Wonderful day --postscript

[Guest guest]

Dear List

 

Today was a very satisfying day for me.

Some days one feels that 'all this' is worthwhile.

Well today was one such day.

 

I had to introduce Hinduism to a batch of 60 English children.

They were 10 to 11 years olds and had come to visit the

Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre. What I really give these youngsters

is a 'bit of Vivekananda'. The response and sparkle such

presentation brings to their eyes makes one feel privileged

to be involved in such work. Vivekananda really belongs

to these sweeties.

 

May He manifest himself more and more in

the hearts of such lovely youngsters!

 

jay (dilip)

Vivekananda Centre London

 

As a postscript...

 

Let me inject an important personal observation.

I am invited to talk to many groups both Hindus and

Westerners of all ages.

 

Every time I talk to a group composed of Westerners, I come

out of the meeting recharged. I see, first hand how the teachings of

Vivekananda light up their eyes. This comes back to me and

energises me in a very real way. Almost every time I talk to a

Hindu group (God bless them), I come out very exhausted

and drained. It is as if I have to draw on all my strength to re-kindle

even a flicker of love for spirituality.

 

Recently when I talked to Sister Vivekprana who also talks to

many groups in the West; she too shared similar experience.

 

This is perhaps a harsh thing to say but it comes through very

clearly (from first hand experience) that Vivekananda really

belongs to the West. I have to add that the centre of gravity

for spirituality has certainly shifted - it is now firmly based in the West.

The barometer for this view is the way Vivekananda's teachings

are received. Here stands a personality with the most

comprehensive, most rational and the most contemporary facet

of spirituality..... the Hindus fail to catch on while the Westerners

get excited!

 

" Buddha was the spiritual messenger for the East and

Vivekananda is the spiritual messenger for the West "

 

How true.....

 

jay