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