Vivekananda on the Vedas (part 204)

[Guest guest]

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 204

One of the chief distinctions between the Hindu and the Christian religions is

that the Christian religion teaches that each human soul had its beginning at

its birth into this world, whereas the Hindu religion asserts that the spirit of

humanity is an emanation of the eternal Being, and no more had a beginning that

God Itself. (13)

 

 

4. The Modern West Is Discovering That the Mind - The Source of Their Happiness

- Is Merely a Bit of the Soul Caught in the Trap of the Brain

 

Think of all this mass of energy that our nation [india] displays - where does

it get it? In India, they are the producers and you [the West] are the enjoyers,

no doubt. They produced this - the patient, toiling millions of Hindus under the

whip and slavery of everyone. Even the missionaries, who stand up to curse the

millions of India, have been fattened upon the work of these millions, and they

do not know how it has been done. Upon their blood the history of the world has

been turning since we know history, and will have to turn for thousands of years

more. What is the benefit? It gives that nation strength. They are, as it were,

an example. They must suffer and stand up through all, fighting for the truths

of religion - as a signpost, a beacon - to tell unto humankind that it is much

higher not to resist, much higher to suffer, that if life be the goal, as even

their conquerors will admit, we are the only race that can be called immortal,

that can never be killed.

 

Where are the Greeks today - they whose armies marched over the whole world?

Gone, thousands of years - nobody knows where. Vanished, as soon as the

barbarians of the north came and attacked them. Where are the mighty Romans,

whose cohorts came and trampled the face of the earth? Where are they today?

Gone - vanished like the morning dew, and left behind in the march.

 

But here are the Hindus - three hundred million strong. And think of the

fertility of the race! They can increase more than the whole world can kill

them. (14)

 

From time immemorial the Hindus knew the Atman as separate from the manas, mind;

but the Occidentals could never soar beyond the mind. The West knows the

universe to be full of happiness; and, as such, it is to them a place where they

can enjoy the most; but the East is born with the conviction that this samsara,

this ever-changing existence, is full of misery and, as such, it is nothing,

nothing but unreal, not worth bartering the soul for its ephemeral joys and

possessions. For this very reason, the West is ever especially adroit in

organized action, and so also the East is ever bold in the search of the

mysteries of the internal world. (15)

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Dear All at the Centre and beyond,

 

It is important to know that " nothing is permanent " except " Brahma " . So leave

everything to " paramatman Narayan " . In this World you are a temporary visitor in

a temporary planet - nothing will stay. With this background information be

wise to nurture such qualities as : Maitry, Karuna, Prema, Daya, Bhakti and

Kshama and pray to almighty to give you strength to endure pain and not to use

abusive language to anyone. See God in everything around you and be happy with

whatever is alloted, whatever is given to you. You are a minute speck, a little

creature in this vast " Visya Brahmanda " , witness things as a silent spectator,

with " Iswara " in mind and leave him to do his work. Ask Him to give you

" Chaitanya " and roam freely as the " Chaitanya Bayu " guide you. Too much

" Vichara " and too tight " discriminations " will create " Bandhana " with the

" Maya " . Be in Peace always.

 

Asis Bagchi