Taoshobuddha

“Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached.”

- Vivekananda

I am indeed happy to be the part of this ‘Yatra’. ‘Yatra’ is literally translated as journey or
travel. By nature the consciousness, that one is, travels outwards as one interacts in the
world of objects and beings. There is yet another journey known as inward journey.
Everything outward – the chirping of the birds, the blossoming of the flower, the wave
rising
sing on the surface of the water, the bee humming, and the child crying becomes the
bridge to take your consciousness within. Thus begins the inward journey. I speak to you of
this ‘Yatra’.

Through this ‘Yatra’ I take you through a being that is the BRIDGE
E OF CONSCIOUSNESS –
VIVEKANANDA.

This topic is not only eye opener for those who are in authority to look into the education
systems throughout the world instead through this I share my insights into meditation and
how it can bring about a new dimensio
dimensionn into the life’s of the youth. The youth today is the
backbone of the humanity. In fact it is not only now, youth has been the concern of the
masters always. It is therefore our responsibility to mould this life energy into a direction
that it is a blend between the inner and the outer. Inner and the outer are two wings. And
without one you can simply limp. The two are complimentary to one another and therefore
cannot be negated.

Before I begin this talk I must take you into retrospect. It was the year 1893, and the month
of September that a simple, but elegant, unique in his gestures, radiant, yet a serene monk
pulsating with new life force travelled all the way from the shores of the east in India. He
came to attend the Parliaments of Religions at Chicago. Vivekananda was the name
assumed by this wandering monk.

No credentials, unknown, unaware of the ways and means of this world that he was
plundering into he set his feet on the shore of United States of America. He was not even
the official representative. However, the date for the registration at the parliaments had
passed. He was an orator by divine rights. And a messenger from Heavens! None could stop
him the opportunity to enter the Parliament of Religions. Heavenly forces brought him into
contact with one Professor of Harvard University – Professor Henry John Write. The way
was paved for the registration. This ‘Harvard University’ in Cambridge opened a new
avenue for the merger of the wisdoms of the East and the West.

Vivekananda a young monk, not yet reached the 30s appeared at the threshold of a new
horizon or the shore of a new confluence of the east and the west as the fountain head of
youth. Vivekananda is the confluence of the wisdom of the east and the west. What else can
be the message of Vivekananda for the youth if you are seeking the message? The life and
the works of Vivekananda is the message for youth.

It is a new beginning. Let us all cherish it to the very core of our being that such
opportunities come our way more often than not.

Consciousness is the essence of meditation. And ‘Meditation is the missing dimension

in education’. It is indeed a revelation for the educationists so that they can look into the
education system. If we can understand this we can not only tap the reservoir of youth
energy, instead change its gestalt.

Let us look into certain anecdotes from the life of Vivekananda.

Birth and early life

Born to an orthodox Hindu family in Bengal 1863, Vivekananda displayed signs of great
compassion and also the qualities of a natural leader from the early childhood. With a razor
sharp intellect Vivekananda devoured literature from both East and West. This included
Western philosophy and the great English poets as well. Vivekananda particularly liked the
rational reasoning of the West and was easily dismayed by many of the religious
superstitions and the cultural decline that Indian society found itself in. He grew up as a
confluence of the two. Thus Vivekananda was drawn towards “Brahmo Samaj” the modern
Hindu movement that sought to revitalize Indian life and spirituality through a rationalistic
approach and abandonment of image worship.

However the rationality of the Brahmo Samaj could not satisfy the latent spiritual hunger of
a teenaged Vivekananda. From an early age he began to have spiritual experiences and at
the age of 18 felt an insatiable quest to “See God”.

A straight forward Vivekananda asked those around whether they had seen God. All
affirmed in the negation. This included the even Devendranath Tagore the father of
Rabindranath Tagore. However Devendranath told Vivekananda that he saw in him the
eyes of a Yogi and surely he would attain to this in this lifetime. None could satisfy his inner
quest. Destiny brought him to one who was a great Spiritual being the enlightened
Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

Ramakrishna – Vivekananda
Ramakrishna is the soil that allowed the seed of his beloved Naren ( Narendranath
Dutta) to blossom into the tree of consciousness as Vivekananda. The tree still stands
like the Bodhi Tree of Buddha that gives shelter, new foliage of awakening and the seeds of
wisdom to anyone who comes under its shadow. And when the cosmic breeze surges
through the tree it refreshes the aspirants.

The two were poles asunder. Ramakrishna was an illiterate, a simple villager who had
assumed the role as a priest at a local Kali temple. However his simple exterior hid the
extraordinary spirituality. For many years Ramakrishna pursued intense spiritual practices
as a longing for the realization of his beloved Mother Kali. After the realization,
Ramakrishna not only practiced Hindu rituals, but also pursued the spiritual paths of all the
major religions. Ramakrishna concluded that all religions lead to the same goal of union
with the infinite. It was thus fitting that his closest disciple, Vivekananda would later
eloquently spread this message, - the harmony of world religions. Sri Aurobindo later said:

‘The Master (Sri Ramakrishna) marked out Vivekananda as the heroic soul destined
to take the world between his two hands and change it.’

Ramakrishna instantly recognized the spiritual potential of Naren (as he called

Vivekananda lovingly) for the destined meeting. The soul recognized the answering soul.
An ecstatic Ramakrishna invited his beloved disciple to Dakshineshwar in these words:

nren @k idn di][eZvr AaAae n,

Naren one day do come over to Dakshineshwar!

Feel the intensity of compassion of the one who has seen cause of this union beyond time
and space. Time flowed on. Naren’s father passed away. Abject financial resources! Three
unmarried elder sisters! And he himself unemployed! A melancholic Naren remembered
the words of the Master whom he has not yet recognized. The hour of destined meeting
was drawing near. A fathomless zero occupied the cosmos and Naren. As Naren decided to
visit Dakshineshwar Ramakrishna’s joy knew no limits. In fact he was waiting for this
beginning. As Naren reached Ramakrishna lamented why have you kept me waited for so
long? This bemused Naren. Let the journey continue and now and then I will pause to
create a quest in you to explore more about each event and anecdote.

Ramakrishna lavished attention on Naren, who at first did not always appreciate this. In the
beginning the reasoning mind of Vivekananda was skeptical of this God intoxicated Saint
and Vivekananda would frequently question and debate his teachings. However, slowly and
slowly the spiritual magnetism of Ramakrishna melted Naren’s heart and he began to
experience the real spirituality that Ramakrishna exuded. Thus Naren’s mental opposition
faded away to be replaced by an intense surrender to the Divine Mother and an intense
longing for realization.

For a short but intense period of about 5 years, Naren learnt directly from his Master
Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna was able to awaken the dormant spiritual consciousness in his
beloved disciple and Naren soon began to experience profound states of consciousness and
Satori.

The seed of Naren grew as the tree of consciousness and came to be known as
Vivekananda. After the Samadhi of Ramakrishna, the other disciples looked to Vivekananda
for leadership and he helped form the first monastic order of Ramakrishna. Under his
constant guidance he urged his fellow brother disciples to renounce the world and seek
communion with God.

However for Vivekananda, personal liberation was not enough. His heart ached for the
downtrodden masses of India who suffered poverty and many hardships. Vivekananda felt
that the highest ideal was to serve God through serving humanity. Thus Vivekananda would
later add social work as an important element of the Ramakrishna order. Thus after
spending a few years in meditation Vivekananda became restless and began travelling
throughout India, visiting many of the holy sites. After travelling through India and coming
into contact with many influential figures.

It was then suggested by the King of Khetri that Vivekananda would make an ideal
candidate to represent Hinduism at the World Parliament of Religions which was shortly to
be held in Chicago, USA. After persuasion Vivekananda agreed only if he had the blessings
of his master who was no more but Sharda was alive.

Therefore before leaving Vivekananda wanted the blessings and permission of Sarada Devi,
the wife of Sri Ramakrishna so he went. When he reached, Sharda was in the kitchen so she
asked her beloved Naren to come in the kitchen while she continued her work. After the
normal exchange of talks Vivekananda sought her blessing and permission. Sharda
continued her work paying as if a deaf ear to him.
Then suddenly she said:

‘Naren give me that knife.’

Naren picked the knife and holding the blade he forwarded the knife towards Sharda.
Immediately an ecstatic Sharda not only blessed Vivekananda instead gave him the
permission on her and Ramakrishna’s behalf. She said:

‘You have the awareness that will not harm anyone instead it is for the benefit of
humanity. If you had given me the knife holding the handle you would have failed the
test.’

What was so unique in this incident? And is this the way of the masters to answer the
simple question?

A master never answers the question. Instead the master answers the questioning mind.
The knife has two parts – a sharp metal blade used for cutting and a wooden handle to hold
the knife during the process of work. Blade cuts, divides, and removes the useless from the
useful part of the vegetable. Spiritually blade refers to consciousness. Naturally the
consciousness of a person focuses on the other while interacting in the world of duality. In
this process one becomes totally oblivious of his own existence. In such case the
consciousness has not attained a two way arrow. Such a person cannot transform others as
he is not yet ready. One should not proceed to teach or guide others spiritually until the
master allows. Just holding the knife with the blade demonstrated the state of awareness of
Vivekananda. This affirmed Sharda that he is ready for the role the master has prepared
him for and the time has come. Thus Vivekananda got the blessings and permission from
Sharda.

jb tk cetna dae )l ka tIr nhI< hae jatI saxk guru pdvI kae nhI< p&aPt hae skta,

Until the aspirant attains two arrowed consciousnesses he cannot be a master!

After receiving her encouragement and blessings he made the momentous journey to
America dressed in his ochre robe and maintaining the vows of a Sanyasin.

Vivekananda – World Parliament of Religions

Vivekananda was not the official representative at the parliament of religions. And the date
of registration has expired. It was through Prof John Wright of Harvard University his name
was included in the list of speakers. At the opening ceremony Vivekananda was included as
one of the speakers to speak. When his turn was announced he requested to speak at the
end. When all other speakers have presented their talks the Master of ceremonies called his
name saying that this is the last opportunity for Vivekananda to speak.
The previous speakers had talked about the merits of their own religions while pensive
Vivekananda appealed to those gathered there and the world at large beyond time and
space with his vision of ‘oneness and equality before God’. (Speech to Parliament)

His opening words came like a fresh breeze in the traditional ways of Western Oratory.

‘Brother and Sisters of America.’ …

Spontaneously the audience rose to its feet to applaud, perhaps appreciating the visionary
sentiments Vivekananda offered. Vivekananda was chosen to represent Hinduism.
However Vivekananda did not try in any way to prove the superiority of his religion.
Instead Vivekananda spoke with great sincerity about the harmony of world religions and
the common spirituality of humanity. It was this universal message of oneness which
captivated the audience.

“As different streams, having their sources in different places, all mingle their water
in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different
tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”

Vivekananda proved to be an eloquent exponent of Vedanta and the ideals of all religions.
In addition people felt in this handsome and striking Monk a calm detachment, a luminous
being and an effulgent spirituality. Unexpectedly Vivekananda proved to be the star of the
World Parliament of Religions

The New York Herald said of Vivekananda.

“He is undoubtedly the greatest figure in the Parliament of Religions. After hearing
him we feel how foolish it is to send missionaries to this learned nation.”

The Boston Evening Post said.

“If he (Vivekananda) merely crosses the platform he is applauded; and this marked
approval of thousands he accepts in a childlike spirit of gratification without a trace
of conceit…”

Throughout the conference Vivekananda was undoubtedly the star, and the organizers
would save Vivekananda to the end to make sure the audience would stay to listen other
speakers as well.

The conference propelled Vivekananda into the public eye and for many months he
travelled across America giving talks on the ancient tradition of Vedanta and his hope of
‘fusing the spirituality of the East with the materialism of the West’. Thus a new era
was heralded in the eternal quest of man. An unknown monk suddenly became the center
of the cyclone of consciousness. The world knew this once unknown monk as SWAMI
VIVEKANANDA.
In America Vivekananda began training some close students who could propagate the
teachings of Vedanta. He even started small centers in both the US and Great Britain.
Vivekananda admitted he entered Britain with deep misgivings since his heart rebelled at
the effects of the British Empire on his beloved motherland. However he was delighted to
find some individuals who were sincerely attracted to the teachings of Vedanta. One
notable example was Miss Margaret Noble who the world knew as Sister Nivedita,
originally from Ireland. Nivedita became a devoted disciple who would dedicate her life to
India.

Vivekananda entered Samadhi on July 4th 1902 at the young age of 39 but he achieved a
remarkably in this short time on earth. He combined the ancient spiritual traditions of
India with the dynamism of the West. Many Indian politicians would later offer their
gratitude to the impact and ideals of Vivekananda. Vivekananda is regarded as the patron
saint of modern India. Thus Vivekananda became the bridge of consciousness for the
merger of the east and west and create a confluence. And thus this paved way for the
masters from the East to visit the West.

All the powers in the universe are already ours

It is we who have put our hands before our eyes
and cry that it is dark!

We are what our thoughts have made us;

So take care about what you think.
Words are secondary.
Thoughts live: and travel far.

When an idea exclusively occupies the mind,

It is transformed into an actual physical
Or mental state!

We reap what we sow

We are the makers of our fate.
None else has the blame, none has the praise.

There is no help for you outside yourself

You are the creator of the universe.
Like the silkworm
You have built a cocoon around yourself….
Burst your own cocoon
And come out as the beautiful butterfly,
As the free soul!

Then alone you will see truth.

In one word, this idea is that you are divine.
 God sits in the temple of every human body.
---Vivekananda (1863-1902)

Therefore at this occasion I emphasize the role of meditation in education.

Meditation the missing dimension in education

As a student or an educationist, you either spend or help someone go through nearly one
third precious years of life in acquiring all that is deemed necessary to plunder into the
outer world of competition, conflict, and duality, where everything is measured in terms of
money, efficiency, and speed. After spending nearly 20-25-27 years of your youthful life of
vigor you are decorated with degrees, credits, honors of various kinds and colors. It is said,
ironically, you are now ready to the world that lies ahead of you. Have you wondered that
after spending nearly one third of your life’s precious years when you leave the universities
to enter the outside world are you a balanced human being. Are you capable to deal with
the unique questions the life poses to you? Are you blissful deep within? Are fully ready to
enter the mysterious world, with unique way and means that is inviting you in all its
glamour and glitter?

I can answer on your behalf. But I leave this for you to introspect deep within the silence of
your being. If the answer is a capital NO then we need to revisit our systems of education at
schools colleges and universities. Certainly, something is grossly missing in your education
system. And that which is missing is Fourth Dimension or Dimension of the Being. It is
Meditation. Meditation is the missing dimension in education.

When we look at ancient systems of education in the east the universities at Nalanda,
Takshila and the system of teaching we find something unique. In such companies, the
students were prepared inwardly to venture into the life ahead of us.

Let not any hasty conclude that I want the entire education system into older one.
Remember life does not move backward. Life always moves forward. Wise never lament for
that which is not. But certainly learn from the wisdom of the past and translate or present
the old into new jargons. Each master does this. He is the link between the past and the
present. Like a bridge under which life energy flows, he connects the two shores.
My purpose of this talk this evening is to bring a new awareness and deep down a
realization that indeed ‘Meditation is the missing dimension in our education system’. This
realization is the first step for journey forward into a new horizon.

Meditation is that link or bridge or the master within that connects the two shores – the
inner and the outer and in the process prepares you to face the intricate situations that life
presents as you interact in the outer world of objects and beings.

Let us embark on a journey that we create balanced, harmonious, and blissful human who
could emulate the message of Vivekananda through his life and living.

Love Is The Law Of Life:

Love is unseen but realized truth. Love is the only Scripture God wrote and hid it deep
within you. Seek love deep within. Life will attain a new meaning. All love is expansion, all
selfishness is contraction. Love is therefore the only law of life. He who loves lives, he who
is selfish is dying. Therefore, love for love's sake, because it is law of life, just as you breathe
to live.

It's Your Outlook That Matters:

It is our own mental attitude, which makes the world what it is for us. Inner beauty
sometimes manifests as our thoughts that make things beautiful. Our thoughts make things
ugly. The whole world is in our own minds. Learn to see things in the proper light.

Life is Beautiful:

If love is the scripture that God wrote then life is the fragrance of that scripture. First,
believe in this world - that there is meaning behind everything. Everything in the world is
good, is holy and beautiful. If you see something evil, think that you do not understand it in
the right light. Throw the burden on yourselves! The creator is hidden in his creation.

It's The Way You Feel:

Feel like Christ and you will be a Christ; feel like Buddha and you will be a Buddha it is the
feeling makes a man. It is feeling that is the life, the strength, the vitality the life force,
without which no amount of intellectual activity can reach God.

Set Yourself Free:

Your body is the temple wherein dwells the essence of Godliness. The moment I have
realized God sitting in the temple of every human body, the moment I stand in reverence
before every human being and see God in him - that moment I am free from bondage,
everything that binds vanishes, and I am free. This is Total Freedom.

Play not the Blame Game:

Condemn none. If you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If you cannot, fold your hands,
bless your brothers, and let them go their own way. William Shakespeare says in Julius
Caesar:

None so vile upon this earth that live everyone has something good to give…

Help Others:

If money helps a man to do good to others, it is of some value; but if not, it is simply a mass
of evil, and the sooner it is got rid of, the better.

Uphold Your Ideals:

Our duty is to encourage everyone in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and
strive at the same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth.

Listen to Your Soul:

You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual.
There is no other teacher but your own soul.

Be Yourself:

The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves!

Nothing Is Impossible:

Never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is the greatest heresy to think so. If
there is sin, this is the only sin - to say that you are weak, or others are weak.

You Have The Power:

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our
eyes and cry that it is dark.
Learn Everyday:

The goal of mankind is knowledge... now this knowledge is inherent in man. No knowledge
comes from outside: it is all inside. What we say a man ‘knows’, should, in strict
psychological language, be what he ‘discovers’ or ‘unveils’; what man ‘learns’ is really what
he discovers by taking the cover off his own soul, which is a mine of infinite knowledge.

Be Truthful:

Everything can be sacrificed for truth, but truth cannot be sacrificed for anything.

Think Different:

All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of
everything.

Love

Taoshobuddha

Taoshobuddha