“Swami
Vivekananda is an enduring source of inspiration” said the Honourable Prime
Minister Sri Narendra Modi, as he together with millions across the world paid
respects and remembered this great son of India and inspirer of the world on
4th July, which was Swamiji’s Maha Samadhi Day. How should we view this day? I
believe it must be celebrated as a day of victory. It was Bhagawan Sri
Ramakrishna who said that Naren will leave his body when he had finished his
work. Although we all lament His early departure from the earthly planes,
Swamiji had “set in motion the machinery” that would develop a new order of
beings - more confident, brave, highly progressive, strong and ready to face
the world.
The morning
broke with much excitement in the Kingdom of the Zulu with the Durban July
horse race grasping the attention of many as they pondered upon their attire
and obviously on their choice for the winner, in preparation to attend the
event. My thoughts however managed to weave past these entirely frivolous
distractions and centre on the aim of attending Ashram to offer my respectful obeisance
and gratitude to a Saint whose heart cried out to the folly of man in leading
an uninspired and aimless life through ignorance of his true nature.
An empyrean
vibe accosted the Satsangh Hall which imbued with the essence of sandal
incense. The regally adorned altar simply invoked adoration and did not stall
in transporting devotees into a realm of supreme tranquillity. No soon as Kandana Bhava Bandhana (arathi)
was sung… my mind was unbounded from the precincts of Durban Ashram and ported
to the banks of Belur Math. I could hear the gongs and bells echo in the flamboyant
arched halls of the Temple. Tears streamed down the face of devotees as the
flames of the arathi flickered and
danced for the enjoyment of the seated image of
Master. The concerted and the collective rendition soaked in such
sincere devotion drowned out the blaring horn of the nearby jute mill, the
foraging crows and the rickety ferries bobbing on the tempestuous Ganga. I
pictured Swamiji pacing His veranda with a smoke in His hand, deep in thought,
heart bleeding with pain about the condition of humanity. I took solace and
comfort knowing that Swamiji will continue to pace His veranda until the work He
set in motion -that is to deliver every soul from the abyss of ignorance to the
point of understanding it is one with the divine- is realised.
Here in
South Africa, the Ramakrishna Mission, through the inspired work of Swami
Nischalananda has catalysed and augmented the vision of Swami Vivekananda by
channelising youth energy into developing value-based character.
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| Youth performing at the Childrens' Cultural Festival Pic Courtesy: SA Devotees |
It was also
heart-warming to see that Swamiji’s instruments - the Monks of the order starting
to multiply in South Africa… a definite and clear sign that the spiritual
renaissance is going to be given new impetus and vigour over the next few
months. The grace extended through the
first President from Belur Math, Swami Vimokshananda, expanded on Saturday when
our current President Swami Vishwathmananda returned to South Africa with two
new monks who will compliment and intensify the work of Swamiji in South
Africa. South Africa is blessed and elated to welcome Swami Sumanasananda and
Swami Tadbhasananda to her shores.
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| Monks of the Ramakrishna Order in attendance at the Childrens' Cultural Festival Pic Courtesy: SA Devotees |
Swami
Vivekananda’s life speaks to the search and rescue of the indomitable strength,
power and resolve that lies within each one of us. Swamiji’s life punctuated with its fair share
of trials and tribulations resonates amicably with many people who are
struggling to keep their head above water in the vast ocean of existence.
Struggle has become synonymous with life. Victory comes to those who adopt the
correct attitude and temerity to face and resolve the impasses before them.
The burly
and authoritative words of Swamiji at once reduces to ashes any smouldering
signs of weakness, lethargy, fear and uncertainty flourishing from the root of
ignorance. “Face the brutes” - probably one of his most audacious and potent
utterances commands immediate fearlessness against challenges that confront us.
The most
brilliant and priceless gems emerge out of the confrontation with the cutting-brush.
Our inadequacies and inferiority complex has thwarted us from emerging as
shining gems against the challenges of life. Our great concern is our youth who
have sought the escapist routes of suicide, substance abuse and the life of
crime in order to pass the days oblivious of the world.
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| Youth performing at the Childrens' Cultural Festival Pic Courtesy: SA Devotees |
Based on the
foundations and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, we witness the youth of our
Sunday Schools blossoming like the splendid and beautiful lotus in the murky
waters of this world. They radiate such confidence and panache and adorn a
little smirk of their faces, challenging life to test them.
Positive
role models, good literature that develops your intellectual and mental
capacity and aligning yourself to values and teachings that help you expose
your divine nature is essential for success in this time. I can assure our
youth and adults alike that Swami Vivekananda is definitely an enduring source
of inspiration and light to you.
May Swamiji,
who assured us that he will continue to work 1500 years after He had left His
body, guide and help us reach our full potential and lead prosperous lives, is
my sincere prayer.
With love
and prayers
Yogan
