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July 2019
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Sant Tukaram
Arpana Ghosh
46 21
FEATURES
The Guru 7 Dakäiëàmùrti Stotra Lyrics in Terracotta – Ratneshwar
Swami Vivekananda 8 Yugavani Temple of Bhattamati
9 Editorial Devashis Nandy
18 Reminiscences
The Value of Discipline 27 Vivekananda Way Bishop John J. Keane: In Defense
Prof. Sudha Shastri 33 Pariprasna of Swami Vivekananda
40 Book Reviews Asim Chaudhuri
48 What is Religion?
50 Topical Musings
43 52 The Order on the March
24
35 31
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Dakäiëàmùrti Stotra
Sri Shankaracharya
Verse 7
बाल्यादिष्वपि जाग्रदादिषु तथा सर्वास्ववस्थास्वपि
व्यावृत्तास्वनुवर्तमानमहमित्यन्तस्स्फुरन्तं सदा ।
स्वात्मानं प्रकटीकरोति भजतां यो मुद्रया भद्रया
तस्मै श्रीगुरुमूर्तये नम इदं श्रीदक्षिणामूर्तये ॥ ७ ॥
7. Obeisance to Śrī Dakṣiṇāmūrti, who is the
PA G E S P O N S O R : S M T. R A J A N I C H A K R AVA R T H Y S . , C H E N N A I
July 2019
various and mutually exclusive states like childhood
etc. as also waking etc.4
Notes:
1. Mudrās are certain mystic poses of fingers 7
and hands. Sometimes a mudrā is defined as that which gives pleasure (mudaṁ rāti) to the
Ego
Ego alone the cause of bondage
Sir, why are we bound like this? Why don’t we see
God?
Maya is nothing but the egotism of the embodied
soul. This egotism has covered everything like a veil. ‘All
troubles come to an end when the ego dies.’ If by the
grace of God a man but once realizes that he is not the
doer, then he at once becomes a Jivanmukta. Though
living in the body, he is liberated. He has nothing else to
fear.
This maya, that is to say, the ego, is like a cloud.
The sun cannot be seen on account of a thin patch of
July 2019
Each upadhi changes man’s nature. If he wears a fine black-bordered cloth, you will at
once find him humming Nidhu Babu’s love-songs. Then playing-cards and a walking-stick
follow. If even a sickly man puts on high boots, he begins to whistle and climbs the stairs like
an Englishman, jumping from one step to another. If a man but holds a pen in his hand, he
scribbles on any paper he can get hold of—such is the power of the pen!
Ego in Kaliyuga
In the Kaliyuga the life of man is centred on food. He cannot get rid of the feeling that he
is the body and the ego. Therefore, the path of devotion is prescribed for this cycle.
—Sri Ramakrishna
Editorial
He asserted that there couldn’t be a greater or name of God, compassion for all living
July 2019
better path than this spirit of seva to achieve creatures, and service to the Vaishnavas. Even
their own good and the good of the country. To as he uttered, ‘compassion for all living
the extent they developed this seva bhav, he creatures’, Sri Ramakrishna entered into
assured them, the intoxication of power would Samadhi! After some time as he came out of
decrease and the blessings of people increase. that deep level of consciousness, he said to 9
Sometimes, hidden in the folds of himself, ‘… Compassion for creatures! … No, it
beings as God and serve them? It requires a seva, ahimsa, swacchata, satya, nishkama
long methodical preparation. Swamiji karma, tolerance, honest hard work’ etc. But it
prescribed a three-step process that will should be noted that ethical reasoning cannot
10 gradually empower us to perceive the divinity effect a spiritual orientation, and without a
in man. The first step is to feel with a spiritual outlook, values by themselves are
sympathetic heart the miseries and challenges ineffectual for the good of humanity. The
The Vedanta Kesari
experienced by the masses. This feeling should University Education Commission 1948-49,
be so intense that it pulsates in our blood and headed by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan rightly notes:
nerve currents. When the whole body is thus ‘We have to understand that the great virtues of
tuned to the real needs of fellow beings, we are loyalty, courage, discipline and self-sacrifice
ready for the second step. This is to discover may be used for good or bad ends. These are
the means to relieve individual and social essential for a successful citizen as for a
miseries. These solutions, Swamiji stresses, successful villain. What makes a man truly
should be in line with our cultural and spiritual virtuous is the purpose for which he lives, his
heritage. The third step is to strictly monitor general outlook on life. Virtue and vice are
our motive in service and make sure that we determined by the direction in which we move,
‘are not actuated by greed of gold’ or, ‘by thirst by the way in which we organize our life. Unless
for fame or power.’ If our legislators and morality is taken in a larger sense, it is not
administrators can be trained to think, feel, and enough. If we exclude spiritual training in our
act in this manner, they will manifest their institutions, we would be untrue to our whole
higher nature, and the whole system of historical development.’
governance will evolve to Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva. May the Guru who resides in our heart
What is the right time to learn and imbibe give us the strength to serve Him in our fellow
the spirit of Shiva Jnane Jiva Seva? Childhood is beings. May He lead us from untruth to truth,
the answer. Education is the only tool that can from ignorance to knowledge, and from death
effect a large scale social transformation. It is to life eternal.
Cover Story
T
he most popular of all the
Maharashtrian devotional saints is
undoubtedly Sant Tukaram (1608?-
1650). His songs for Vitthala of Pandharpur so
deeply influenced Marathi literature and
culture that they literally have become part of
Maharashtra’s public memory! There is no
home, no village where someone doesn’t
memorize at least a couple of Tukoba’s abhangs
– many know hundreds by heart! Coming from
an ordinary background, showing his full
Sant Tukaram
tangible humanness by laying bare his
anxieties, sufferings, weaknesses; speaking the
simple tongue of the common people, Tukaram
PA G E S P O N S O R : S M T. G . K A M E S WA R I D E V I , H Y D E R A B A D
July 2019
disciple Bahinabai visualizes this Bhakti- Dehu, a small village near Pune, not far away
Sampraday, the Varkari-Panth, as a temple built from Alandi, the sanjivan-samadhi of Sant
over the last eight centuries with the Jnaneshvar. Both towns lie on the banks of the
contributions and blessings of all the river Indrayani. 11
sants, culminating in Sant Tukaram as the kalash Tukaram’s family were devoted Varkaris
or pinnacle. Not because he was greater than the going back for generations. One of his
Arpana Ghosh, a German by birth, is settled in Chennai for 27 years. She has embraced Vitthal Bhakti and is
Vitthal’s German Varkari. arpana-ghosh@hotmail.com
Then adversity struck. His parents died He sings tujalagi majha jiva jhala pisa…,
and he had to shoulder the burden of his ‘hunting after you my life has become mad! I’m
extended family at the tender age of 17. Initially seeing everywhere only Panduranga! I left all
he showed a good hand with his father’s worldly affairs! In my mind there is only the
business, but gradually he ran into losses. In a sound of his name! I’m in total anguish—like a
terrible famine his first wife Rakhuma and his panting, twisting fish out of water! Tuka says:
elder son starved to death, and though he the only remedy now is to obtain his feet!’ or
strove hard, borrowed money and tried various anika dusare maj nahi ata… ‘now there is
trades, he was driven to bankruptcy and nothing else for me—Pandurang in my mind, in
penury. The village council humiliated him and my thoughts, awake and also dreaming! My
stripped him of his ‘mahajan’ title! eyes see only one—Him on the brick!’ Many
Tukaram became very times he uses the expression:
desperate. Devastated by the He made God ‘Vitthal, I’m entirely sold to you! My
horrors of the famine and failure so central in his life head is like a sacrificial animal at
after failure to make a living, he now that everything else your feet—do with me what you
turned whole-heartedly to their simply dropped off want!’ People first regarded him as
family-deity Vitthala. mad; but his devotion to Vitthala and
In an autobiographical abhang he his compassion for everyone won them over. He
July 2019
says kaya khave ata…, ‘What to eat? Where to helped everyone in need, even animals! And he
go? What to do? On whose support? I’m tired of never made a difference between his own
everything - I shall now go and find out family and others.
12 Vitthala!’ Legends tell that Vitthala himself on
various occasions came in disguise to help
Tukoba’s one-pointed devotion Tuka’s household with grains, money and other
The Vedanta Kesari
He set out with an unparalleled one- goods. Tukaram however wanted to live on
pointedness, thinking day and night of nothing the grace of God from day to day, and although
else than Panduranga. He repaired the old his own children didn’t have much to eat, he
Vitthala shrine and spent most of the time there always immediately distributed any surplus—
or in the wilderness of the nearby Bhandara to the great frustration of his wife Avali!
and Bhamchander hills, meditating on Vitthala Though in the worldly sense she was a good
and trying to study the Jnaneshvari and other wife, she was a great nag and forever berating
writings of the previous sants. He entirely Vitthala, calling him the ‘black destroyer of her
stopped working for a living. There was samsar’!
no income and he hardly paid attention to Tuka practically led the life of a
household responsibilities; his wife had to fend renunciate; not because he advocated such a
for herself with the children. way of life in order to find God, but because he
There was this extreme desire to see the made God so central in his life that everything
Lord, but he felt shame and extreme anguish else simply dropped off. He never thought
about his faults and shortcomings! He was in about his body, he ate and slept when nature
constant warfare with himself! All he wanted compelled, but he took no interest in
was a vision of Vitthal’s feet! The element of it. Tukaram did not advise this lifestyle for
seeking–begging for compassion–is so everybody! The Varkaris are all hardworking
dominant in Tuka like in none of the other householders – peasants, labourers, traders,
saints. and the like who integrate bhakti, bhajan and
the recommended pilgrimages to Pandharpur– now! Everything has become auspicious, I see
the varis–into their life. Sannyasis are generally God everywhere, I prostrate in front of rivers,
not found here! trees and stones! Blessed that my love was fixed
in His name!’ Again, he says: ‘How could an
Sant Namdev in a Dream uneducated fool have the power to speak what
About this time Sant Namdev appeared to transcends the Vedas? He fills every nook and
him in a dream, asking him to compose cranny of me! I bear his stamp! Now my only
abhangs. More than 300 years ago Namdev business is to spread this easy road to the
Maharaj had vowed to write one billion world and carry them over the ocean of life!’
abhangs for Vitthala, but had fallen short by Tukaram started singing in street processions
several thousand–Tukaram was now to with tal and chipli performing kirtan.
complete the task.
But Tukaram was diffident to accept this The ‘Drowning of the Gatha’
mystic invitation. He sang, ‘How can I compose? Though Tukaram Maharaj had a great
I never had a real darshan! I can sing with following, there were many who hated him.
justification only if I have seen you, Vitthal!’ After all it was something completely unheard
There are such strong parallels between Sant of: a Shudra guru who gave the message of the
Namdev and Sant Tukaram–in their writings Vedas in the vernacular Marathi and who had
July 2019
and fervour of their bhakti–that people regard even brahmin disciples! Starting right back in
PA G E S P O N S O R : A D E V O T E E , C H E N N A I
Tukaram Maharaj as an incarnation of Sant the 13 C.E. with Sant Jnaneshvar this radical
Namdev. bhakti-movement had been in constant conflict
with the brahminical rules, ritualism and the 13
Tukaram finds his Guru caste-system. The Brahmins felt very offended!
Tukaram did not have a guru in flesh and They sent a great scholar named Rameshvar
sukhi… ‘I am happy if you say Vitthala, Vitthala! about the hypocrisy of brahmins, against the
What is for you a great treasure is for me equal worship of many different idols, against
to dust! Wear tulsibeads on the neck and keep superstition and caste etc. Apart from the
the Ekadashi-fast, tell that you are a servant of different bhakti-topics, his abhangs for Vitthala
Hari—that is what makes me happy!’ and can be categorized into abhangs of great agony
mungi ani rava …. ‘ants and kings
are all the same to me!’ Shivaji
wanted to renounce his kingdom
then, but Tukaram Maharaj
asked him not to leave his
dharma. After Sant Tukaram’s
disappearance Chatrapati Shivaji
became the disciple of Sri
Samartha Ramdas.
July 2019
Here Tukaram Maharaj describes Vitthala’s worldly life is destroyed!’
PA G E S P O N S O R : A D E V O T E E , C H E N N A I
enchanting form standing on a brick, hand on About the sharira, the body, he says:
the waist, with tulsi garlands around his neck, sharira dukhace kothara… ‘The body is
yellow dhoti, decorated with fish-shaped a storehouse of misery, full of diseases and 15
earrings and the kaustubha-gem. Tuka says: ‘He impurities, the cause of entanglement in
is all my happiness! I always love to think of Maya—at the same time this body is the best of
Hari are entirely free from fear, desire, worry qualities he emphasizes utter simplicity,
and hope! They are full of compassion, see truthfulness, humility and steadfastness.
everybody as equal, and friend and foe alike!
They have no ego and pride, and they calmly The hardcore Varkaris
bear the buffets of the world! They never Among the hundreds of thousands of
engage in miracle-mongering! They have Varkaris, there are groups who take Sant
abandoned the world—they need no honour or Tukaram’s message in a very literal way. They try
perishable goods! God’s name is ever on their to follow all his precepts, and these ‘hardcore
tongue, they are filled in and out with the Lord Varkaris’ are the personification of simplicity.
and they bear his seal! People live at their feet!’ They practically live on the road, walking up and
down Pandharpur-Alandi on Ekadashis, during
Upadesh which they fast and sing throughout the night.
Tukaram Maharaj recommended constant They receive food and clothing as is needed to
repetition of God’s name with one-pointed survive, and they lead a life of bhajan absorbed
devotion and holding on to Vitthala’s feet in in Vitthala. With their worn-out dhotis, stitched
one’s heart! ‘Say his name with such love that up bags, lota and tal dangling from their
God stands before you! You don’t need to go shoulders, sleeping on plastic sheets and gunny
anywhere—God comes home! The name is bags, they take pride in living life day to day,
utterly sweet—repeating it, all bad qualities accepting the uncertainties of life. The frequent
drop off automatically! Among all sadhanas the expression in the abhangs: kaya vaca mana
samarpana, ‘surrender body, speech, and mind’ broad road fit for a king! Take out the
is what they practice. mridangam, the vina and the tal! Let’s enjoy,
let’s taste brahmarasa, “the Bliss of the
Dehu and the Tukaram Palkhi Absolute”! Now I have no other work than to
Every year in March (phalgun), the little sing Vithoba’s name! Tuka says: Even the
town Dehu celebrates Sant Tukaram’s greatest sinner becomes a jivanmukta and
Vaikunth-Arohan or ascension to Vaikuntha. It crosses over in no time!’
is a one-day festival of bhajan where hundred Speaking of the ‘Warriors of Vitthala.’ he
thousand of Varkaris fill up every nook and says: ‘The only true warriors in the world are
corner. It is called the ‘Tukaram Beej’. the sants—they are softer than butter, but they
Pandharpur, Alandi, Dehu and Paithan are the can cleave a diamond—not to fight for material
most venerable places for the Varkaris. goods like land and property, but to fight faults
In June/July the Tukaram Palkhi sets out and bad qualities! What has to be destroyed are
from Dehu for the Ashad - Yatra (the ‘Vari’) with the fetters of samsar!’ Tukaram Maharaj
hundred thousands of Varkaris walking to envisaged a united world in the footsteps of
Pandharpur for the great Ashad Ekadashi. The these sants! He says vira vitthalace gadhe…
PA G E S P O N S O R : S M T. P R E M A R A G H U N AT H , C H E N N A I
Tukaram Palkhi is next to the Jnaneshvar Palkhi ‘Death even falls at the feet of these powerful
the most prestigous. warriors of Vitthala! When they thunderously
July 2019
The journey itself has the greatest roar the names of Hari up in the sky, they burn
significance—the pilgrims become the all faults. Their weapons are forgiveness,
embodiment of this many century old tradition. compassion and peace!’
It is open to all, and it is considered a great Tuka’s vision is a Pandhari beyond time 17
honour and privilege to walk the sacred road to and death! The city of the sants, the city of love
Pandharpur. Here on the road everybody is and joy, where there is no pride of caste, where
Reminiscences of Sargachhi
SWAMI SUHITANANDA
40
25.9.60 this book, it is a must for learning about Indian
A
sannyasi who was the head of a culture.
large, reputable college went to The foundation of the Sri Sri Chandi is
July 2019
among his friends and adding to the honour he Saguna Brahman and Nirguna Brahman
already enjoys, he will be certified as a sadhu (Brahman without attributes). The practice of
from Hrishikesh (i.e., a tapasvi)! All these worshipping trees, stones, and serpents slowly
aspects should be kept in mind. evolved from these concepts.
The Brahmin priests are endowed with People who have not yet felt the need of
tremendous rajoguna – so many ritualistic God in their lives see only the defects in the
practices, waving of hands, reciting verses, and lives of great men. Do you know why they do
performing yajnas with much affectation. Just this? Their minds are weak, so to justify their
notice how rajoguni the tantrikas (practitioners own weaknesses they criticise the lives of great
of Shakti worship) are – smearing their men. Such people even allege that Swamiji had
foreheads with red sandalpaste, etc. The the desire for honour and fame.
devotees of Krishna are full of love, Gauranga
(Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) devotees are 8.10.60
emotional, and the devotees of Sri Ramakrishna Maharaj: Some sadhus roam about as
are serene – gentle and dignified. parivrajakas (itinerant monks) without any
Brahmachari: Is there any need for definite purpose. But a sannyasi has a goal – to
sannyasis to read the Sri Sri Chandi, or is it try and exhaust his rajoguna. Wherever he goes,
enough if they just read the Gita? his mind should always remain spiritually
Maharaj: We can learn many things about oriented. He should remember the Creator
Indian culture by reading the Sri Sri Chandi. whenever he sees beautiful scene. Thus,
Although there is no need for sannyasis to read gradually his mind will turn inward. The
purpose of becoming a parivrajaka is to avoid
attachment to anything.
Suppose a seeker practises spiritual
discipline for fifty years. Perhaps he had
committed an evil act ten lifetimes ago. Now in
this birth a coincidence of similar
circumstances may lead him to commit the
same evil act again. For this reason, we have to
always remain alert. Who knows what
untoward action I may commit in a weak
moment?
Dispassion is a subjective matter. It wells
up from within. To quicken and make it strong,
we must practice abhyasa-yoga, living in a
community life in accordance with definite Then the Udbodhan office cabled him
prescribed rules. information about the Sargachhi ashrama and
Listen. Listen here. Fetch ‘Srim’. Premeshananda. Since then he has been coming
Attendant: What is ‘Srim’? here now and then. Notice that whenever he
July 2019
Maharaj: Oh! Don’t you know the story? It comes he brings some produce from his farm.
PA G E S P O N S O R : D R . R A M YA S . , C H E N N A I
is about the doctor you see there – the one who One day he asked me, ‘Have you read this
is aged, dark, and thin. When he was studying book?’ I asked, ‘Which book?’ He replied, ‘Srim’.
medicine in Kolkata, he went to Belur Math Without getting annoyed, I said, ‘The name of 19
once or twice. Possibly as a volunteer he the book is Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita – as
distributed khichuri prasada to devotees during told by Sri Ma’ (‘as told by Mr. M.’ In Bengali, ‘m’
during his wandering days. Impressed by the Swami’s overwhelming personality and
knowing him to be a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, the Raja of Tehri donated a piece
of land to him at Uttarkashi and the then Mahant of Kailas Ashrama built a small hut
20 for him. That was the sowing of the seed of future Ramakrishna Math in Uttarkashi.
In view of spreading Swami Vivekananda’s ideal of service and spirituality
The Vedanta Kesari
among the masses, we plan to purchase some land measuring at least one acre in
Harsil Valley, 75 kms off Uttarkashi and 25 kms from Gangotri. Along with retreat
centres for sadhus and devotees, some welfare activities for the benefit of the poor
and underprivileged will be taken up after acquiring and developing the land.
A sum of Rs. 2 crores is estimated to set up and develop this additional unit of
the Uttarkashi Math. We request our friends and devotees, trusts and corporate
bodies to contribute liberally to complete this project of welfare and spirituality at
the earliest.
Donations can be made by NEFT/RTTGS to the Ramakrishna Math, Uttarkashi,
Union Bank of India, Uttarkashi Branch; IFSC: UBIN0560189, A/c No.
601802010006696.
Kindly mention the purpose as “Donation for purchase of land and
development of the Math centre” and send your PAN and full address by email to
uttarkashi@rkmm.org or SMS to 9447051231.
May Sri Ramakrishna, Ma Sarada, Swami Vivekananda bless you all.
A
study of temples in Bengal of the Bishnupur in Bankura, Laxmi Janardan Temple
late medieval period is an of Daspur in Medinipore, Pratapeshwar temple
interesting chapter in history of of Kalna in Burdwan, Raghunath Temple of
Indian art and architecture. Evolving in Ghurisha in Birbhum, and Raghaveswar temple
intimate association with the changing phases of Dignagar in Nadia.
of life and faith, temple architecture of Bengal This article is about Ratneshwar temple
PA G E S P O N S O R : A D E V O T E E , T E Y N A M P E T, C H E N N A I
with its varied styles – Chala, Ratna, Deul, – a beautiful five-pinnacled terracotta
Dome-shaped, Flat-roofed etc., – and the ornamented Saivaite temple which is fading
July 2019
decorations, designs and graceful terracotta into oblivion.
works of floral, animal and human figures is a
great legacy. The low-lands of Bengal are
sustained by rivers and canals and its alluvial 21
soil inspired the then artisans to make brick
temples. In the humid and moist climate of
The author, who lives in Chandannagar, W.B., has a number of publications on Terracotta temples.
devashisnandy1957@gmail.com
Base Freize Front Facade
Most of the terracotta artwork has been large pond in the southern direction known as
destroyed due to neglect and passage of time. Kalisagar.
Still one can enjoy the beautiful handiwork of This is a Pancharatna temple i.e., having
22 the artisans of those times, and the temple can five turrets on the top – four pinnacles on the
easily stand in favourable comparison with any sides and the one at the centre being much
other terracotta temple of Bengal. There is no larger in size. The entire structure is on a
The Vedanta Kesari
dedicatory plaque and it is not known who square base and each of the ratnas or turrets
built this temple. which are pyramidal in shape, are in
The village was initially sy m m e t r y w i t h t h e m a i n
known as Bhattabati, the abode Four hundred structure of the temple. The
of Bhattas; it later became Carnatic Bhatta temple faces south to which is its
corrupted as Bhattamati. It is said Brahmins settled in single entrance. This south-facing
that four hundred Carnatic this Bengal village wall has the richest terracotta
Bhatta Brahmins settled in this ornamentation. All the exterior
during the reign of
village in the days of Allauddin walls follow a similar
Allauddin Hussain
Hussain Shah (1494 -1519), the arrangement of three tiers with
king of Gaur. The reign of Hussain Shah (1494 -1519). overhanging cornices. Inside the
Shah was known for religious tolerance temple there is a huge Siva lingam which is
towards Hindus. It was during his reign that the worshipped daily by a local priest.
celebrated medieval saint Sri Chaitanya The front side, i.e., the south face which
Mahaprabhu preached the Bhakti cult has a rectangular space between the first and
throughout Bengal. Two high level Hindu second arch is heavily decorated with social
officers in Hussain Shah’s administration, one and domestic scenes like hunting, dancing,
his private secretary (Dabir-i-khas) Rupa music, smoking, and even a guru followed by
Goswami and another his confidant minister his disciples. These different scenes are on the
(Saghir-Malik) Sanatan Goswami became two sides of beautifully carved Mangala
Kalashas, the auspicious earthen pots, set Lord Vishnu. On the eastern face of the temple,
vertically one above the another. The second to the left is Gour Nitai, to the right Radha
arch has an overhanging cornice supported on Krishna, and in the middle Sharabhuja
nine twin tigers standing on their hind legs. Gouranga, or Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with
The entire arch is overhung by a heavily six hands. It is believed that Sri Chaitanya
ornamented vine design. Above the design is revealed this form with six hands to
stucco work of different leafy structure. A Sarvabhauma, Ramananda and Nitai. The first
smaller arch above that supports a series of two hands hold a bow and an arrow, the second
panels of Dashavataras, the ten two hands hold a flute in the act of
incarnations of Lord Vishnu, playing upon it, and the last two
flanked by Ganas. Almost all hands hold a danda, or stick,
brick temples in Bengal of and a kamandalu, or
t h e l a t e m e d i e va l sacred water pot. By
period portray the this manifestation, Sri
Dashavatars. These Chaitanya made Nitai
PA G E S P O N S O R : A D E V O T E E , K I S M AT P U R , H Y D E R A B A D
July 2019
a series of panels. The religious,
Those on the right social, and political
side depict episodes scenes depicted on the
from the life of Lord temple walls reflect a 23
Rama, while those on the society which was at the
left side present the life of crossroads in late medieval
S
wami Vivekananda’s first three speak tonight. He took occasion, however, to
speeches at the Parliament of criticize many of the statements made in the
Religions in 1893: ‘Response to paper by Mr. Headland. Referring to the
Welcome’ (September 11), ‘Why We Disagree’ poverty which prevails in China, he said that
(September 15), and ‘Paper on Hinduism’ the missionaries would do better to work in
(September 19), were respectively an appeal appeasing hunger than in endeavoring to
for tolerance or acceptance, an appeal for persuade the Chinese to renounce their faith
interfaith understanding, and a profound of centuries and embrace Christianity at [as]
July 2019
exposition of Hinduism. But it was a different the price of food. And then the Hindu
story on September 20 (‘Religion not the Crying stepped back on the platform and whispered
Need of India’). That was a speech accusing the to Bishop Keane, of the Catholic church, a
24 Christian missionaries in India of trying to save moment. He then resumed his address by
the souls of the heathen instead of trying to saying that Bishop Keane had told him that
save their bodies from starvation. He was not Americans would not be offended at honest
The Vedanta Kesari
The author, a well known researcher on Swami Vivekananda, lives in U.S.A. asimphoenix@gmail.com
discriminated against in the 19th century, he was reading a long paper by one Charles F.
strongly advocated the full representation of Donnelly at the Parliament, titled ‘The Relation
the Catholic Church at the World’s Parliament of the Roman Catholic Church to the Poor and
of Religions. His deep commitment to Destitute.’ But he paused during the reading
education, and to interfaith understanding and said, as reported by the Chicago Herald of
were legendary. He constantly reached out September 22, 1893 (page 10):
beyond the confines of his church, …..My heart was glad when I
and was the first Catholic bishop in Christ would listened last night [September 20]
Virginia to preach to the African- bless poverty, and heard our good friend, the
American community. His liberal/ but would never Hindoo, confess that for years he did
progressive worldview drew the ire bless destitution not know where he was going to get
of conservative members of the his next meal. That was the way with
Catholic Church hierarchy and he was forced to these poor Franciscan monks. They were
resign his rectorship in 1896. reduced to poverty in order that they might
Bishop Keane was a friend of the poor and better consecrate themselves to the service of
PA G E S P O N S O R : A D E V O T E E , K I S M AT P U R , H Y D E R A B A D
disenfranchised. He worked tirelessly for the God everywhere. And let me also say here,
social and cultural uplifting of the working because it is in close connection with the
classes and for the rapid assimilation of thought printed in the paper [Mr. Donnelly’s
July 2019
immigrants into American life. He drew a paper], from my heart I indorse the
distinction between the poor and the destitute. denunciation that was hurled forth last night
Just before he expressed his support on against the system of pretended charity that
September 21, 1893 at the Parliament (as offered food to the hungry Hindoo at the cost of 25
reported by the Herald) for Swamiji’s views, the their conscience and their faith. The question
day before, he had said, ‘Christ would bless might well be asked whether among Christian
A friend in deed
Swamiji rarely received such public
26 endorsement of any clergy in the U.S., and that too
in front of an international audience of Christians Swami Vivekananda in Chicago Sept 1893
of all denominations. He must have been in the
The Vedanta Kesari
Message 7
Expand your heart
Swami Vivekananda extols us to expand our heart and
genuinely feel for others. In his own words:
July 2019
PA G E S P O N S O R : G R E E N M E S G . O R G , C H E N N A I
July 2019
comes in with a genuine & urgent need...
The Times of India Jan 19, 2016
Come back tomorrow
and check. It might
A 39-year-old civic employee lay helplessly on the be ready...
railway tracks at Halisahar station after a train severed
Why should I 29
both his legs on Monday morning. Hundreds of people
including GRP and RPF personnel and commuters hurry up for this
watched, yet no one raised a finger to help. After 20 lady. Anyway, it's
This is a case where people are reluctant In this case, the employee is unwilling to
to step out of their preoccupation with their sincerely commit to helping somebody else and
own interest and are unwilling to take even invest herself into the other person’s problems.
a little trouble for other people.
Is it in the
larger interests
my career better How am I
of everyone?
quality of affected?
education
my relatives
30
The Vedanta Kesari
PRACTICE 3: PRACTICE 4:
I am identified with
my country and hence new kinds of
positive impact
I feel a oneness with challenges to
on society at
all fellow citizens face & solve?
large?
contribute
narrow identification towards
I am identified nation
with my family, narrow vision & aspirations building?
friends and
people from good
my community/ lifestyle?
locality/ religion. valuable and
career
good fulfilling
growth?
pay? work-life?
LAKSHMI DEVNATH
“O
ne hundred and fifty,” Poorva concluded. Boredom had forced her to count
the ants crawling out of her window in a perfectly straight line. “How I
wish I were one of them,” she sighed. Standing near the window, Poorva
PA G E S P O N S O R : S M T. S H U B H A L A X M I P I T R E , M U M B A I
watched with utmost irritation as yet another salt-and-pepper head bobbed into her house.
She shifted her position and saw the ungainly figure attached to the almost non-existent
July 2019
neck. God! It was the lady from across the street. Aunties, uncles … so many of them – they
kept coming … coming to see HIM!
Poorva walked towards the staircase and leant over the railing. Yes, there he was – the
old man with the saintly smile. His eyes looked so gentle that Poorva felt her anger wane. 31
Her change in mood, however, lasted for barely a few seconds. He was the supreme
Aazhvaars
The Aazhvaars or Aalvaars were 12 great Tamil saint-poets who worshipped Sri Vishnu as the
Supreme Lord. They were called Aalvaars because they always remained immersed in experiencing
July 2019
the love and presence of God. They lived in the serene countryside on the banks of Tamraparani
and Cauvery and shores around Mamallapuram and Mylapore.
The Aalvaars poured out their ecstatic experience of the Divine in chaste Tamil poems which
are called Pasurams, or verses. Collectively, these Pasurams constitute the Nalayira Divya
32 Prabandham, which amounts to 4000 verses. They are famous for their poetic beauty, rhythm, and
deep philosophic and spiritual truths.
The Vedanta Kesari
It is believed that the Aalvaars are incarnations of different aspects of Sri Vishnu as given
below:
Name Incarnation of Birth Place
Poigai Aazhvaar Paanchajanyam (conch) Thiruvehka in Kanchipuram
Bhootham Aazhvaar Kaumodhaki (mace) Thirukadalmallai or Mahabalipuram
Pey Aazhvaar Nandhaka (sword) Mylapore
Thirumazhisai Aazhvaar Sudarsana (discus) Thirumazhisai
Nammazhvaar Vishwaksena (commander-in-chief) Thirukkurugoor or Aazhvaar
Thirunagari
Madhura Kavi Kumudha (one of the celestial beings in Thirukkoloor
Sri Visnu's kingdom)
Kulashekhara Aazhvaar Kausthubha (gem) Mahodayapuram now Kodungallur
Periaazhvaar Garuda (vehicle) Srivilliputhur
Andal Bhooma Devi (Mother Earth) Srivilliputhur
Thondaradippodi Vaijayanthi (garland) Mandhankudi, near Kumbakonam
Aazhvaar
Thiruppaan Aazhvaar Shrivatsam (a mole on the chest) Uraiyur
Thirumangai Aazhvaar Saarangam (bow) Thirukkuraiyaloor
Pariprasna
Q & A with Srimat Swami Tapasyananda
(1904 to 1991), Vice-President of the
Ramakrishna Order.
July 2019
animal. But by a strange perversity, they fail to recognize that the faculty of faith is equally so. Faith
and rationality are like the two legs of a man. One who is devoid of either of these faculties is like
a one-legged man.
In everyday life also it would be noticed that ninety per cent of our activities are based on
information accepted on faith. For this the so-called rationalists have perhaps no objection. All their 33
objection is reserved for the acceptance of an ultimate spiritual principle that transcends Nature
and of which Nature is only an expression.
Love of God
QUESTION: What is meant by the expression ‘Intellectual Love of God’?
MAHARAJ: The expression ‘Intellectual Love of God’ was used by the great western
philosopher Spinoza in the context of his conception of an absolute and impersonal God. God loves
July 2019
Himself but does not return the love and prayers of finite beings, according to him. But the finite
being, man, is in his essence one with the only substance, which is God. To know oneself in that
relation with the eternal Being i.e., be united with Him in essence by discarding the hold of
34 impermanent entanglements, is to participate in His self-love, which is only another name for ‘Bliss
of pure existence or unsullied Being’. Such participation in the bliss of the eternal Being through
union with Him is called Intellectual Love in contrast with sentimental, personal devotion to a Being
The Vedanta Kesari
T
he men of Knowledge state that Brahman entered? In the case of embodied
Brahman alone is real; the world is beings, the Atman is lodged in the five sheaths
illusory like a dream. Yet we know composed of food, vital force, mind, knowledge,
that in dream the dream experience is real. To and bliss. Where are these sheaths when the
explain their point, they take the illustration of world itself is denied? One would expect that
the snake and the rope. What lies there in front there would be no attempt to describe the
PA G E S P O N S O R : A D E V O T E E , V I D YA R A N YA P U R A , B E N G A LU R U
of us is just a rope, but we become afraid ultimate Truth relying in any way on something
thinking that it is a snake. We tremble and unreal which eventually gets discarded.
shout for help. However, when someone throws In the explanation that, that from which
a beam of light and points out that none of the beings are born, that in which they are
July 2019
features of a snake is present in that thing and sustained and that unto which they return on
it is just a rope, all these unnerving feelings dissolution, is Brahman – it is again a reliance
leave us. Even more unfortunate is our on the false world to point out the real
condition if we look at a snake and think that it Brahman. Even a knower of Brahman is not
is just a rope! If we try to pick it up, we will be averse to running ashramas, preaching to 35
bitten. So, we are warned not to see Atman in disciples, or begging for alms; all of these have
PA G E S P O N S O R : S R I R A J U Z . M O R AY, M U M B A I
July 2019
Shakti as it is called. Here comes the simultaneously with ‘As’ and ‘Is’ aspects. That is
significance of Sri Ramakrishna’s statement what Bhavamukha is.
that Brahman and Shakti are identical; that he Sri Ramakrishna did not like to be merged
36 calls Brahman when it is not engaged in the in Brahman for ever when one behaves like a
acts of creation-preservation-destruction. child, a mad man, a ghoul or an inert person. He
When engaged in these activities which we wanted multiplicity by being in the company of
The Vedanta Kesari
perceive all around us, it is Shakti. Therefore, devotees, singing songs on the Divine Mother,
the world need not be denied and there is no speaking of spiritual topics and dancing in
problem of the world limiting the infinitude of ecstasy and showering blessings on eager
Brahman. It is like an equilibrium reaction: aspirants. He would eat food items without
reactants < – > products. Following Le mixing them up so that his mind did not get
Chatelier’s principle, the reaction can proceed merged into Unity experience. Again sometimes
from left to right or from right to left. In he wanted to be completely away from all
ordinary usage we can call that involution- company, even removing the pictures of deities
evolution. What is evolving from the amoeba to from his room. This is a see-saw. Knowing the
the perfect human at the other end was already frustration of this to and fro movement, the
involved. This is the theory of cycles; it is not a Divine Mother perhaps asked him thrice to
linear progress. If there is evolution in some remain in Bhavamukha. From this vantage
places, it could be involution in other places. point one could see both sides. It is like being in
The ‘As-Is’ hybrid supposes that Brahman alone Gomukh and seeing no stream on one side and
is present, either ‘As’ the world or ‘Is’ Brahman. a gushing, splashing, tumultuous river on the
What is the outcome? The world is also other side. It is like being at the threshold of a
real. The pair of terms used such as ‘Real and house and seeing both the inside and the
unreal’, ‘Nitya and Lila’, ‘Brahman and the outside. That is why Sri Ramakrishna asked
world’ need not confound us. They are just two
modes of perception. Turn the mode switch to (Continued on page 45...)
The Vedanta Kesari July 2019
37
The Vedanta Kesari July 2019
38
Educational, Medical and Other Services
for the Poor and Afflicted Through
Ramakrishna Math, Ramanathapuram
On returning to India in January 1897 after his triumphant visit to
the West where he propagated the ancient religion of our country,
Swami Vivekananda had stayed in Maharaja Bhaskara Sethupathy’s
Palace Guest House for 3 days from 29th to 31st January, 1897 and
delivered speeches that awakened our nation.
A Math centre was started at this spot sanctified by Swamiji’s stay
and affiliated to the Ramakrishna Order on 26-6-2016. Those who live
Scholarship for the 80 poor students at Nagachi, Mandapam, Pamban & Rameswaram are mainly poor
fishermen & women whose children, unable to afford higher studies,
go for daily labour or fishing. The Math is conducting a number of
service activities for these poor people.
Sl No Activity Expenditure
1 Education: Educating 80 poor students in Rs. 30,000/ per student for one
July 2019
Nursing, Polytechnic, and Arts & Science year. Total cost = Rs. 24 lakhs
2 Mobile Medical Service: Conducting medical Rs. 6 lakhs per year
camps
3 Free Coaching Classes: Coaching for 75 poor Rs. 4 lakhs per year.
school children besides giving them food,
uniform, notebooks, etc. 39
4 Tailoring Course: 3-month classes for poor Rs. 6 lakhs per year
women & gifting them One Tailoring
You can also create an Endowment for Rs. 10000/- and above
Free medical camp for the above activities.
We request you all to give a helping hand to these poor children
of God, through your small or big contributions and be the recipients
of the Lord’s blessings.
All donations are exempted from 80 G under Income tax act,
1961. The Cheques/ Drafts/ M. O. should be sent in the name of
“Ramakrishna Math, Ramanathapuram”. Or it may transferred through
RTGS to the following account:
Free Coaching class for 75 students Account name: Ramakrishna Math Bank: Indian Bank
Branch: Ramanathapuram A/c No.: 6426034057
IFS Code: IDIB000R051
Please inform us with your address and PAN number after
transferring the amount through RTGS.
Yours in the service of the Lord,
Swami Sutapananda
Free Tailoring Classes Adhyaksha
Book
Reviews
Swami Vivekananda’s
Vision of Future
Society
Papers from a seminar For review in
at Ramakrishna Mission The Vedanta Kesari,
publishers need to send
Institute of Culture;
us two copies of their
Published by Secretary latest publication.
RMIC, Gol Park, Kolkata -
700 029. 2014, hardbound, pp. 177+ix.
Price not given.
T
his volume consists of some really Indian Cultural Unity
thought-provoking scholarly essays Edited by Sabyasachi Bhattacharya
on Swami Vivekananda’s vision on an
Published by Secretary, RMIC,
July 2019
T
duties and expectations. The essays are diverse –
40 examining the role of women in contributing to a his scholarly work is
new culture and, best of all, examining the place the result of a seminar
of electronic media in contemporary education. held in the Ramakrishna
The Vedanta Kesari
The progression is significant; the speakers have Institute of Culture on the occasion of Swami
examined Swamiji’s contributions to the thought Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary in 2013.
of not just his own times but his continuing The book consists of thirteen essays spread
relevance a hundred and fifty years later. over six sessions which examine a wide range of
The underlying theme of the essays in the historical, anthropological, social and geographical
volume is education and, through education, the conditions that give a culture its true identity;
refining of the collective social consciousness and they focus on the way culture gains richness
intelligence, such that humankind transforms and a colour all of its own. The starting point is
itself into the best it can be. Every single paper the reformist movement of 19th century Bengal,
proves the axiom that Swamiji’s vision was so notably the part played by Raja Rammohan
spectacularly broad that while India was its base, Roy, Keshab Chandra Sen, Sri Ramakrishna, and
its trajectory was vast and covered the whole Swami Vivekananda. The mood of questioning
world. and framing new belief systems, accepting those
This volume is one of those rare which were relevant and disregarding those
publications which has something in it for which had outlived their relevance was very
everyone interested in a positive, optimistic much in the intellectual atmosphere of the time.
roadmap for the future of India and through it Swami Vivekananda went one step further: ‘I do
the whole world. Needless to say, it requires close, not believe in it (tolerance),’ he said, ‘I believe in
dedicated reading and reflection and is worth acceptance. Why should I tolerate? Toleration
every minute spent on those two endeavours. means I think you are wrong and I am just allowing
___________________________ PREMA RAGHUNATH, CHENNAI you to live.’ (page 65). This very novel approach has
been examined along with other contemporary identity the amalgamated result of several
philosophies of the time as well as the manner in individual identities rolled into one, embracing the
which these views were reflected in the literature differences rather than militating against them? Do
of the time. we need toleration or acceptance? Archeological
Another important theme explored, by Shri findings have proved the depth of Indian culture
Imtiaz Ahmed, is an interesting examination of which can very easily absorb diversity. The caves of
the religions existing in India – Hinduism, Islam, Ellora, for instance, show the artistic unity of three
Buddhism and Jainism – which co-existed without religions – Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The
conflict until self-interest created differences. The works of poets like Kabir represent a wide-lens
author argues that these can now be equalised by view of religious traditions. Swami Vivekananda
using modern technology to spread awareness of was consumed by the fire of breaking down
misconceptions. barriers. There is copious evidence to show
The third and fourth essays are specific to that as a concept, Unity was the cornerstone
cultural unity in India through, paradoxically, its of Indian culture and civilisation. Swamiji’s
cultural diversity, which is a point of interaction contributions emanate from his interpretations of
rather than separation as the goals of all cultures Sri Ramakrishna’s unshakeable faith in the validity
remain the same. of all religions and cultures.
PA G E S P O N S O R : S M T. L A K S H M I D E V N AT H , C H E N N A I
The next session is devoted to two themes – An erudite exposition indeed, this book is of
an anthropological examination of cultural unity value to students and lovers of history, religion,
July 2019
and the part played by geography in creating a anthropology and society. It is not for the casual
pluralistic society. This is of particular interest reader as the papers are expert views from every
today when artificial barriers have been created field and require focused reading.
between urban and rural societies, between ___________________________ PREMA RAGHUNATH, CHENNAI
the indigenous and the borrowed, and between 41
Western and Eastern influences. Indian Philosophy of Nada
G
– beginning in Uttar Pradesh, winding its way to enerally the subject matters
Sri Lanka via Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and of Indian philosophy are
Kerala. These writings show how the stories vary logic and epistemology,
in their details according to the greater or lesser metaphysics, ethics and religion; these are
importance given to the characters, in the local extensively, analytically and even academically
languages, thereby leading to their exclusion from discussed and described. Philosophy of language,
the Sanskritisation of religious stories. This leads philosophy of beauty, political philosophy, and
on to art forms, such as dance and theatre, born social philosophy are studied as the offshoots
out of Vedic rituals in the next essay. of classical Indian philosophical systems. An
The final essay in the book brings it up to intellectual investigation of aesthetics in India
the 20th century with the contributions made by became popular after the famous Natya Sastra
Sikhs to the freedom struggle and India’s culture of Bharata was published. The text prescribes
through polity. the grammar of beauty in terms of precepts and
The book raises several questions – how concepts and elucidates the denominations of it
do we attempt to define culture? Is our national in nature and in arts. Later the metaphysicians
linked the Supreme Reality viz., Brahman with evolute of akasa and develops its application
the aspects of aesthetic enjoyment such as in all the mahabhutas as explained by the
vastu Brahma vada, sabda Brahma vada, nada Samkhya-Yoga system. Nyaya-Vaisesika builds
Brahma vada, and rasa Brahma vada. Of these up the philosophical system from atomism, and
sabda Brahman is the unmanifest form of the nada is a quality (guna) of akasa (ether) which
transcendental nada emanating from Siva-Sakti is an extensive atom – phenomenal theory of
as dhvani or sabda (sound). The concepts such sound. Nada is an eternal substance (dravya)—
as sthayibhavas (permanent emotions), rasa transcendental theory of sound—according to
(aesthetic experience), dhvani (suggestive of Mimamsa and Vedanta.
specific emotions) are the manifested aspects of Tantragama subscribes to the vibration
joyous enjoyment. theory of sound, according to which nada is a
Since the book under review is a Ph.D thesis, phenomenal activity (kriya or spanda) being
Justice Sri Raikote has justified the selected theme the manifestation of cosmic energy. Positivistic
throughout this work from musical, linguistic, theory of sound has been propounded by the
aesthetic and mystical perspectives. He opines grammatical system which holds that nada is
that the conception of nada emanates from the an artificial sound produced by vaikhari dhvani
primordial sound known as Omkara or Pranava. of vocal chords. The musicologist develops the
The conception of nada has exerted a strong transcendental theory of sound which states
influence on Indian culture; the Vedas and the that nada is the manifestation of cosmic energy
July 2019
Tantras use it while performing rituals in the (or kundalini shakti in the body) in the form of
form of pranava sound and music tinged with vocal sound. The nastika darsanas known as
divine propensities. This book mainly deals with Carvaka, Jainism and Buddhism promote the
42 the ontological nature of dhvani as promulgated materialistic theory of sound since nada or sabda
in the upanishads, the six orthodox schools of is ‘mode’, a ‘form’, a ‘quality’ or a ‘potential force’
Indian philosophy, grammatology, tantragamas of matter.
The Vedanta Kesari
The Value of
Discipline
PROF. SUDHA SHASTRI
A
s a generation grows older, it is
not unusual for elderly men
and women to bemoan the
dilution of values in the younger generations.
Discipline is probably the most common value
which is seen as highly compromised.
Discipline, which means ‘to be disciplined’
PA G E S P O N S O R : S M T. L A K S H M I D E V N AT H , C H E N N A I
in one’s thoughts, actions and habits – is the to parent, and teacher to teacher. There is no
source of all other values. Let us recall Swami one correct way. Depending on a child’s
July 2019
Vivekananda who memorably declared: ‘Mind temperament and circumstances, the parent
you, there is no value in learning. You are all or teacher needs to find a way that will work.
mistaken in learning. The only value of In some contexts, the fear of being punished
knowledge is in the strengthening, the may teach a particularly obstinate child to
43
disciplining, of the mind.’ learn to be disciplined. Pressure, however,
What this means is that discipline is the should be used as the last resource. For it is a
two brothers were just 9 and 6 years old. often we find vehicles driven by educated men
Teaching by example is invaluable and the and women halt right over pedestrian stripes!
most elevated form of teaching. It also makes an Jumping queues with impunity is also a
44 interesting point about discipline: discipline is common sight. This disregard for rules, even
essentially self-discipline. It is something that after having the benefit of education, seems to
comes from within an individual. After a few arise from a false equation of indiscipline with
The Vedanta Kesari
initial external lessons, it can be internalized power! Instead of feeling ashamed, such people
only through self-teaching. take pride in a false sense of freedom. They fail
When we observe discipline, we are both to understand that freedom is always
learning as well as teaching ourselves. associated with responsibility.
Discipline is not information or knowledge To b e d i s c i p l i n e d i s to a c c e p t
which can be obtained from outside. It is an accountability. How lack of discipline can result
inner capacity that we develop by training our in a counter-intuitive behaviour is revealed in a
mind to think and do the right thing. In real life incident. A middle-aged lady had
childhood we need parents and teachers to tell parked her car outside her gate. Her teenage
us what is right and wrong, and where to sow neighbour took his car out in such a hurry that
discipline. But thereafter, as moral and social he dented her car. When the lady rushed out
adults, we understand intuitively where our and seeing the damage to her car became
behavior needs to be disciplined. agitated, the teenager instead of apologizing
became offensive and rudely questioned why
Discipline and Time she was making such a fuss about a small
Discipline is also associated with matter. His indiscipline in driving, led to other
timeliness and punctuality. To be disciplined is character flaws like disrespect, dishonesty, and
to be aware of the value of time. Time’s arrow arrogance.
moves in only one direction. It is irreversible. We need to recognize that being
Time lost, is lost forever. Shakespeare famously disciplined is not about losing one’s freedom,
but about manifesting self-control and power Mahatma Gandhi declared: ‘There will have to
in the real sense. Power over oneself and one’s be rigid and iron discipline before we achieve
lesser instincts is more difficult to achieve anything great and enduring, and that
than power over others, and hence the former discipline will not come by mere academic
sort of power is something to take pride in. To argument and appeal to reason and logic.’ More
be able to control one’s words and deeds is pointedly, he said, ‘Independence means
the hallmark of a leader. voluntary restraints and discipline, voluntary
acceptance of the rule of law.’
Discipline and Indian freedom movement Discipline arising from self-restraint is
A shining example of discipline in our integral to social harmony and all-inclusive
national history, is the manner in which we development. The sooner our society, especially
sent out the colonial rulers, not through our children and youth, learn to associate
military force, but by the immeasurable power discipline with affirmative values like self-
of self-discipline that thousands of Indians esteem, and national responsibility, the more
manifested with the mantra of Satyagraha. promising will be our future.
PA G E S P O N S O R : S R I R AV I S H A N K A R S . , C H E N N A I
July 2019
The ‘As’-‘Is’ Hybrid (Continued from page 36...)
devotees not to be one-sided: form, formless trace of water on the one side and the river on
and many more possibilities exist. Put no limit the other side. It is being beyond all bhavas 45
to God. (moods) and a rich, variety of moods for people
Let us consider the construction of a of various temperaments: bhava-atita and
A
real Guru is one who is born from
time to time as a repository of
spiritual force which he transmits
to future generations through successive links
of Guru and Shishya (disciple). The current of
this spirit-force changes its course from time to
time, just as a mighty stream of water opens up
a new channel and leaves the old one for good.
Thus it is seen that old sects of religion grow
lifeless in the course of time, and new sects
arise with the fire of life in them. Men who are
truly wise commit themselves to the mercy of
that particular sect through which the current
The Guru
of life flows. Old forms of religion are like the Selections from The Complete Works of
Swami Vivekananda
July 2019
of our vanities—the sense that we possess any animated, and man becomes holy and perfect in
spiritual wisdom— and to surrender ourselves the end.
completely to the guidance of our Guru. The This quickening impulse cannot be
Guru only knows what will lead us towards derived from books. The soul can only receive
perfection. We are quite blind to it. We do not impulses from another soul, and from nothing
know anything. This sort of humility will open else. We may study books all our lives, we may
the door of our heart for spiritual truths. Truth become very intellectual, but in the end we find
will never come into our minds so long as there that we have not developed at all spiritually. It
will remain the faintest shadow of Ahamkara is not true that a high order of intellectual
(egotism). All of you should try to root out this development always goes hand in hand with a
devil from your heart. Complete self-surrender proportionate development of the spiritual side
is the only way to spiritual illumination. in Man. In studying books we are sometimes
deluded into thinking that thereby we are being
The need of guru spiritually helped; but if we analyse the effect
Every soul is destined to be perfect, and of the study of books on ourselves, we shall find
every being, in the end, will attain the state of that at the utmost it is only our intellect that
perfection. Whatever we are now is the result derives profit from such studies, and not our
of our acts and thoughts in the past; and inner spirit. This inadequacy of books to
whatever we shall be in the future will be the quicken spiritual growth is the reason why,
result of what we think and do now. But this, although almost every one of us can speak most
wonderfully on spiritual matters, when it t h e re c e iv i n g s o u l o f i t s m i s t a k i n g
comes to action and the living of a truly momentary emotions for real religious
spiritual life, we find ourselves so awfully yearning. We may study that in ourselves.
deficient. To quicken the spirit, the impulse Many a time in our lives, somebody dies
must come from another soul. whom we loved; we receive a blow; we feel
The person from whose soul such impulse that the world is slipping between our
comes is called the Guru—the teacher; and the fingers; that we want something surer and
person to whose soul the impulse is conveyed higher, and that we must become religious.
is called the Shishya—the student. To convey In a few days that wave of feeling has
such an impulse to any soul, in the first place, passed away, and we are left stranded just
the soul from which it proceeds must possess where we were before. We are all of us often
the power of transmitting it, as it were to mistaking such impulses for real thirst after
another; and in the second place, the soul to religion; but as long as these momentary
which it is transmitted must be fit to receive it. emotions are thus mistaken, that continuous,
The seed must be a living seed, and the field real craving of the soul for religion will not
PA G E S P O N S O R : S R I B . N A G A S U B R A M A N I A N , C H E N N A I
must be ready ploughed; and when both these come, and we shall not find the true transmitter
conditions are fulfilled, a wonderful growth of of spirituality into our nature. So whenever we
genuine religion takes place. “The true preacher are tempted to complain of our search after the
July 2019
of religion has to be of wonderful capabilities, truth that we desire so much, proving vain,
and clever shall his hearer be”—आश्र्चर्यो वक्ता instead of so complaining, our first duty ought
कुशलोऽस्य लब्धा; and when both of these are to be to look into our own souls and find
really wonderful and extraordinary, then will a whether the craving in the heart is real. Then in 47
splendid spiritual awakening result, and not the vast majority of cases it would be
otherwise. Such alone are the real teachers, and discovered that we were not fit for receiving the
Religion is
Common Sense
R
eligion is a common-sense, every human being. At best when we want to
everyday thing.1 Religion is not hear of spiritual things our standard is the
mumbo-jumbo. It is not magic. It is senses; or a man hears things about philosophy,
not mysterious. It is not doctrine or dogma. It and God, and transcendental things, and after
July 2019
is not based on tradition. It is based on hearing about them for days, he asks: After all,
common-sense. If religion does not permeate how much money will they bring, how much
the everyday life of its follower, it is not sense-enjoyment will they bring? For his
48 religion; it is something else! This is the view of enjoyment is only in the senses, quite
Swami Vivekananda. naturally.’3
He elaborates this idea variously as ‘None can teach another. You have to
The Vedanta Kesari
July 2019
References
1 The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. Vol-2: 5 Ibid. Vol-6: Epistles – Second Series: 30th April,
The Goal 1891: To Govinda Sahay 49
2 Ibid. Vol-7: Inspired Talks: Monday, July 29, 1895 6 Ibid. Vol-6: The Methods and Purpose of Religion
3 Ibid. Vol-1: Vedic Religious Ideals 7 Ibid. Vol-2: Practical Vedanta: Part II
Once we rise beyond our tiny ego, everything that we do, every worship, every
meditation, every work, even the so-called worldly work like looking after one’s own family,
become a stimulus for our spiritual growth. It is on this basis that Swami Vivekananda
presented the universality of Practical Vedanta, its being as the basis of all religions and
relevant to all peoples. By discharging their responsibilities and facing the challenges of life,
and keeping in view the steady unfolding of spiritual growth through them, all can realize
the highest goal. That is why this yoga is defined by Sri Krsna in the second chapter of the
Gita as yogah karmasu kausalam— ‘Yoga is efficiency, dexterity, in action’. Through this
efficiency, man increases the material welfare and happiness of society, outwardly, through
his productive labour; and achieves his or her own spiritual growth as well, inwardly. When
we find that our actions result in the economic, social, and cultural growth outside and our
own spiritual growth within, we shall know that we are implementing the message of Yoga
of the Gita, that we are approaching religion as a science of spiritual growth and fulfilment.
—Eternal Values for a Changing Society. Swami Ranganathananda. Bombay: Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan. 2:540
Topical Musings
Our Sadhana
(Continued from the previous issue...)
W
e shall present two facts to our before that! Hence, we say that all through
readers. Putting these two facts history, activities which were conducive to
together, we will be able to spiritual growth were never primarily
appreciate the utmost relevance of Swamiji’s economic in nature. As a result, the Indian
prescription of Spiritual Sadhana for the society came up with certain traditions, where
modern age. certain groups of people were ‘taken care of’
1st fact: Spiritual Sadhana requires an economically, and they were left free to
activity (or a set of activities) that man can perform these ‘special activities’. The rest of the
perform over and over again, on a daily basis. people in society engaged in economic
July 2019
2nd fact: Never before in recorded activities, part of which sustained these
Character
human history have so many people groups of people too. Centuries
is self-restraint.
been involved in economic after centuries, this has been the
activity on a daily basis, all
Self-restraint is tradition. 1 And what was the
50 through the year! self-direction. nature of the economic activity
How are these two facts Self-direction is that these people engaged in? It
concentration.
The Vedanta Kesari
July 2019
PA G E S P O N S O R : A D E V O T E E , H O U S T O N , U S A
be given to the worker, he can immediately of the soul. Let us then be perfect in work!’3
participate in the activity, which will (To be continued...)
51
References
‘... Ramakrishna institutions, … are not like the usual type of religious organizations
where there is a gulf between life and religion. Sri Ramakrishna came to bridge that gulf
and to teach us that life is itself religion. He exhorts us to see life in its unity and wholeness.
This is the vyavasayatmika buddhih (one-pointed intelligence) spoken of in the Bhagavad-
Gita (II. 41), where there is a unity of vision and unity of purpose and endeavour, external
and internal. This is the basis of all character development. Young people today want to see
character coming out of religion; if they do not see this, they are not going to be inspired
by religion or religious people. … So, this is the challenge before all religion: can it and does
it show character? Just as the food that you take in must show its effect in the strength of
your body, so also the religion that you profess and live by must show its effect in your inner
riches, in your character, in your spirit of service, in your day-to-day life.’
Eternal Values for a Changing Society. Swami Ranganathananda. Bombay: Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan. 2:129
The Order on the March
News & Notes from Ramakrishna Math and
Ramakrishna Mission
July 2019
Distress Relief
Rajkot centre. 180 students in different parts of Mangaluru Through 5 centres in India,
participated in a programme city, spreading awareness about the Order distributed 3544
conducted by Salem centre. waste management, and (iii) shirts, 401 trousers, 704 jackets,
Medical Relief
cleanliness drives in 100 villages 386 sweaters, 1250 saris, 122 53
of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi blankets, 100 mosquito-nets and
Through 14 centres in India
districts.
outstanding service institutions & Primary School for Pre- effort. On 2 June 2019, the day
in this State. There are now Kg to class V. In 1996, the of Phalaharini Kali Puja, the
17 branch centres of the Ramakrishna Vidyalaya Matric centre was formally opened in a
54 Ramakrishna Order in the State, Higher Secondary School for grand function in the presence
the latest of which is in the city classes VI-XII was added. of Srimat Swami Gautamananda
of Villipuram. Affiliated to the Metric board Ji, Swamis Divyananda and
The Vedanta Kesari
Two groups of devotees of Education, Tamil Nadu, all Muktidananda, Trustees of the
who were conducting service the three English medium co- Order, Dr. L. Subramaniyan, the
activities under the banner of education schools provide quality District collector, K. Munusamy,
Sri Ramakrishna Seva Sangam, education to about 4550 students. Chief Educational Officer of the
Villupuram, and Vivekananda The Society also runs Sri Sarada district, managing committee
Mandram, Valayampattu formed Devi Free Homeopathy Clinic members of the Society and
Sri Ramakrishna Educational since 1994 and Gadhadhar other dignitaries. In total 53
Society in May 1983. From Abhyudaya Prakalpa in Sadhus, 300 devotees, 270 staff
the very beginning these Valayampattu village. and 1500 students attended the
devotees worked under the It was the sankalpa of the function. Detailed activities of
guidance of the sannyasis of the founding devotees that one day the centre can be followed at
Ramakrishna Order including these institutions would foster the rkmvillupuram.org.
55
Vol.106. No.7 The Vedanta Kesari (English Monthly) July 2019. Regd.
56
with the Registrar of Newspapers for India under No.1084 / 1957.
Postal 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 June 2019