Swami Vivekananda – India's Man of Destiny.
" In India, there are two great evils. Trampling on the women, and the grinding the poor through caste restrictions."
" So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them! I call these men who strut about in their finery, having got all their money by grinding the poor, wretches, so along as they do not do anything for those two hundred million who are now no better than hungry savages."
These are not the words of any of the present day advocates of the rights of women or promoters of human rights of India. These are the admonitions of the descendant of the great sages of the ancient past, Swami Vivekananda, who was aghast at the poverty, degradation and ignorance of Indians more than 100 years ago. He was appalled to see the caste divide and the practice of untouchability.
After travelling from the Himalayas to Kanya Kumari, he diagnosed the malady of India as lack of self-confidence and an inferiority complex internalized during the centuries of stagnation and slavery. He saw poverty in the midst of plenty. He knew Indians had developed a great civilization and a culture, and had a prosperous life which had invited many invasions. To remedy the situation, wherever he went, he tried to instill confidence among the people of India, especially the youth. His words of wisdom and encouragement awakened the latent energy of the people of India.
Vedanta – Oneness of Life.
Swami Vivekananda drew his inspiration from Vedanta, Oneness of Life, propounded and realized by the sages of ancient times. He said that every man is a spark of the Divine. He told Indians that the caste and creed has no validity in Vedas and other scriptures, and they were created by men to subdue their brethren. Every man is born free and should have the freedom to be his best self. Vedas and Upanishads explain the divine nature of man, and liberty, equality and fraternity are part of our philosophy and scriptures. These values which we accept in spiritual life, should be practiced in our every day life. This, he called, practical Vedanta. This is a revolutionary interpretation of Hindu philosophy which no other saint or philosopher has done before.
Here are some of his exhortations to the youth of India :
'Strength is life, Weakness is death'
'This is the only sin – to say that you are weak, or others are weak'.
' Whatever you think, that you will be; If you think yourself weak,weak you will be; if you think yourself strong; strong you will be.'
'Stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your destiny. All the strength and soccour you want are within yourselves.'
'First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterward. Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of Gita.'
He is an atheist who does not believe in himself. The old religion said he was an atheist who does not believe in God. The new religion says that he is an atheist who does not believe in himself.'
Narendra becomes Swami Vivekananda.
Narendranath Dutta, who became Swami Vivekananda, later in life, was born on January 12,1863, to Vishwanath Dutta and Bhuvaneshwari Devi. With his athletic body, his inquiring mind, strong voice and boldness, he displayed qualities of leadership early in life. He was good in studies and had interest in a wide range of subjects such as art, literature, social science, religion and philosophy. He also read books on Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata and Ramayana and other scriptures. He was a member of Brahmo Samaj led by Keshub Chandra Sen and Debendranath Tagore.
In the college, he studied European history and western philosophy. Once his Principal William Hastie mentioned that the students can meet Ramakrishna,the priest of Dakshineshwar, to learn the true meaning of trance. That suggestion made him meet his future Guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Narendranath asked the priest whether he has seen God and the reply was, 'Yes' and told Narendranath that he too can have His Vision. Rest, as they say, is history. And Narendranath became Swami Vivekananda.
A Hindu view of life.
When Swami Vivekananda started addressing the assembly of about 4000 people at the famous Parliament of Religion held in Chicago on September 11,1893 with " Sisters and Brothers of America", he was greeted with great applause and a standing ovation for two minutes. He was bewildered as he was his natural self and had addressed the gathering with a deep sense of 'oneness' that was the message of Vedanta – vasudhaiva kutumbakam ( world is a family).
The Swami's exposition of Hinduism was simple but also profound. The Swami said,
" 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."
He continued, " I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal tolerance but we accept all religions to be true. 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." Here he mentioned Jews and Parsees who took refuge in India.
Then he said, " I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest childhood, which is repeated by millions of human beings: ' As the difference 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: 'Whoever comes to Me, through whatever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me. ' …...I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal."
In a brief address, Swami Vivekananda, explained the essence of Hindu philosophy - Hinduism seeks unity in diversity. No wonder, Vivekananda, was showered with praise by the audience, the press and the intellectuals in the USA. While Dr.J.H.Barrows, Chairman of General Committee of the Parliament of Religions, said, " Swami Vivekananda exercised a wonderful influence over his audience", The New York Herald commented, " He is undoubtedly the greatest figure in the Parliament of Religions. After hearing him we feel how foolish it is to send missionaries to this learned nation."
Swami Vivekananda changed India...
The Swami's re-interpretation Hindu scriptures which embraced the masses as well as the classes had an electrifying effect on the Indian mind which was subdued by superstition and slavish mentality encouraged by the British educational system. He condemned the rich and the upper castes for looking down upon the poor and the lower castes. He called the poor, 'daridra narayan' – poor but godly. He decried the practice of untouchability. He said there is no high and low in the eyes of God and it should not be so in the eyes of man as well.
The Swami's re-interpretation of Hindu view of life inspired many English educated Indians to work for the freedom movement. " Modern India is Vivekananda's creation", said Subhas Chandra Bose. Mahatma Gandhi observed, " reading Vivekananda had made me love the country more". Rajaji declared, " But for Swamiji, we would have lost our religion and would not have gained freedom. We,therefore, owe everything to Swami Vivekananda." Jawaharlal Nehru commented, " His whole life and teaching inspired my generation... he brought his spirituality to bear upon his patriotism and thus his message was not confined to India only, but was for the world." Rabindranath Tagore applauded him by saying, " if you want to know India, study Vivekananda." He was also admired by Maharshi Aurobindo and and the great Tamil poet, Subramanya Bharati. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Swami was the maker of modern India.
…........................and the world.
After his speeches in Chicago, he was invited to address many gatherings and he spent three years in USA to explain the Hindu view of life, especially Vedanta. He established Vedanta Society in New York He gave a series of lectures in Harvard and was offered a teaching position which of course he declined. He also rejected similar offer from the Columbia University.
Some of the best minds of USA were attracted to the philosophy and practice of Vedanta – Christopher Isherwood (who translated Gita along with Swami Prabhavananda), Laurence Olivier, Greta Garbo, Aldous Huxley, Igor Stravinsky, philosopher Gerald Heard, J.D.Selinger and many others. The name of Somerset Maugham's novel, The Razor's Edge, is a phrase taken from the Upanishads.
Swami Vivekananda had met John F. Rockefeller, the oil billionaire, twice during his stay in Chicago, and this resulted in the philanthropic activities of Rockefeller. Earlier, the Swami had met Jamshedji Tata in the ship that sailed from Yokohama to Vancouver on his way to USA, and had suggested the need for scientific research which took the form of Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru founded by Jamshedji.
Swami Vivekanada who introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the people of America was followed by Yogis such as Paramhansa Yogananda, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi and many others. No wonder today more Americans practice Yoga than in India. Many Americans accept Hindu view of life, and this was highlighted by Lisa Miller in her article, " We are all Hindus now" ( Newsweek,Aug.31,2009). She wrote, ".. recent poll data show that conceptually, at least, we are slowly becoming more like Hindus and less like traditional Christians in the ways we think about God, ourselves, each other, and eternity." Then she mentioned, " According to a 2008 Pew Forum survey, 65 percent of us believe that "many religions can lead to eternal life – including 37 percent evangelicals....here is another way in which Americans are becoming more Hindu. 24 percent of Americans say they believe in reincarnation, according to a 2008 Harris poll...More than a third of Americans now choose cremation, according to the Cremation Association of North America".
Salvation of Man and Mankind
The Hindu philosophy and the Hindu way of life are based on the great truth – Oneness of the Universe. That is why it not merely tolerates but accepts all ways of worship as they were evolved to suit the needs of different people in different times and different climes. It has been well put in a few words – ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti ( There is only one Truth but wise say in different words).
When we understand and realise the Oneness of the Universe, equality of man (need,not greed) and reverence for life (non-violence) become integral part of our life. Man is just a part of the Universe, not the lord of the Universe. Every animate and inanimate being in the world has as much right to live as man has. This change in our attitude and outlook, can change the future of man and mankind.
Dr. Arnold Toynbee, the great historian, observed "... at this supremely dangerous moment in history, the only way of salvation for mankind is an Indian way", and he added, " ..it is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a Western beginning will have an Indian ending if it is not to end in the self-destruction of the human race."
Swami Vivekananda was India's Man of Destiny as he resurrected India from superstition and slavery. He may be the Man of Destiny for the world, as foretold by Dr.Arnold Toynbee.
September 12,2013
*********
" In India, there are two great evils. Trampling on the women, and the grinding the poor through caste restrictions."
" So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them! I call these men who strut about in their finery, having got all their money by grinding the poor, wretches, so along as they do not do anything for those two hundred million who are now no better than hungry savages."
These are not the words of any of the present day advocates of the rights of women or promoters of human rights of India. These are the admonitions of the descendant of the great sages of the ancient past, Swami Vivekananda, who was aghast at the poverty, degradation and ignorance of Indians more than 100 years ago. He was appalled to see the caste divide and the practice of untouchability.
After travelling from the Himalayas to Kanya Kumari, he diagnosed the malady of India as lack of self-confidence and an inferiority complex internalized during the centuries of stagnation and slavery. He saw poverty in the midst of plenty. He knew Indians had developed a great civilization and a culture, and had a prosperous life which had invited many invasions. To remedy the situation, wherever he went, he tried to instill confidence among the people of India, especially the youth. His words of wisdom and encouragement awakened the latent energy of the people of India.
Vedanta – Oneness of Life.
Swami Vivekananda drew his inspiration from Vedanta, Oneness of Life, propounded and realized by the sages of ancient times. He said that every man is a spark of the Divine. He told Indians that the caste and creed has no validity in Vedas and other scriptures, and they were created by men to subdue their brethren. Every man is born free and should have the freedom to be his best self. Vedas and Upanishads explain the divine nature of man, and liberty, equality and fraternity are part of our philosophy and scriptures. These values which we accept in spiritual life, should be practiced in our every day life. This, he called, practical Vedanta. This is a revolutionary interpretation of Hindu philosophy which no other saint or philosopher has done before.
Here are some of his exhortations to the youth of India :
'Strength is life, Weakness is death'
'This is the only sin – to say that you are weak, or others are weak'.
' Whatever you think, that you will be; If you think yourself weak,weak you will be; if you think yourself strong; strong you will be.'
'Stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your destiny. All the strength and soccour you want are within yourselves.'
'First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterward. Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of Gita.'
He is an atheist who does not believe in himself. The old religion said he was an atheist who does not believe in God. The new religion says that he is an atheist who does not believe in himself.'
Narendra becomes Swami Vivekananda.
Narendranath Dutta, who became Swami Vivekananda, later in life, was born on January 12,1863, to Vishwanath Dutta and Bhuvaneshwari Devi. With his athletic body, his inquiring mind, strong voice and boldness, he displayed qualities of leadership early in life. He was good in studies and had interest in a wide range of subjects such as art, literature, social science, religion and philosophy. He also read books on Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata and Ramayana and other scriptures. He was a member of Brahmo Samaj led by Keshub Chandra Sen and Debendranath Tagore.
In the college, he studied European history and western philosophy. Once his Principal William Hastie mentioned that the students can meet Ramakrishna,the priest of Dakshineshwar, to learn the true meaning of trance. That suggestion made him meet his future Guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Narendranath asked the priest whether he has seen God and the reply was, 'Yes' and told Narendranath that he too can have His Vision. Rest, as they say, is history. And Narendranath became Swami Vivekananda.
A Hindu view of life.
When Swami Vivekananda started addressing the assembly of about 4000 people at the famous Parliament of Religion held in Chicago on September 11,1893 with " Sisters and Brothers of America", he was greeted with great applause and a standing ovation for two minutes. He was bewildered as he was his natural self and had addressed the gathering with a deep sense of 'oneness' that was the message of Vedanta – vasudhaiva kutumbakam ( world is a family).
The Swami's exposition of Hinduism was simple but also profound. The Swami said,
" 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."
He continued, " I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal tolerance but we accept all religions to be true. 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." Here he mentioned Jews and Parsees who took refuge in India.
Then he said, " I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest childhood, which is repeated by millions of human beings: ' As the difference 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: 'Whoever comes to Me, through whatever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me. ' …...I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal."
In a brief address, Swami Vivekananda, explained the essence of Hindu philosophy - Hinduism seeks unity in diversity. No wonder, Vivekananda, was showered with praise by the audience, the press and the intellectuals in the USA. While Dr.J.H.Barrows, Chairman of General Committee of the Parliament of Religions, said, " Swami Vivekananda exercised a wonderful influence over his audience", The New York Herald commented, " He is undoubtedly the greatest figure in the Parliament of Religions. After hearing him we feel how foolish it is to send missionaries to this learned nation."
Swami Vivekananda changed India...
The Swami's re-interpretation Hindu scriptures which embraced the masses as well as the classes had an electrifying effect on the Indian mind which was subdued by superstition and slavish mentality encouraged by the British educational system. He condemned the rich and the upper castes for looking down upon the poor and the lower castes. He called the poor, 'daridra narayan' – poor but godly. He decried the practice of untouchability. He said there is no high and low in the eyes of God and it should not be so in the eyes of man as well.
The Swami's re-interpretation of Hindu view of life inspired many English educated Indians to work for the freedom movement. " Modern India is Vivekananda's creation", said Subhas Chandra Bose. Mahatma Gandhi observed, " reading Vivekananda had made me love the country more". Rajaji declared, " But for Swamiji, we would have lost our religion and would not have gained freedom. We,therefore, owe everything to Swami Vivekananda." Jawaharlal Nehru commented, " His whole life and teaching inspired my generation... he brought his spirituality to bear upon his patriotism and thus his message was not confined to India only, but was for the world." Rabindranath Tagore applauded him by saying, " if you want to know India, study Vivekananda." He was also admired by Maharshi Aurobindo and and the great Tamil poet, Subramanya Bharati. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Swami was the maker of modern India.
…........................and the world.
After his speeches in Chicago, he was invited to address many gatherings and he spent three years in USA to explain the Hindu view of life, especially Vedanta. He established Vedanta Society in New York He gave a series of lectures in Harvard and was offered a teaching position which of course he declined. He also rejected similar offer from the Columbia University.
Some of the best minds of USA were attracted to the philosophy and practice of Vedanta – Christopher Isherwood (who translated Gita along with Swami Prabhavananda), Laurence Olivier, Greta Garbo, Aldous Huxley, Igor Stravinsky, philosopher Gerald Heard, J.D.Selinger and many others. The name of Somerset Maugham's novel, The Razor's Edge, is a phrase taken from the Upanishads.
Swami Vivekananda had met John F. Rockefeller, the oil billionaire, twice during his stay in Chicago, and this resulted in the philanthropic activities of Rockefeller. Earlier, the Swami had met Jamshedji Tata in the ship that sailed from Yokohama to Vancouver on his way to USA, and had suggested the need for scientific research which took the form of Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru founded by Jamshedji.
Swami Vivekanada who introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the people of America was followed by Yogis such as Paramhansa Yogananda, Maharshi Mahesh Yogi and many others. No wonder today more Americans practice Yoga than in India. Many Americans accept Hindu view of life, and this was highlighted by Lisa Miller in her article, " We are all Hindus now" ( Newsweek,Aug.31,2009). She wrote, ".. recent poll data show that conceptually, at least, we are slowly becoming more like Hindus and less like traditional Christians in the ways we think about God, ourselves, each other, and eternity." Then she mentioned, " According to a 2008 Pew Forum survey, 65 percent of us believe that "many religions can lead to eternal life – including 37 percent evangelicals....here is another way in which Americans are becoming more Hindu. 24 percent of Americans say they believe in reincarnation, according to a 2008 Harris poll...More than a third of Americans now choose cremation, according to the Cremation Association of North America".
Salvation of Man and Mankind
The Hindu philosophy and the Hindu way of life are based on the great truth – Oneness of the Universe. That is why it not merely tolerates but accepts all ways of worship as they were evolved to suit the needs of different people in different times and different climes. It has been well put in a few words – ekam sat vipra bahudha vadanti ( There is only one Truth but wise say in different words).
When we understand and realise the Oneness of the Universe, equality of man (need,not greed) and reverence for life (non-violence) become integral part of our life. Man is just a part of the Universe, not the lord of the Universe. Every animate and inanimate being in the world has as much right to live as man has. This change in our attitude and outlook, can change the future of man and mankind.
Dr. Arnold Toynbee, the great historian, observed "... at this supremely dangerous moment in history, the only way of salvation for mankind is an Indian way", and he added, " ..it is already becoming clear that a chapter which had a Western beginning will have an Indian ending if it is not to end in the self-destruction of the human race."
Swami Vivekananda was India's Man of Destiny as he resurrected India from superstition and slavery. He may be the Man of Destiny for the world, as foretold by Dr.Arnold Toynbee.
September 12,2013
*********
