ‘Why do you deny krishna Babu gladly complied. brother of Swami Premananda, yourself the things you serve The immersion of the Devi’s im- was present with men and pal- me so plentifully?’ The Mother age was also put off to the third
Page 8 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach day, worship being performed personal comfort and think out where he went to Puri. again on the second. means for the welfare of all crea- Leaving Khurda Road behind, tures. As a consequence, when the train proceeded southwest One incident at Kothar is highly all were resting, she knew no and steamed along the shores of illuminating. The Mother used repose. As the talk flowed on the vast soft morning breeze. to take some rest after the mid- thus on a transcendental level, Here and there, cranes waking day meal, and then she sat in the vesper bells of the temple with the dawn were searching the rear of the house with an appraised her of the time of day, for food in shallow water or attendant, to have her letters and she rose hurriedly for the darting across the blue sky in written. A few days after the evening service. formation. Round the small is- above incidents, the attendant lands that dotted the lake flew found on going there, for his Pilgrimage to Rameshwaram various kinds of birds such as duty that the Mother sat absent- the blue-necked jays. At the mindedly with her legs out- It was arranged that from sight of the birds, the Mother stretched and eyes looking va- Kothar the Mother would go on became overjoyed like a girl and cantly at something at a dis- a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram saluted with folded hands, for tance. After spending about a in the extreme south. When the such a sight of the birds au- quarter of an hour in this mood proposal was first mooted, the gured well. With the appearance she woke up to her surround- Mother said, ‘I shall go; my fa- of the sun, white masses of va- ings and finding the attendant ther-in-law went there.’ When pour of various shapes began to there, asked, ‘How long have the final decision had been rise up and lend an eerie atmos- you been here?’ ‘Not long,’ he taken, Swami Ramakrishnan- phere to the scene. The train replied. The Mother then went anda in Madras and Swami speeded on, and the passengers on in her own mood, ‘To come Saradananda in Calcutta were down again and again! Is there Rameshwaram temple no respite? Siva and Sakti move together; where there is Siva, there is Sakti – there’s no escape! Yet people don’t understand.’ The talk continued in this strain for a pretty long time. Among other things the Mother said that the Master has to incarnate from age to age for the good of his creatures; for they are his to looked out through the win- be sure. In this connection she informed. Swami Saradananda dows towards the fast changing alluded to one of her personal heartily approved of it, and landscape, the vast expanse of experiences. She once saw that Swami Ramakrishnananda ex- the lake, giving place to wooded the Master had become every- tended a cordial invitation, inti- undulating land. Gradually, at thing – the blind, the maimed, mating at the same time his will- eight in the morning the train all were he; the miseries of the ingness to shoulder all responsi- reached Berhampore, the head- creatures were his; and so the bility. So it was settled that the quarters of the Ganjam district. Mother too had to share in the pilgrims would start in the mid- The Bengali Manager of Messrs alleviation of their sufferings. dle of February. The party in- Kelner and Company was pre- When her heart was caught up cluded Holy Mother, Brah- sent at the platform in accor- in this flow of infinite compas- macharis Shukul and Krishnalal dance with Swami Ramakrish- sion, she had to forego her rest and Golap-Ma amongst others. nananda’s request; and he took and sleep, and it seemed to her They started by the southbound the whole party to his house then that the only rational Madras rail, Ramakrishna Babu with great courtesy. In the after- course to follow was to give up accompanying them up to the noon, a great number of people Khurda Road junction, from
Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 9 Reach
Parthasarathi temple was due to the basic unity of the Indian culture or the Mother’s incomprehensible power of transmitting ideas, she could make the newcomers under- stand the mantras and the proc- ess of japa and meditation with- out the help of interpreters, steamed in, they raised a loud whose assistance she took for cry of ‘jay’ meaning victory and other purposes. elation. A two-storeyed house had been rented near the Rama- In a few days, the Mother’s krishna Math at Mylapore, nephew Ramlal arrived at Ma- where the Mother and her com- dras for visiting Rameshwaram, Swami Ramakrishnananda panions were taken. Here she and it was decided that the lived for about a month, during whole party would start for gathered to pay their respects to which period she visited the Ka- Madurai, famous for its temple the Mother. They prostrated palishwara and the Parthasara- of the goddess Minakshi. But themselves before her after of- thi temples, the beaches, the just then Ramakrishna Babu’s fering her plantains, coconuts, aquarium, which was then still aunt fell ill, and the departure and such other fruit. The pil- incomplete, and the fort. At the had to be postponed but later grims resumed their journey the last place she drove in a rick- resumed. Through Swami next day and passed by Vishak- shaw for the first time in her Ramakrishnananda’s scrupu- hapatnam in the afternoon. This life. She used to go out every lous care for providing all possi- health resort and port town, evening visiting various places ble comfort, the whole party of hanging on the side of a hillock, of interest. pilgrims had second-class ac- attracted the Mother by its commodation in the train, and beauty; and she said with joy, At her own temporary residence he himself accompanied them to ‘See, see, it looks just like a pic- there was a continuous stream see personally to their conven- ture.’ They reached Madras next of eager souls who wanted to be iences. The train reached day at about noon. sanctified by touching her feet. Madurai in the morning, and One day the girls of a local they were taken to the house of At Madras station, Swami school came to sing religious the Chairman of the local Mu- Ramakrishnananda and a num- songs in Tamil and play their nicipality. ber of devotees were present to violins and this pleased the give a fitting reception to the Mother very much. She initiated Pilgrimage to Madurai Holy Mother. As the train many at this place. Whether it Madurai stands on the river Vai- Kapalishwara Temple gai. The chief temple there, dedicated to the goddess Minak- shi and her consort Sundaresh- wara (Siva), holds a very high place in Indian architecture. Its tall gopurams or gate-towers, ris- ing up in tiers, are very impres- sive because of their height, grandeur and sculpture. The http://www.mylaikapaleeswarar.tnhrce.in/ mythological anecdotes repre-
Page 10 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach Minakshi temple Pamban, which is also the name of the port across the strait, they again boarded a train and reached Rameshwaram at about eleven in the night. As the tem- ple was closed, they saluted the Deity from outside and went to live in the quarters arranged for sented in stone everywhere in them by the priest-guide. Next the temple precincts keep the morning they bathed in the sea devout pilgrims spellbound for and entered the temple, which hours together. The image of the in its massiveness and exten- goddess appears so lifelike and siveness seems to be unparal- inspiring that it is difficult to leled. It is built of stone. Round find a second one of its kind. For the sanctum sanctorum there are the disport of the two deities, three successive encircling corri- there are a few permanent stone dors. At the entrance of the pavilions (mandapas) of which whole structure is a huge gopu- the sahasra-stambha (thousand ram, every inch of which is full the Rameshwaram temple, was pillared) and vasanta (spring) of fine sculpture. The story of under the administrative control mandapas are the best. There is a Siva, the presiding deity of the of the Raja of Ramnad, who was small pond built in stone called temple, is told in stone pillars a direct disciple of Swami the Shiva-ganga. The Mother and walls that line the corridor. Vivekananda. He had instructed and others bathed in it in the On entering the innermost corri- the temple staff by telegram that afternoon and then visited the dor, one finds in front the stone as the guru of his guru would be deities. Then, in accordance image of Nandi (Siva’s bull), visiting the shrine, all facilities with the local custom, they lit which is as high as a one sto- should be offered to her. As a up lamps on the banks of the reyed building; and near the consequence, the Holy Mother pond in each one’s name before Nandi, is a tall pillar. The em- and her party were taken to the returning to their residence. blem of Rameshwara is placed sanctum sanctorum, contrary to During their stay at Madurai, in a small basin (kunda). As the the general custom, and were they visited among other places image is made of soft, sandy allowed to worship the uncov- the palace of Tirumal Nayaka material, it is kept covered by a ered Siva image to their heart’s and the large tank called Teppa- golden cap over which the content with Ganges water, kulum. Once hundred and abishekam (bathing) water is flowers, etc. The Mother offered twenty five stone pillars support poured. But early in the morn- one hundred and eight golden the extensive roof of the palace. ing, one can have a look at the leaves shaped like the real In the centre of the tank there is uncovered image. For the daily leaves of the bel tree. During all a small island. All these sights abishekam and for other rites of the three days that they stayed made the Mother exclaim, ‘How the daily worship of Ramesh- there, they visited the temple wonderful is the play of the wara, Ganges water alone is every morning and evening. On Master.’ permitted. This is brought from the third day the Holy Mother North India with considerable arranged for a special worship From Madurai they entrained effort, and is sold to pilgrims in at the temple, fed the pandās af- for Rameshwaram and reached small quantities to be covered ter hearing a recital of the glory Mandapam at noon from where over the covered emblem of of Rameshwaram from old they had to cross over in a Siva. scriptures; and she presented to steamer to the Pamban (or each of the pandās a water-pot. It Rameshwaram) island. From Then the Pamban Island, as also is customary to sit with betel and betel nut in hand at the time
Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 11 Reach
of hearing Rameshwara’s ex- covered Siva image the Mother ploits and offer them to the soliloquized, ‘It is just as I as I Dhanuskoti is another sacred reader at the end. The Mother left it.’ The devotees who were place in the island, from where faithfully observed all the cus- near at hand inquired, ‘What the bridge thrown across the sea toms. did you say, Mother?’. The by Sri Rama commences. It is Mother at once corrected herself customary to worship the sea by The temple staff had been in- and said, ‘A meaningless some- presenting a golden or silver structed by the Raja to show the thing escaped out of my lips.’ bow and arrow. As the Mother temple jewellery to the Mother After the party had returned to could not go there, she sent two and present her any piece that Calcutta, one day Kedar Babu of of her attendants with the silver she might ask for. When the Koalpara asked the Mother at bow and arrow to perform the Raja’s wishes were communi- the ‘Udbodhan’, ‘How did you worship on her behalf. cated to the Mother she was at a find Rameshwara?’ And the Mother replied, ‘He is just as I loss to think out what she might From Rameshwaram they re- had left him, my son.’ Then the really be in need of; and so she turned to Madurai, where they ever alert Golap-Ma was pass- said after a pause, ‘What can I rested for a day, and they pro- ing by the veranda. As soon as need? Whatever was necessary ceeded to Madras. Now, the these words fell on her ears, she has been arranged for by Sashi birthday of the Master ap- stopped and asked with enthu- (Swami Ramakrishnananda).’ proached; and the devotees took siasm, ‘What did you say, And then it struck her that such advantage of the Mother’s pres- Mother?’ Taken aback, the a refusal might offend them; ence to make the occasion a Mother said, ‘Why, what should and hence she corrected herself, great day of joyful celebration. I say? I was only saying that I ‘Well, if Radhu has any need of She initiated some people on was very much delighted to see anything, she can take it.’ And that day. After the celebration, it just as I had heard from you.’ to Radhu she said, ‘See, if you she left for Bangalore by the end But Golap-Ma was not to be put can choose anything you may of March, 1911. off so easily, and she said im- have need of.’ The Mother said portunately, ‘No, Mother, I have so out of courtesy; but when the At Bangalore treasury was opened and the heard everything; it won’t do you to retract your words now. gems and diamonds glittered In those days, the surroundings Isn’t it, dear Kedar?’ And she up, her heart began to throb and of the Ramakrishna Ashrama at whisked away without waiting she kept on praying, ‘Master, Bangalore were quiet and for a reply to tell everyone of the may not Radhu have any temp- charming. And even at the pre- good tidings. The devotees be- tation.’ The Master heard her. sent time the Ashrama with its lieve that the same personage After looking at everything, extensive grounds continues to who incarnated as Sita, the ever Radhu said, ‘What is there preserve that solitude in spite of faithful consort of worth taking from all this stuff? the rapid growth of the city. The Ramachandra, and worshipped I don’t want any of these. I have compound is dotted with valu- a Siva image made of sand on lost my writing pencil; but buy able fruit and flower trees. In the sea coast of Rameshwaram, one for me.’ At this the Mother front runs the wide Bull Temple descended again as the all en- was immensely relieved and Road leading to the temple of during and ever gracious Holy came out to purchase from a that name, which enshrines a Mother, so that the sudden sight roadside shop a pencil worth huge image of Nandi and is vis- of the uncovered image carried half an anna. ited by streams of pilgrims. The her mind unconsciously across Mother and her women com- the vast span of thousands of Brahmachari Krishnalal, who panions were accommodated in years and the past appeared as a was an attendant of the Mother the Ashrama building, while the vivid present; and forgetful of and who visited Rameshwaram monks and devotees lived in her immediate environment she with her, said to Sarala Devi one temporary tents outside. As the made that spontaneous remark. day, that on looking at the un- news of the Mother’s visit
Page 12 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach spread over the town, devotees a few words!’ When Swami began to come in great numbers, Vishuddhananda translated this and the flowers they brought for for the devotees, they said, ‘No, offering sometimes formed big no; this is all right. Our hearts are heaps. full indeed. No words are needed on such an occasion.’ The Mother stayed for about a week in Bangalore. One after- There is a small hillock behind the noon she was taken by Swami Ashrama building and within its Vishuddhananda in a carriage to own compound. A short while the cave of Gavipura, a short dis- before dark, the Mother climbed tance behind the Ashrama. The the hillock along with one or two Mother got down and visited the others and sat on its top enjoying temple and then returned to the Ashrama by the same carriage. Memorial to Holy Mother at The whole time spent outside Bangalore on the hillock where she was not long. But, whereas at the watched the sun set time of their going out, there was tras for the salutation of the Di- none there at the Ashrama be- vine Mother. And he prayed, sides the inmates, when they re- ‘Grace! Grace!’ The Mother ca- turned they found the whole ressed his head, as though pacify- compound crowded with a num- ing an importunate son, till ber of visitors. At the sound of Swami Ramakrishnananda felt the Mother’s carriage they stood himself fully blessed. up instantaneously and then prostrated themselves on the There was a funny incident in ground. The Mother, who was Bangalore. One day the Holy visibly moved by the sight, Mother, dressed in her own sim- alighted from the carriage and ple way, sat at one side of the stood there motionless for about central room and women visitors five minutes, extending her right came to pay their respects to her. arm in benediction. Perfect si- With them came a rich woman lence reigned all around, and the wearing fine clothes and costly whole atmosphere was charged ornaments. She took her seat in with awe. Then the Mother si- the centre of the room. A little lently walked to the Ashrama the beauty of the setting sun. later a group of women came, and sat in the central room, When Swami Ramakrishnananda and finding the wealthy woman where the devotees gathered. heard this, he said in amazement, in the centre mistook her for the Here again was enacted that ‘Indeed! The Mother has become a Mother. Therefore, they pro- speechless transmission and im- dweller on the mountain’, and ceeded to salute her. The lady’s bibition of transcendental bliss hurried towards the place. He protests were of no avail; the that the scriptures speak of. There was stout, and began to pant as he newcomers pressed on to touch was no question and no answer, began to climb that low hillock; her feet. At this the aristocratic and yet all doubts were resolved. but undaunted he went up lady jumped up and remon- Breaking that tangible silence, the straight to the Mother, prostrated strated vehemently. By that time, Mother said to Swami himself there and laying his head however, she was completely Vishuddhananda who was by her on her feet chanted three well- surrounded, and there was a side, ‘What a pity, I don’t know known verses from the Chandi be- scamper for the first touch of her their language! What solace they ginning with Sarva-mangala- feet, so that she had to extricate would derive, if I could but speak mangalye which are used as man- herself somehow and walk out.
Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 13 Reach Swami Brahmananda Swami Subhodhananda The Mother sat quietly at her corner all the while; and though she did not grasp one word of what the ladies spoke, she un- derstood with a quiet smile the farce that was going on in front of her.
After spending some days at Ban- galore, the Mother and her com- panions returned to Madras, where they spent a day or two and then returned for Calcutta. On the way they rested a day at Rajahmundry where they were guests at the house of Sri M.O. Mother came in sight a few The Mother was taken to the Parthasarathi Iyenger, District crackers were burst, and as the main monastery building. A kir- and Sessions Judge. The Mother Mother alighted and moved tana in honour of Kali was then bathed here in the Godavari. slowly with her women com- in progress in the courtyard be- Their second halting place was panions, the devotees chanted low, and Swami Brahmananda Puri. At last they arrived at Cal- the mantras from the Chandi. The sat there. Suddenly it was seen cutta mid - April 1911. order of Swami Brahmananda, that the Swami’s body had be- abbot of the Math, rang out that come absolutely motionless and
nobody should break the line to his smoke pipe had dropped Return to Belur Math salute the Mother by touching from his hand. As he did not The first day that the Mother set her feet. So the Mother walked come round from this state of her holy feet on the grounds of unhampered. Her whole body divine trance, the Mother was the Belur Math, after her South was covered from head to foot informed, and she instructed Indian pilgrimage, she was given with a white cotton wrapper; someone to utter a mantra in the a fitting reception. As a result of and it seemed as though a sa- Swami’s ears. This acted like the long sojourn, she had re- cred and animated white image magic, and the Swami came turned with better health and a had suddenly descended on the down to the normal plane with happier mind, which gladdened Math ground and was moving words of appreciation for the the devotees also. Moreover, the silently from south to north. music, ‘Bravo! Sing on, sing on,’ wonderful news of the enthusi- Suddenly somebody seemed to as though he had been unmind- asm created in the South by her dart out of the line and as ful just for a passing moment. inspiring presence and silent quickly salute the Mother and The Mother was now offered ministration had preceded her. disappear. ‘Catch him, catch some prasāda of the Master. She And hence all had gathered there him. Who’s that, who’s that?’ took a little and sent down the to express their devout grateful- called out Swami Brahmananda rest of it, which the devotees ea- ness for her unbounded love for in great amusement. It was none gerly shared amongst them- her children. The gates of the other than Swami Subodhan- selves. When in the evening she Math were decorated with plan- anda, who, because of his being took leave, a few more crackers tain trees, under which were younger than most of the other were burst to indicate the end of placed tastefully painted pitch- disciples of Sri Ramakrishna and the happy day’s function. ers, filled with water and with his simple nature, was called by green leaves on the top. On either the others Khoka Maharaj or the Source side of the path stood more than baby monk. This exploit of the Swami amused the company 1. Swami Gambhirananda. Holy Mother Sri a hundred devotees with folded Sarada Devi. (Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna hands. As the carriage of the very much. Math, 1955), 238-251.
Page 14 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach 2. ARTICLES
DIRECT DISCIPLES:
Swami Vivekananda (Continued from the May 2016 issue)
Second Visit to the West and the Remaining Years
wami Ashokananda, who was the minister in charge of the Vedanta Society of San Francisco felt that Swami Vivekananda was at his best in his second trip to the West. This instalment of Direct Disciples focuses on S Swami Vivekananda’s second visit to the west and the remaining few years of his life. Here there are a few glimpses of the heights Swami Vivekananda’s mind must have soared to ask Ralph, Mrs Wyckoff’s son, “Can you see your own eyes?” Ralph answered that he could not, except in a mirror. “God is like that,” the Swami told him. “He is as close as your own eyes. He is your own, even though you can’t see him.” This is just one example of the exalted state of his mind during this period, when he knew that his end was just around the corner.
the older I grow, the more every- thing seems to me to lie in manli- ness.’ ‛ Another day, the swami said to Nivedita, ‚Social life in the West is like a peal of laugh- ter, but underneath, it is a wail. It ends in a sob. The fun and frivol- ity are all on the surface: really, it Swami Turiyananda 1902 is full of tragic intensity. Now strengths by removing each Swami Vivekananda in Alameda, Calfornia here [India], it is sad and gloomy other’s weaknesses. Second Visit to the West on the outside, but underneath are carelessness and merriment.‛ On 16 December 1898 Vivekan- London to New York anda announced that he would Vivekananda’s belief in the effec- Vivekananda arrived in London return to the West to meet his old tiveness of Vedanta grew on 31 July 1899 and stayed there friends and to see the progress of through his travels and observa- a few weeks. He met with some the Vedanta work that he had tions, experiences and insights. old friends, but his fragile health started. The monks and the He saw it not as a mere religion did not allow him to give lec- devotees welcomed the idea, or philosophy, but rather as a tures. He then left for New York thinking the sea voyage would means by which science and re- with Turiyananda and two restore his failing health. ligion could become reconciled, American devotees, and arrived Vivekananda left from Calcutta and material prosperity and there on 28 August. It was ar- on 20 June 1899, accompanied by spirituality blended. He noticed ranged that the swamis would Swami Turiyananda and Sister that the East was strong in noble live temporarily at Ridgely Nivedita. This journey turned religious and spiritual traditions Manor, Francis Leggett’s beauti- into a wonderful education for even though it suffered from ful country home. The entire fall both of them: Swamiji taught grinding poverty; the West, how- Vivekananda rested and recuper- Turiyananda how to work in the ever, for all its technological ad- ated. He was happy to see the West and Nivedita how to work vancements and affluence, suf- activities of the Vedanta Society in the East. Nivedita wrote, ‚It fered from spiritual poverty. of New York (which he had was while we sat chatting in the There was no reason, he thought, founded in November 1894) un- river [Ganges] on the first after- why East and West could not der the leadership of Swami Ab- noon, he suddenly claimed, ‘Yes, profit from each other’s hedananda, and he engaged
Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 15 Reach On 22 November Vivekananda left for Los Angeles via Chicago and stayed in southern California from 3 December 1899 to 22 Feb- ruary 1900. While in Southern California he gave several lec- tures in Los Angeles and Pasa- dena. During his last six weeks there he stayed with the Mead sisters (Mrs Carrie Mead Wy- ckoff, Mrs Alice Mead Hans- brough, and Miss Helen Mead) at their house at 309 Monterey Road in South Pasadena. (The house, now owned by the Ve- danta Society of Southern Cali- fornia and carefully restored to its original state, is surprisingly small). Mrs Hansbrough became the Swami’s private secretary
(Left to Right Standing) Swami Vivekananda, Swami Turiyananda and Swami Abhedananda at Ridgely c. September 1898
Turiyananda to give classes in some of his thoughts a lady said, Montclair, New Jersey. ‘Swami, I don’t agree with you there.’ ‘No? Then it is not for Vivekananda was in a relaxed you,’ he answered. Someone else mood at Ridgely. ‚There are said, ‘O, but that is where I find many memories,‛ writes Maud you true.’ ‘Ah, then it was for Stumm, an American devotee, you,’ he said showing that utter ‚connected with those days at respect for the other man’s views. Ridgely. Nearly every day One evening, he was so eloquent, Swami was wonderful in a new about a dozen people listening, way – and now it would be mu- his voice becoming so soft and seemingly far away; when the sic that he dwelt upon, now art, Swami Vivekananda at Pasadena c. 3 December and once he burst into the morn- evening was over, we all sepa- 1899 to 22 February 1900 ing-room, declaring for ‘Liberty.’ rated without even saying good- ‘What do I care if Mohammed night to each other. Such a holy during his California trip. During was a good man, or Buddha! quality pervaded. My sister, Mrs his stay in Pasadena he often Does that alter my own goodness Leggett, had occasion to go to played with the Mead sisters’ or evil? Let us be good for our one of the rooms afterwards. children, and sometimes would own sake on our own responsi- There she found one of the join them for picnics or sightsee- bility!’ ‛ guests, an agnostic, weeping, ing. After lunch Swamiji would ‘What do you mean?’ my sister generally recline on the couch in
asked, and the lady said, ‘That the living room, and there he Miss Macleod wrote in her remi- man has given me eternal life. I would read or talk while Mrs niscences, ‚In the evening, sitting never wish to hear him again.’‛ Wyckoff busily pursued her vari- around the great fire in the hall ous household tasks. ‚Madam,‛ of Ridgely Manor, he would talk, he said one day to her, ‚you and once after he came out with work so hard that it makes me
Page 16 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach tired. Well, there have to be some tures both in San Francisco and ‘Arise! Awake! Stand up and Marthas, and you are a Martha.‛ Alameda, it was < close contact Fight!’ Another day the swami asked with Swamiji that I most deeply Ralph, Mrs Wyckoff’s son, ‚Can cherish, Once after being quiet During his second visit to Amer- you see your own eyes?‛ Ralph for some time Swamiji said, ica Swamiji worked mainly in answered that he could not, ex- ‘Madame, be broadminded, al- California. While there, he had a ways see two ways. When I am premonition of his approaching on the heights, I say, ‚I am he,‛ end; in April 1900 he wrote to and when I have a stomach ache, Miss Macleod, ‚My boat is near- I say, ‚Mother, have mercy on ing the calm harbour from which me.‛ Always see two ways.’ On it is never more to be driven another occasion he said, ‘Learn out.‛ Before finishing his mission to be the witness. If there are two to the world, Swami sang his dogs fighting on the street and I swan song; he poured out the go out there, I get mixed up in quintessence of Vedanta: the fight; but if I stay quietly in my room, I witness the fight from In this country [America] the the window. So learn to be the king has entered every one of witness.’ you. You are all kings in this country. So with the religion of Swamiji was bold and fearless. Vedanta. You are all Gods. One He never tried to please or flatter God is not sufficient afraid of losing your in-di-vid-u- Don’t repent! Don’t re- ‘So Learn to be the Witness.’ al-i-ty!‛ he would exclaim. ‘Why, pent!...Spit, if you must, but go you are not individuals yet. Vivekananda then travelled to on! Don’t hold yourselves down When you realise your whole by repenting! Throw off the load northern California, where in nature, you will attain your April he founded the Vedanta of sin, if there is such a thing, by whole nature, not before. In knowing your true selves – the Society in San Francisco. Swa- knowing God you cannot lose miji’s oratory and magnetic per- Pure! The Ever Free!...That man anything. There is another thing I alone is blasphemous who tells sonality overwhelmed the peo- am constantly hearing in this ple. ‚He once told us,‛ Mr Tho- you that you are sinners<.This country, and that is that we world is a superstition. We are mas Allan recounted, ‚that he should live in harmony with na- had such faith in the Divine hypnotized into believing it real. ture. Don’t you know that all the The process of salvation is the Mother that if he had to speak on progress ever made in the world a subject that he knew absolutely process of de-hypnotization<. was made by conquering nature? This universe is just the play of nothing about, he would get on We are to resist nature at every his feet, for he knew that Mother the Lord – that is all. It is all just point if we are to make any pro- for fun. would put the words into his gress.’ ‛ mouth.‛ Mrs Edith Allen wrote in her reminiscences, ‚Although I Stand up and fight! Not one step attended all Swamiji’s public lec- back, that is the idea. Fight it Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 17 Reach out, whatever comes. Let the ‘Oh,’ he said, almost in a whis- stars move from the spheres! Let per, ‘it is so difficult to break hu- the whole world stand against man bonds!’ He knew that this us! Death means only a change was the last time he was to visit of garment. What of it? Thus these devoted friends.‛ fight! You gain nothing by be- coming cowards. Taking a step After arriving in New York on 7 backward, you do not avoid any June 1900, he sent Turiyananda misfortune. You have cried to all to northern California to start a the Gods in the world. Has mis- retreat, which later became ery ceased? Page 18 September 2016 Issue No. 36 Reach January 1901. Swamiji’s love and tack of asthma at Shillong. While hubble-bubble, mattress, bolster, concern assuaged Mrs Sevier’s the swami was in pain, someone and so on. Then the Master told grief; she loved him as her own overheard him murmuring to him, ‚Look here, the amount of son. He stayed there for a couple himself, ‚What does it matter! I austerity I practised for God- of weeks and then returned to have given them enough for fif- realization, if you can do one- Belur Math on 24 January. Dur- teen hundred years!‛ on another sixteenth of that, I shall arrange ing this time the Swami received occasion he said to a Western for you to sleep on a costly bed- invitations for a lecture tour to devotee, ‚The spiritual impact stead putting mattress upon East Bengal (now Bangladesh), that has come here to Belur will mattress.‛ Swamiji practised se- and also his mother expressed a last fifteen hundred years – and vere austerity in his life; and desire to visit holy places in that this will be a great university. Do then when he returned from the part of the country. On 26 Janu- you think I imagine it, I see it.‛ West, his Western disciples pre- ary 1901 he wrote to Mrs Bull, ‚I sented him with a spring bed am going to take my mother on a Returning from East Bengal, and mattress [which are still pilgrimage Chandranath in Chittagong, Ka- dra’s well-combed curly hair, Ramakrishna had always been makhya in Guwahati, and Shil- the Master teased him about his very particular about cleanliness long. Swamiji’s health was failing foppishness. Narendra was also and Swamiji followed his exam- rapidly. In addition to the diabe- unsparing; he pointed out to the ple. He would check the beds tes from which he had been suf- Master his varnished shoes, fering, he had another severe at- and rooms of the monks, and Issue No. 36 September 2016 Page 19 Reach asked that they be kept clean. be attended with some defect. Mahanta [head of the monas- Once the sweeper was sick and ‘All undertakings are beset with tery]. Here, as afterwards at Va- the privy was not cleaned for imperfections, as fire with ranasi, the confidence and affec- three to four days. Swamiji no- smoke’ (Gita, 18.48). But will tion of the orthodox world were ticed this and decided to clean it you, on that account, sit inac- brought to him in such measure himself. One morning at four o’ tive? As far as you can, you and freedom that he himself clock, without informing any- must go on doing good work.‛ stood amazed at the extent of body, he began scrubbing the Later he disclosed his life’s ex- his empire in men’s hearts. privy. Some young monks saw perience, ‚After so much Bodh Gaya, as it was now the him in the dark and rushed to tapasya, austerity, I have known last, had also been the first of him, asking that he return to his that the highest truth is this: He the holy places he had set out to room so that they could clean it. is present in all beings. These visit. And it had been in Vara- But he did not stop until he had are all the manifested forms of nasi, some few years back finished the task. An ideal Him. There is no other God to (when he was an unknown teacher is the person who prac- seek for! He alone is worship- monk), that he had said farewell tises what he teaches. Swamiji ping God, who serves all be- to one, with the words, ‚Till thus demonstrated the role of ings.‛ that day when I fall on society an ideal teacher. like a thunderbolt I shall visit Towards the end of 1901, Ka- this place no more.‛ Sometimes he talked to the poor kuzo Okathura, a famous artist, labourers who were levelling and Mr Hori came to Belur The maharaja of Varanasi of- the ground; he also supervised Math from Japan. Later, rever- fered Swamiji a sum of money cooking arrangements, and he end Takuno Oda, a Buddhist to establish a monastery there. would sing devotional songs abbot, came to invite Vivekan- He accepted the offer and later with the monks. At other times, anda to attend the Congress of sent Shivananda to organize the he imparted spiritual instruc- Religions in Japan. Because of work. Vivekananda also in- tions to visitors. His fragile his ill health, the swami could spired a group of young men body did not dampen his desire not go; but he agreed to go with who had started a small organi- to work. When urged to rest, he them to Bodh Gaya, where Bud- sation for the purpose of pro- said to a disciple, ‚My son, dha had attained illumination. viding destitute pilgrims with there is no rest for me. That Swamiji, Miss Macleod, Oka- food, shelter, and medical help. which Sri Ramakrishna called kura, and others left for Gaya on He said to them, ‚You have the ‘Kali’ took possession of my 27 January 1902. Sister Nivedita true spirit, my boys, and you body and soul three or four wrote about this visit: will always have my love and days before his passing away. blessing! Go on bravely; never That makes me work and work When the winter again set in, he mind your poverty. Money will and never lets me keep still or [Vivekananda] was so ill as to come. A great thing will grow look to my personal comfort.‛ be confined to bed. Yet he made out of it, surpassing your fond- Vivekananda continued to train one more journey, lasting est hopes.‛ Swamiji wrote an his disciples, ‚In every country, through January and February appeal for their support and nations have their good and bad 1902, when he went first to named the institution, sides. Ours is to do good works Bodh Gaya and next to Vara- ‚Ramakrishna Home of Ser- in our lives and hold an exam- nasi. It was a fit ending to all his vice.‛ ple before others. No work suc- wanderings. He arrived at Bodh Source ceeds by condemnation. It only Gaya on the morning of his last Swami Chetanananda. God Lived With repels people. Let anybody say birthday [January 29], and noth- what he likes, don’t contradict Them: Life Stories of Sixteen Monastic ing could have exceeded the Disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. (Calcutta: him. In this world of maya, courtesy and hospitality of the Advaita Ashrama, 2006), 58-65. whatever work you take up will Released by : Vedanta Centre of Sydney [email protected] Page 20 September 2016 Issue No. 36