Swami Vivekananda (The Master Builder of Our Nation)

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THE IDEAL OF SHRADDHA

"Shraddha" is an Indian concept which Swamiji felt defied definition. According to him, the best illustration of shraddha is that which the young boy, Nachiketa of the Kathopanishad had. When his father told him that he had been gifted to the God of Death, unhesitatingly he went to the abode of Death and patiently waited at the door for the God of Death to appear. When the God appeared, Nachiketa started questioning him on the mystery of life and death. Not satisfied with the boons and knowledge he obtained, he requested Yama for the highest knowledge. Yama was not prepared to confer it that easily on the young boy. But Nachiketa persisted and at last immensely pleased with his great "shraddha", the God of Death conceded and imparted to him that immortal knowledge. It is this that has come to us as the famous Kathopanishad.

 

Referring to this story, Swami Vivekananda said: "The idea of true 'shraddha' must be brought back once more to us. The faith in our own selves must be awakened and then only all the problems which face our country will gradually be solved by ourselves. What we want is this 'shraddha' and nothing else. What makes one man great and another weak is this 'shraddha'. My master used to say: "He who thinks himself weak will become weak". That is true. This 'shraddha' must enter into you. Whatever of material power you see manifested by the Western races, is the outcome of this 'shraddha', because they believe in their muscles; and if you believe in the spirit how much more will it work.....".

 

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