Why Love Someone when you can love Everyone

|| Aum Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Happy Republic Day- Pic Google Images

||Aum Namo Narayanaya||

 

 

As the curtains closed  on the official celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in South Africa yesterday evening I started to feel a little vacuum creep into my heart. A good three years that was filled with so much of inspirational work in honour of a saint that made an impact on human consciousness to last this entire kalpa. The paucity of this vacuum was dissipated immediately when Swami Saradaprabhananda in his key note address made it very clear that this closing function was in no way sounding the death knell on taking Swamijis message to the nation. His message and ideas need to be an ongoing stimulus that encourages our intellect and being to live the divinity that we are.

 

Today is a very significant day for Indians, I take this opportunity of wishing all our Indian brothers and sisters a Happy Republic Day. In India, Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India.The Constitution was passed by the Constituent Assembly of India on 26 November 1949 but was adopted on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition toward becoming an independent republic. 26 January was selected for this purpose because it was this day in 1930 when the Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed.

It would be sacrilege to speak of the independence and freedom of India without factoring the contribution of Swamiji towards the national ideal.

India and South Africa are umbilical linked by the Indian Ocean. Besides sharing this natural marvel, our nations enjoy cordial governmental, cultural and trade relations. Our bonds are not fortified by merely the good that we share, but also by our shared history of tyranny, pain, oppression and suffering brought on by colonialism. Colonial rule did more than just plunder the resources; it went right down to the core of the human psyche, stripping the people of their dignity and self esteem. This mastermind program made people believe and act like second class citizens in their own country.

 

The ancient indigenous value systems and traditions which formed the bedrock of a thriving and strong civilization was besmirched and flooded with western ideals which scarcely scratched even the surface in understanding the cosmos and purpose of existence. With these atrocities unfolding in both our lands, there was a need for political emancipation and our histories share the great Mahatma Gandhi who played an integral part in both our freedom struggles. But political freedom alone was not enough to ensure the meteoric rise of our nations. So long as the mind and psyche remain bludgeoned by the legacy of colonial rule the nation was never to rise from the ashes of that devastation.

 

It was hope and inspiration that came in the form of Swami Vivekananda, the patriot saint of India, who having travelled the length and breadth of India experiencing firsthand the devastation of oppression. He sat at the tip of India (Kanya Kumari) in meditation for three days and nights and in him was lit the fire of patriotism that would set India ablaze with new life and energy to Arise and Awake to the new prosperous future that awaited her. Today as the world reflects on the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, his insight, message and vision is appreciated......, as the fruits of his seeds planted over a century ago bears fruit in a rising awakening India.

 

As I pen this blog and speak of our shared history and look to our present day South Africa, now more than ever we need to share the rich the legacy of Swami Vivekananda in setting our own path for prosperity and growth. Three things that standout out as the core transformation concepts adopted by Swamiji are the nature of the self, education and the condition of woman.

 

In lifting the despondency and low esteem that set upon the masses, Swamiji shook and vibrated the nation with his clarion call of Arise and Awake- Stop not until the goal is reached. Bringing the Upanishads to life by his actions he made them understand they were not weak, and that each person was potentially divine and everything is possible for the atman or soul. This raised the self esteem and confidence of the people. Having spent many years in America, he studied carefully how organised and successful the westerners were. He attributed this to their education and motivated his countrymen to educate themselves , not merely with secular education, but character building man making education which re-introduced the ancient value systems into the social fabric.

 

He understood that the strength of a nation was intrinsically linked to the state of woman. Where woman are disrespected that place was sure to collapse. Swamiji also raised the consciousness of woman, pleaded for their education and development and asked that they be given the space to find their own solutions for their challenges. South Africa 20 years into our freedom has made great progress in many aspects but needs to find its feet on some of the issues raised by Swamiji.

 

Our youth and citizens need to develop a burning patriotism for our country and take an active approach in our growth and development. Swamiji once replied to a question whilst in America after some time what he felt of India, to which he replied, the very soil of India is now holy to me. Collectively our skills should be used for the progress of our country. The importance of education in eradicating poverty is more evident now as more and more people are employed within the formal economy. There is however a dearth of value based education that Swamiji highlighted, clearly visible by the number of fraud, sexual harassment cases in our courts today. Lots more needs to be done in raising the divine consciousness of many so that they become more loving, compassionate and tolerant showing respect towards one another. By simply understanding that we are all potentially divine beings and that at a fundamental level we are one, there will be a marked reduction in crime, abuse and discrimination of woman and children, fraud and corruption. The ideals of our freedom charter and constitution can be realised. A free, non racial, non sexist country, where everyone can live in peace and harmony is within our grasps. A prosperous South Africa is on the horizon, we need to simply understand our true nature, manifest it and live by it. Weaving Swami Vivekananda’s life giving message into our daily activities will vaccinate us against weakness that polarizes our path for progress and prosperity.

 

May he eternally inspire and guide us

Yours affectionately
Yogan Naidoo

www.sudarshanavidya.blogspot.com

www.google.com/+yogannaidoo

Thai Poosam - a lesson in sacrifice and selfless service

Murugan- pic google images

||Aum Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

||Aum Namo Narayanaya||

 

The psychological experiments concerning conditioning and association by  Pavlov seemed to re-enact itself out as I made my way to the Sandfields Siva Soobramaniar Temple on the occasion of the Annual Thai Poosam Kavady Festival. Growing up in a predominently South Indian community -Kavady, like the Mardi Gras of Brazil- was a community event that we never missed. The mere thought of the word Kavady floods my mind with nostalgic sights, smells and sounds of the yesteryear. The air around the temple or ground from where the Kavady procession normally sets off would resonate with the voice of A.R.Ramanai Ammal singing at the top of her high-pitched-voice... glories to Lord Shivan and Murugan. The blazing heat which normally accompanied the festival was no deterrent to families... well protected from the scorching rays, strolling in their numbers. Devotees stood silently next to their Kavadies adorned with the sacred ash in communion with their beloved Lord, oblivious to the raucous caused by the clashing cymbals, beating drums and singing of more than 30 bhajan groups as they overlap each other around the arena.

Thai Poosam is the marvel of Hindu Dharma, bringing the community together... breaking down the barriers of social status, where everybody patiently follows the queue to make their offerings and collect their meals or refreshments. When God becomes the central focus and objective, we see harmony, tolerance and love penetrate beyond every person's ego.

 

This huge festival -full of colour- which demonstrates with great magnitude the devotion and sincerity of people... also in a unique way illustrates the importance working together as a community, helping one another to raise ourselves from imperfection to perfection. Many people and organisations fail to see the merit in extending service to another.

They operate with the attitude that they can achieve alone. Swami Vivekananda cut asunder such a foolish notion when He said: "So long as the millions live in hunger and ignorance, I hold every man a traitor who, having been educated at their expense, pays not the least heed to them." No man or organisation can reach the zenith of their ideals without the assistance of others. The second part of Swamiji's statement speaks to this idea that upon the introspection of your successes you will find that it was achieved through the sacrifices of ordinary men and woman.

 

Take for example the South African Indian context. All the millionaires and professionals who enjoy the luxuries today are products of the cane-cutter, through whose blood sweat and tears have emerged successful generations. Today however, many of these people turn a blind eye towards uplifting others... and those who are in positions of influence take a condescending approach to their peers and counterparts.

 

Thai Poosam is dedicated to Lord Murugan and falls in the month of January. Although in India, devotees of Lord Murugan may carry Kavady on any day of the year, periods of the year are marked as special festival periods to observe Kavady. The legend surrounding the origin of this particular festival is that Lord Muruga who was born out of the power of Shiva was doing battle with a very pestilent demon or asura. Although Lord Muruga was extremely powerful, agile and strategic... it was through the Vel(lance- weapon) gifted to Him by His Mother that He was able to vanquish the asura. I am in awe at the attitude of service, humility and sincerity displayed by the Divine Mother, who did not let ego, pride and arrogance get in Her way of assisting Lord Muruga to perform His duty of slaying the asura, who eventually will get the fame of slaying the demon. It is stated that on this Poosam day, Lord Muruga received this weapon from Mother Parvati. This little episode has profound significance and relevance in our lives. It teaches us humility, sincerity of purpose, duty and the importance of assisting one another in achieving our common goal of peace and prosperity.

 

Like every magnificent building or edifice is underpinned by a network of foundation and the  beams and pillars which are normally camouflaged out of general sight of people... if any system fails to take care of the society then that system will eventually collapse.

 

On Tuesday, the Ramakrishna Mission worldwide commemorated the Birth Anniversary of Swami Turiyananda or Hari Maharaj as He was affectionately known. To the world the towering spires of the movement are sculptured with the names of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda. The Holy Trio had the indomitable task of conceptualising the ideals of the movement. It was the work of the brother disciples and the devotees who re-enforced and expanded the work to where we are today.

Swami Vivekananda said to Hari Maharaj: "I have made a new path and opened it to all, up until now it was thought that liberation could only be attained through meditation, repetition of God's name, scriptural discussions and so forth. Now young men and woman will attain liberation by doing the Lord's work. Can't you see that I have laid down my life inch by inch, in fulfilling the mission of the Master, till I am on the verge of death? Can you merely stand looking on and not come to my help relieving me of a part of my great burden?"

 

Swami Turiyananda like His other brother disciples could not refuse this entreaty from their leader and if you read how like a wildfire... they got into action and took on the work in America and throughout India without a stain of selfishness.

 

These episodes have thought us that the victories in our lives or organisations come through the sacrifices of others. At no time should we allow our egos to think otherwise. Therefore we must all play our part in being the network of foundations and re-enforcing that will allow our society and community to prosper and rise. Let this wonderful festival of Thai Poosam Kavady and the lives of our great saints inspire us to be selfless servants and workers for the benefit of our communities and mankind.

 

Affectionately Yours

Yogan Naidoo

www.sudarshanavidya.blogspot.com

www.google.com/+yogannaidoo
 

BE and MAKE- An eternal Life giving Message (Swamiji 150 yrs)

||Aum Sri Ramakrishna Sharanam||

Aum Namo Narayanaya

I send my solemn felicitations and prayers to all on the dawning of this New Year, although some of us seem to be caught off-guard at the pace with which 2014 has arrived like a nimble and sprightly dancer waltzing through time unchallenged. But with the "silly season" behind us we have the opportunity to now redirect, re-energise and refocus
our lives towards our objectives and goals. The term 'New Year resolution' seems to have cast itself into a superior cliché popping up annually as a seasonal decoration.  Try as we may to keep to the resolutions, we find ourselves slipping and letting go on account of
laziness, lethargy and a lack of firm will to see it through. That's
why last year was so special - when it played host to the 150th Birth
Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda - a hero and spiritual dynamo of the
world. Throughout the celebrations, various media platforms were
inundated with His rich, pragmatic and life-enhancing ideas that speak
to our true nature and capabilities. His message and ideas are infused
with impeccable strength and assists one to form a character so
exemplary that every day will be a day of victory and fulfilment.

January seems to be a well-endowed month with regards to spiritual
activity. On Tuesday, the flags were raised amidst the roaring kettle
drums and clashing cymbals to mark the beginning of a 10 day  journey
to celebrate and adore the Lord in His beautiful and valorous
personage of Murugan. In a few days, the air will be filled with
jubilant screams of "Pongal oh Pongal" in gratitude to the divine for
the bountiful harvest. Makar Sankranti heralds the time when we
celebrate the birth of Swami Vivekananda and also pay homage to that
great celibate Lord Ayappa.  It is indeed a wonderful and enchanting
way to usher in the New Year. However, in the midst of this spiritual
revelry, there lies an unsounded reality that gnaws at the impending
joy of everyone.

The State of the Nation address and the January 8th statement of the
ruling party which normally accounts for the progress made on the
deliverables outlined by the government in its plan seem to more and
more unintentionally highlight the growing gulf between the rich and
the poor. The deepening levels of unemployment, under-development,
corruption and poverty blatantly polarise the gains made during the 20
years of freedom and democracy in the country. Every year hundreds of
thousands of youth exit their schooling only to find that there is a
very limited amount of seats for tertiary education. There is a large
pool of these youth who remain disenfranchised from their basic right
to earn a decent living. Over the years, this has compounded and
society slowly buckles under the pressure of the social malaise
created out of youth, who like blue bottles float with the sea
currents aimlessly in packs, delivering their nasty sting. They
contribute nothing positive... except just being a part of the food
chain. These youth have become a good market for drug dealers, alcohol
merchants and nightclubs... thus becoming precipitators of criminal
activity and essentially become a menace to society.

Swamiji understood the role that youth play in moulding a society...
and therefore placed a lot of emphasis on development with this phase.
A child growing up must always be inspired, motivated and understand
its potential to make a positive contribution to its country. Our
youth seem very detached from the ideals of patriotism. I recall how
Swami Vivekananda once proclaimed..."now the very dust of India is
holy to me". Such love He had for His country and people that He
dedicated His life's breath and resources for them against many odds
and challenges. The ideal world, country, society and family shall be
born of ideal character... it is man making education that is needed.
Swami Vivekananda emphasised and went further to expand that
"education is not the amount of information that is put into your
brain and runs riot there, undigested all your life... If you have
assimilated five ideas and made them your life and character  you have
more education than any man who has got by heart a whole library."

If every young person is vaccinated against weakness, fear and low
self-esteem... falsehood and fortified with grand noble ideas of the
true nature and potential of the self... young men and woman will
emerge into the social order full of zeal and vigour to mitigate and
navigate the challenges of life. Self-confidence and belief in one's
self is the religion of the times. From it shall spring like a raging
lion infinite strength and an enterprising spirit that will make you
understand that nothing is impossible for the soul. Amidst the
darkness and obstacles you will see a light and if need be create your
own light.

Swamiji on an occasion refers to the world as a gymnasium. I marvel at
this analogy. Man has understood that by great resistance and workout,
the true strength and tone of the body is exposed. The world is a
platform to showcase our divinity and our power to obviate the
challenges it places before us. The game is on and everyday you awaken
remember the striking words of Swamiji -that you are potentially
divine-  you are not weak and that all power is within you. Utilise
every second to prove yourself and you shall be victorious.

My message to all young people in the new year is to remember that as
much as the 150th Year celebration is over... Swamiji is still amongst
us... He is a voice without a form. Leave aside all the material that
does not enhance your full potential, fortify your life with His
inspirational messages of power and strength and make your positive
contribution to your country and society. Work tirelessly and
ceaselessly for your welfare as well as your country-men. It is better
to wear off than rust off. Never remain idle and allow yourself to be
polluted with base thoughts. Think always you are a lion.

In concluding, I pray that Swamiji inspires you all to reach your
divine potential and become noble, shining citizens of the world.

Affectionately Yours
Yogan Naidoo
www.sudarshanavidya.blogspot.com

www.google.com/+yogannaidoo