ONENESS!!!

|| Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

 

Aum Namo Narayanaya

150

 

As the earth, fauna and flora take delight in the darshan (rain) from the heavens - anxiety fills many minds on the impending damage as drains become rivulets and rivers exceed their banks engulfing the landscape. I am reminded of a passage by Swami Vivekananda in His Karma Yoga lectures when He speaks of man's futile exercise in accumulating land, buildings and other material assets at the expense of spiritual knowledge; when all these material possessions can be wiped out in an instant by floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes to mention but a few.

A grim reminder of this was the memorial of the horrific September 11 attacks where airplanes hijacked by terrorists plunged into the Twin Towers - iconic buildings populating the skyline of New York. The event shattered and tore at the integrity of a nation that built its foundation on liberty and prosperity for all. These attacks on freedom have since spread across to other nations, eroding the peace and tranquillity that once carpeted the land.

As the world recessed into an emotional tide over these events, I warmed my heart to an event that took place on the very same day on the very same soil, exactly 119 years ago. 11 September 1893 saw an attack of a different kind, as Swami Vivekananda represented the world’s oldest dharma at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago. Addressing the august gathering, Swamiji ‘s divine words attacked the skewed and narrow ideals of the world.

His opening address, which attracted a 3 minute standing ovation for His opening remarks, were pregnant with prophetic wisdom on what the world would face because of its refusal to understand the advaita nature of creation.

–Swamiji's speech:

"Sisters and Brothers of America. [At this moment came the ovation]. It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions; and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

My thanks also to some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honour of bearing to different lands the idea of toleration.

I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation.

I will quote to you brethren a few lines from a hymn which I remember to have repeated from my earliest childhood, which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: 'As the 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.'

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: 'Whosoever comes to me, though whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.'

Sectarianism, bigotry, and it's horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful Earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now.

But their time hass come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal."

Mans ignorance fuelled by his blinding ego has alienated himself from the principles of the Universe. Basing his superiority on colour of skin, power, and wealth he has become a slave to maya instead of serving the truth. The truth as explained by our revered Swamiji that "every being is potentially divine", and "the God that we all seek, the only God I believe in, the sum total of all souls". If we all understood and followed this simple doctrine, we would see peace and harmony return to the world.

To amplify His message Swamiji established, on 19 March 1899, the Mayavati Advaita Ashram in the Himalayas, which is totally non-dualistic. As an ashram dedicated to the study and practice of Advaita Vedanta, no images or idols are worshipped here, not even of Sri Ramakrishna, and no images were kept in the premises according to the ashram ideals set by Swami Vivekananda Himself.

This centre set up by Swamiji is the panacea for the fragmentation and discord found in the world today. He further added: "Here it is hoped to keep advaita free from all superstitions and weakening contaminations. Here will be taught and practised nothing but the doctrine of unity, plain and simple - and though in entire sympathy with all other systems, this ashrama is dedicated to advaita and advaita alone."

Based on this principle as expounded by the Mayavati Ashram, a group of interested people are busy planning a similar centre in South Africa in celebration of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth celebration. The centre will help heal divisions and contribute towards building a society that understands its unity in the diversity.

We invite professionals (architects,surveyors, engineers) and financiers (donors), trusts etc. who would like to be involved in this project to contact me on 0027837877510 or via email at yoganviv@gmail.com.

May Swamiji’s ideals of the oneness seep through every crevice of society and help cement a unified world based on love and harmony, is my sincere prayer.

Wishing all devotees of the Lord Venketeshwara, well over Purtassi, which begins tomorrow.

With love and prayers always

Yogan