VML-2/12/00

[Guest guest]

We are all human beings; but some are men, and some are women. Here

is a black man, there is a white man; but all are men, all belong to

one humanity. Various are our faces; I see no two alike, yet we are

all human beings. Where is this one humanity? I find a man or a

woman, either dark or fair; and among all these faces I know that

there is an abstract humanity which is common to all. I may not find

it when I try to grasp it, to sense it, and to actualize it, yet I

know for certain that it is there. If I am sure of anything, it is of

this humanity which is common to us all. It is through this

generalized entity that I see you as a man or a woman. So it is with

this universal religion, which runs through all the various religions

of the world in the form of God; it must and does exist through

eternity. " I am the thread that runs through all these pearls, " and

each pearl is a religion or even a sect thereof. Such are the

different pearls, and the Lord is the thread that runs through all of

them; only the majority of mankind are entirely unconscious of it.

 

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We continue a lecture called THE IDEAL OF A UNIVERSAL RELIGION.

 

This is a part of a daily study of the lectures and writings of Swami

Vivekananda. All lectures are sent out in sequenced form, as he spoke

them.

 

Please tell a friend about this Vivekananda Mailing list and study group.

To or send a message to sarada.