Vedanta in the west.

[Guest guest]

Dear friend Brad,

 

First about Purascharana, I would suggest you proceed gradually from the number

of times you are repeating the mantra now. If you abruptly increase the japa,

for some days you may feel better but later a very dry phase comes and you end

up doing less than what you were doing earlier. This is my personal experience.

Combine japa with rememberance of the Lord (smarana/manana) for better results.

Don't push yourself. (This is only my suggestion).

 

Regarding vedanta in the west, Sri Ramakrishnas concept of vedanta is different

from traditional vedanta as espoused by Sri Sankaracharya, for whom it was more

a state of mental cogitation and total renounciation of action. Therefore those

acquainted with Sankaracharya and other traditional texts may find the views of

the Ramakrishna Vedanta Centres a wee bit contradictory.

 

Moreover, the western devotees like to involve themselves with spirituality

taking recourse to various kriyas and yogas/transfer of powers by touch etc.

They get a sense of fulfilment from those acts. There is no such system in the

Ramakrishna Math/Missions.

 

And again, most westerners like to associate themselves with organisations which

have celebrities in their devotee lists. The Ramakrishna Mission is again unable

to perhaps fulfill this need. There is absolutely no outward pomp and show. The

Order believes in working silently.

 

However it must also be noted that those westerners, both scholars and lay

devotess, who come in contact with Sri Ramakrishna's teachings are often more

than satisfied and stick to it. The presence of the satwic element in the

devotee is very important to get attracted to Sri Ramakrishna and his teachings,

that is what I feel.

 

This problem exists not only in the west but also in centres of Japan, and other

mongolian countries. When devotees of these centres visit our Math at

Bhubaneswar we eagerly enquire about the spread of Thakurs teachings in their

country. The stock reply is, " Very few people know Sri Ramakrishna " . Maybe

others in the list will differ.

 

I hope you don't take offence at my remarks, these are general statements.

 

Love & Regards,

Jagannath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Messenger