“Every human being has the right to ask the reason, why, and to have his question answered by himself, if he only takes the trouble”
These profound words were said by Swami Vivekananda. He used these words to validate that questioning our ways is not wrong. If you want to believe in something, then gather knowledge about it. If it turns out something positive, then the more you know the more your belief will become strong. His ideas resonated with the youth of his times and that is why we celebrate ‘National Youth Day’ on his birth anniversary, 12th January.
Let me tell you an interesting story from his life.
One question troubled Swami Vivekananda a lot. He asked many spiritual leaders that question but was always left unsatisfied with their answers. Mr. William Hastie, principal of Scottish Church College, told him about Shri Ramakrishna Paramhans at Dakshineshwar Kali Temple. Swami ji went there and asked him his question, “Have you seen God”? Sri Ramakrishna gave such a simple answer to the question that Swami ji became his ardent devotee. He said, “Yes, I have, I am seeing him as clearly as I see you, only in a much deeper sense”. What he meant was that God is present in every one of us. Swami Vivekananda later founded Ramakrishna Mission in Belur Math to serve the poor and the needy.
He represented India at the ‘World Parliament’ held in Chicago, USA. There he stunned everyone with his assertive speech on Hinduism and Vedanta. He explained the principles of Vedanta and its spiritual significance. He received a standing ovation from the audience at the end.
Let’s celebrate his birthday by reading as many quotes by him as we can and try to understand them in our own way.
Enjoy the edition!
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