Guest guest Posted July 20, 2000 Report Share Posted July 20, 2000 Continuing with the lecture on Atman (Self) by Swami Vivekananda. We now come to the uniqueness of Swami Vivekananda's teaching style. Even though he has been glorifying the teachings of 'Advaita' (non-dualism) in the most uncompromising manner -- just look at these remarks. He has no problem in relating to people who believe in:- Dualism (God perceived as being separate from the individual soul) or Qualified non-dualism (all souls are sparks of the same God). There is no trace of arrogance. Only a person established in Advaita can be so humble and compassionate. For him all other beings are verily himself. What else can he do, but extend a helping hand? It does not matter what opinions others hold on spiritual or religious matters - he can only help - he can never do anything that will damage anyone's understanding or approach in spiritual matters. Let us examine his comments: "Now, as society exists at the present time, all these three stages are necessary; the one does not deny the other, one is simply the fulfilment of the other. The Advaitist or the qualified Advaitist does not say that dualism is wrong; it is a right view, but a lower one. It is on the way to truth; therefore let everybody work out his own vision of this universe, according to his own ideas. Injure none, deny the position of none; take man where he stands and, if you can, lend him a helping hand and put him on a higher platform, but do not injure and do not destroy". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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