Vivekananda on the Vedas (part 116)

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Parts 1 to 115 were posted earlier. This is part 116. Your comments are welcome... Vivekananda Centre London

Earlier postings can be seen at http://www.vivekananda.btinternet.co.uk/veda.htm

 

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA ON THE VEDAS AND UPANISHADS

By Sister Gayatriprana

part 116

 

5. The Manifestation of the Divinity of Humanity

We believe that every being is divine, is God. Every soul is a sun covered over with clouds of ignorance; the difference between soul and soul is owing to the difference in the density of these clouds. We believe that this is the conscious or unconscious basis of all religions, and that this is the explanation of the whole history of human progress, either in the material, intellectual, or spiritual planes - the same Spirit is manifesting through different planes. (34)

Humanity is a good deal conscious, partly unconscious - and there is a possibility of getting beyond consciousness. It is only when we become human beings that we can go beyond reason. The words higher or lower can only be used in the phenomenal world. To say them of the noumenal world is simply contradictory, because there is no differentiation there. Human manifestation is the highest in the phenomenal world. The Vedantist says that he or she is higher than the devas. The gods will have to die and will become human beings again; and in the human body alone they will become perfect. (35)

Infinite knowledge abides within every one in the fullest measure. You are not really ignorant, though you may appear to be so. You are incarnations of God, all of you. You are the incarnation of the almighty, omnipresent, divine Principle. You may laugh at me now, but the time will come when you will understand. You must. Nobody will be left behind. (36)

 

Cross reference to:

Isha Up., 16

Mand. Up., 2

Mund. Up., 3.2.9

Gita 5.19