The Monastic Flame.

[Guest guest]

Dear Friends,

 

However much the family may be extolled, the fact remains that the subtleties of

spiritual life are open only to the persons who devote themselves exclusively to

it, i.e. the monastics. However the fact also remains that very view are

destined or prepared for this life. Let us categorise the persons who may be

suitable for leading the monastic life, besides those that have a natural

inclination towards that life.

 

There are people who feel no attraction to the daily grind called life. They

feel they have gone through all these many times before. They tend to stay away

from social life and live secluded. They are the misfits of society. They feel

they have some purpose to solve but they are not fully aware of what is to be

done. They feel empty and have dreams of an unfinished duty or agenda they

cannot pinpoint. These are the Ashtavakra type.

 

Then there are the questioning types. They keenly observe life and have many

questions which often remain unanswered. They are in search of people who will

answer their questions rightly. They feel dissatisfied and disenchanted till the

questions are answered. These are the Nachiketa types.

 

They are leaders. Dynamic people. Well loved by all. They want to conquer the

world not for themselves but for solving its major problems. They dream about

being great personalities. They are very charming and eloquent, brave and bold.

They feel their qualities are not being utilised fully. They have a streak for

social service and yet they are not satisfied. They are the Swamiji type. In the

Ramakrishna Mission they are called the " recruiters " as they attract young

devotees and form their role models.

 

Then there are those that have lost all hopes in life. They have no desires, no

aspirations. Some even contemplate suicide. What they need is to be informed

about the real goal of life. Swamiji gave a clarion call to these persons to

rally around him. Hopelesness he said is the perfect launching pad for a

spiritual life. Many such souls were rescued by his teachings and are even today

being inspired.

 

The Ramakrishna Mission, in an internal survey, found that most of its members

were inspired after reading the Kathamrita or the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna.

Many were inspired by the book " Lectures from Colombo to Almora " . Some just read

the words of Thakur, " The goal of human life is to realise God " . There were also

many who were inspired by the living examples of the monks of the Order. Many

were drawn to concept of service to mankind. Many found the atmosphere of the

Belur Math irresistible.

 

The Ramakrishna Mission is open to unmarried graduates below 30 years of age.

But most entrants are in their early twenties. They take their decision during

their college days and join after graduation before their families can exert

pressure on them to enter the householders life. A brilliant example was Revered

Swami Bhutesanandaji Maharaj who wrote his post graduate examination in

Sanskrit, submitted his last answer paper took a boat to the Belur Math

straight from the examination hall and joined.

 

The to be monastic must be prepared to get over the infatuation for his

immediate family members, be prepared to give himself up totally to the Order,

and not the least mould itself according to the teachings of the Holy Trio. All

his basic needs will be taken care of, he will get all help to continue

studying, he will get the right atmosphere to develop, he will get good and

sincere friends, the love and advice of seniors. What he must avoid is to get

involved in any kind of politics, to control himself and behave properly when he

is out of the protective walls of the Mission when in relief work or otherwise,

not to get personally involved in the personal lives of devotees, not to

criticise the Math or its activities. He should have the ability to renounce,

and that is the quality most sought after in a monk.

 

Those who wish to prepare themselves for a monastic life will do well to go

through the book, " The imitation of Christ " by Thomas A Kempis, a Christian

Monk, who began his life as an errand boy in a Christian Monastery. This book

was the constant companion of Swami Vivekananda along with a copy of the

Bhagavad Gita. He even translated it into bengali as " Ishanusaran " while he had

adapted the name of Swami Satchidananda. (He also used to go around with the

name of Swami Vividishananda for some time). Read the book, it is just

wonderful.

 

Best of luck, dear friends,

 

God Help You,

Jagannath.

 

 

 

 

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