Guest guest Posted May 19, 2004 Report Share Posted May 19, 2004 Dear Friends, In this concluding part I'll discuss about Swamiji's teachings as I believe that anyone who decides to devote himself solely to spiritual aims cannot do without him. The devotees of Sri Ramakrishna should remember that Swamiji guards the gates to Ramakrishna Loka and without his nod it will be very difficult to gain entry. As I had said earlier, during the golden years of Indian History ending at around 800 BC, it was a very rational form of Hinduism based on the Vedas (prior to their tampering) and the Samkhya philosophy based upon self effort, right thinking and right work that was very popular and accepted. There was no caste system, everyone was treated as equals and capable of the highest in spiritual life, and there was no effort by any particular community to rule the rest. Swamiji, during his extensive tour to almost every part of India, was shocked by the extreme poverty that prevailed, the indolence and laziness of the people, exploitation of the poor and the lack of any definite purpose in life. He was also pained by the extreme indifference of the general population who calmly accepted the atrocities heaped on them putting the whole blame on their past karma and destiny/wrath of God. Swamiji revolted against this and based his religion upon the great inner strength of man which he sought to rouse. He called upon every able bodied and rational individual to leave all false religions aside and devote themselves to serving the society and the God who dwelt in man. He wanted poverty, illiteracy and exploitation to end before trying to again restore spirituality to its pristine glory. Sri Ramakrishna too did not preach any other-worldly religion. He refuted the theory of jagat-mithya and claimed that even the external world has to be considered as it was permeated by that supreme intelligence. He refused to grant moksha to Swamiji and berated him for asking for his own salvation. He wanted him to be like a great banyon tree under which the new religion of serving God in man would prosper. Swamiji promised that he would continue to remain with form (and not dissolve in the infinite) till the mission was fully accomplished. The devoted bachelors should contemplate on the above while deciding their plan of action. They should not only be jnannis or bhaktas but also great workers. This will help them overcome all the obstacles of a bachelor life and make them strong spiritual giants setting examples for others to follow. They should try to reform after reforming themselves and hit out at the wrongs prevailing in the society but without hate and rancour in their hearts and without resorting to any kind of politics to further their own selfish egos. I welcome such Mahavirs within the folds of the broader context of the Ramkrishna Order. Love & Regards, Jagannath. SBC - Internet access at a great low price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.