Vivekananda and Parliament of Religions II

[Guest guest]

Hello friends,

 

Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions

Part II

 

This phase in Swami Vivekananda's life as the 'wandering monk' marks an

important stage in the history of spiritual revival of India as well as

the whole world. Why?

Because, Swamiji's experiences during the wandering days added

compassion to his broad outlook and sharp intellect. He could understand

the sad plight of fellow countrymen, their exploitation, poverty,

suffering and affliction under the mercy of foreign rule and darkness of

ignorance.

 

" To the hungry religion comes in the form of bread " , he declared.

And he would have added,

" And for the ignorant religion comes in the form of education " .

 

Material progress and spiritual upliftment are not contradictory, are

not antagonist to each other, but, rather, to bridge the yawning gap

between the two should be the goal of religion, he maintained.

 

He was convinced that science and religion should join hands so that a

new chapter may be written in the human history. He saw, learnt, and was

convinced that while material progress of India was as important as the

spiritual revival, to the West religion would come in the form of

spiritual blend with the materialism.

 

He met with many eminent and noble persons, the Maharaja of Khetri,

Dewan of Porbandar and Junagadh, Raja of Ramnad, and many intellectuals

in the state of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madras. All these

gentlemen were highly impressed by the sincerity, knowledge,

spirituality and new Vedantic approach to life of this English speaking

Monk.

 

And then, once during casual discussion, the Dewan of Porbandar said,

" Swamiji, I am afraid you cannot do much in this country. Few will

appreciate you here. You ought to go to the West where people will

understand you and your worth. Surely you can throw a great light upon

Western culture by preaching the Sanatana dharma! "

" The poverty ridden illiterate people of our country are not yet ready

to receive the message of Vedanta. Why don't you attend the Parliament

of Religions to be held in Chicago a few months hence? There you

represent and elaborate the true Hinduism of which your Guru, Sri

Ramakrishna, was the living embodiment. "

 

contd... part III in the next mail.

dr c s shah

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