Swami_Vivekananda - Talks With Swami Vivekananda

TALKS WITH SWAMI VIVEKANANDA ADVAITA ASHRAMA llfAYAVATI, ALMORA, HIMALAYAS

Published by SWAMI PAVITRANANDA ADVAITA ASBRA:MA MAYAVATI. AL:MORA. HIMALAYAS All rigltt8 Tt8erved Second Edition-1946 Printed in l ndia BY PBANI BHUSAN ROY, AT THE PRABARTAK PRINTING & HALFTONE LTD., 52{3, BOWBAZAR STREET, CALCUTTA.

PREFACE Great persons are usually known to us through their lectlllres, writings or public activities. But it is always a rare privilege to come into intimate· contact with them and study their lives and thoughts at close quarters. This is all the more true of spiritual geniuses. Those who have attained to a great spiritual height live in a different plane, as it were, from that of ours, and in spite of their endeavour to do good to the world and their great sympathy for the suffering humanity, none except those who have been directly touched by them succeed in taking full advantage of their lives and teachings. Spiritual giants are worshipped from a distance but the influ- ence of their examples enters into the lives of only a fortunate few. All are not destined to have direct contact with spiritual personalities, hence the next best thing for ordinary people is to know tlteir teachings, in which is hidden the inspiration of their lives. It is therefore that the teachings or recorded sayings of saints are so much in demand. A few sayings of Christ found in the Bible and a few words of Buddha that have been left to the woria as a great legacy are giving spiritual sustenance to millions of people for thousands of years. It is but natural. The meteoric success of Swami Vivekananda as a religious teacher in two hemispheres dazzles us. We are struck with awe and reverence when we read his

iv PREFACE writings or go through his recorded speeches. · We feel he is talking to us from a dizzy height. We e.re bewildered by the thought of the gulf between his greatness and our smallness. But when one would come into direct touch with him, one would feel that the distance had vanished, and find in Swami Viveka- nanda a close friend or an intimate relation, eager to do the highest good for all. It is only when such relationship is established that you can know the real man. The disciples who recorded their conversa- tions with Swami Vivekananda in the following pages, had the,privilege not only of finding the Swami as a Guru, but of being very free with him. So we find, they were discussing all kinds of subjects with him. An.i as Swami Vivekananda while giving out his views was not trammelled by formality as is the case when one stands on a public platform, his words as found here have got special value. Here Swami Viveka- nanda gives directions about spiritual practice and mll,ditation, talks of high philosophy, and in the next breath discusses the problems of national regenera- tion, social reform, educational ideals, and what not. Now and then we find how the large heart of that great giant bled for the sufferings of the poor and the needy. People in almost all walks of life will find guidance from these conversations. The conversations took place in Bengali and were originally published in the Udbodhan-a Bengali monthly of 'the R'amakrishna Order. They were translated, at places abridged, and incorporated in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. We

PREFACE v bring them out in a handy book form, hbping they will be of immense help to a larger circle of the reading public. May our hopes be justified. PuBLISHER ADVAITA ASHRAMA MAYAV.\\TI, HIMALAYAS The 12th January, 1939



CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE iii CHAPTER I (1-324) Sec. I. The first meeting with Swami 1 Vivelwnanda-Mr. Narendranath Sen, Editor of the Mirror-Comparison between the English and the American-The future result of preaching religion in foreign countries-The relative value of politics and religion-a preacher of cow-protection -Man is to be saved first Sec. II. Rebellion against nature, the sign of 10 consciousness-The same is true of nations -The cause of India's degradation-Need for self-confidence-Men or money ?-The way to Self-realisation-The Krishna of Kurukshetra-Need for the development of Rajas Sec. III. Talking with some Pandits in 20 Sanskrit-What is ' civilisation-Character- istics of Indian civilisa.tion-Samadhi- Who is the real teacher-Hereditary Gurus -Sri Ramakrishna Sec. IV. The Birthday anniversary of Sri 26 Ramakrishna at Dakshineswar-Need of religious festivals-Swami Vivelcananda did not preach sectarianism

:Viii CONTENTS PAGE Sec. V. Initiating the disciP.le__:_Origin of the sacred thread-The problem of virtue and vice-When is the Self realised 33 Sec. VI. Starting, the Rama7aishna Mission 39 -Did Swami Vivekananda differ from Sri Ramakrishna-Swami Vivekananda's atti- tude towards Sri Ramakrishna-The Law of grace-Girish Chandra Ghosh Sec. VII. Solar Eclipse-Nature of medita- tion-Practical hints on meditation-Need for renunciation, 49 Sec. VIU. Female education-Mahakali 53 Pathshala-Women in India and the West -Early marriage-Right type of female education-Spread of education Sec. IX. Rig-Veda-Max Muller--The theory 62 of creation-Swami Vivckananda's great heart-Need for the study of scriptures- &ervice of living beings Sec. X. The ideal of Sannyasa-Buddha and 72 the institution of Sannyasa-M eeting the criticism against Sannyasa-Who is a real Sannyasin Sec. XI. Consecration of the temple of Sri 83 Ramakrishna 85 Sec. XII. Guru Govind Singh-Psychic powers

CONTENTS' ix· PAGE Sec. XIII. Tithipuja of Sri Ramakrishna- Investing some non-Brahmin devotees with) holy thread-Girish Chandra Ghosh- Karma-Yoga or unselfish worl•-lts aim and utility 92 Sec. XIV. Installation of Sri Ramakrishna at B elur Math-Shankaracharya-Buddha- Cause of the downfall of Buddhism-In- fluence of pilgrimage-Different methods of worship .. . 100 Sec. XV. In a reminiscent mood-His psychic power.~-American men and women -Opposition from the bigoted Christians- Self-surrender and ine1·tia-Nag Mahashaya 110 Sec. XVI. Swami Vivekananda's experiences· at Amarnath and I(shir Bhavani-Hearing a divine voice-Existence of ghosts and spirits -Swami Vivekananda's experience of a disembodied spirit ... 119 Sec. XVII. Composing a Sanskrit hymn- About BengaU language and style-\"Be fearless\"-N eed for the study of scriptures- Result of Self-realisation 123 Sec. XVIII. Swami Vivelwnanda's experi- ence of Nirvikalr.a Sarnadhi-Ex.traordinary power of Avatar.as ... 131 Sec. XIX. Need for faith in oneself-Service and business-So-called educated people- Masses-Their future 138

CONTENTS PAGE Sec. XX. At the Zoological Garden at . Alipur-Darwin,- Theory of Evolution and Patanjali-Need for physical strength 147 :Sec. XXI. Swami Vivekananda's future plan 154 about Belur Math-Work and meditation- Nescience-Brahman and the world of matter ·sec. XXII. The Bengali monthly 'Udbo- dhan'-Its future policy 166 ·sec. XXIII. India wants not lecturing !J.ut 172 work-The crying problem in India is poverty-Young Sannyasins to be trainea both as secular and spiritual teachers and workers for the masses-Ea::hMtatinns to young men to work for others ... \"Sec. XXIV. Reconciliation of Jnana and 178 Bhakti-Sat-Chit-Ananda-How sectarian- ism originates-Bring in Shraddha, a,nd the worship of Shakti and Avataras-The ideal of the hero we want now, not the Madhura bhava-Sri Ramakrishna-Avataras :Sec. XXV. Brahman and differentiation- 186 Personal realisation of oneness-Supreme Bliss is the goal of all-Think always, I am Brahman-Discrimination and renunciation are the means-Be fearless Sec. XXVI. Renunciation of Kama- 1canchana-God's mercy falls on those who

CONTENTS xi PAGE struggle for realisation--Unconditional mercy and Brahman are one ... 193 Sec. XXVII. The doctrine of Ahimsa and 198 meat-eating-The Sattva, Rajas and Tamas in man-Discrimination of food and spiri- tuality-'Ahara'-The three defects in food -Don't-touchism and C'aste-v.rejudices- Plan of restoring the old Chaturvarna and the laws of the Rishis Sec. XXVIII. Cause of India's degradation 205 -Ancient Vedic customs must be re- modelled accol'ding to the need of the society and the times-New Smriti to be compiled Sec. XXIX. Auspiciousness of time and place-Work and Self-realisation-Karma- Yoga-India wants manifestation of Rajas- Bright future for the country .. . 211 Sec. XXX. Laws of Brahmacharya-New Order of Sannyasins-Wa-nted KarmacYoga as taught in the Gita 219 Sec. XXXI. Meeting with Nag Mahashaya 222 Sec. XXXII. Brahman, Ishvara, Jiva and 227 Avidya-Renunciation and Self-realisation- How to control the mind-Atman as the object of meditation--Jnana, BhaHi, Karma and Yoga-The doctrine of incarna- tion of God-Exhortation for Self-realisa- tion-Work of a Jnani

xii CONTENTS PAGE Sec. XXXIII. On art-Difference between Indian and Western arts-Seal of the Rama- krishna Mission, its significance-Plan of the Ramakrishna temple 240 Sec. XXXIV. A power working through 247 Swami Vivekanand.a-Reminisccnce of East Bengal and the visit to Nag Mahash'aya's house-Renunciation and not the observ- ance of external forms is the test of spiritual progress-Firm determination needed to realise the Self Sec. XXXV. Plan of the future Math for 256 women-Soul has no sex-Wom'en have equal opportunity for realising the Brahman -Religion to be the centre of female educa- tion-Definition of good wor1r-Work and knowledge Sec. XXXVI. Swami Vive1wnanda's wonder- 267 ful memory..:...His , opinion about Bharat- chandra and Michael Madhusudan Dutt, two B cngali poets Sec. XXXVII. Wh:f Atman is not per- 272 ceived, though so very near-on Self- TPalisation all questionings cease-Mother Kali Sec. XXXVIII. Wanted a sturdy band of young men ready to sacrifice all for others -Manliness should be the ideal-Remedy against low spirits and weakness of mina-

CONTENTS xiii PAGE Work for others-No individual liberation before the salvation of all-Influence of thoughts 277 Seo. XXXIX.-Swami Vivekananda's '[Jlan to celebrate Durga Pufa at Belur Math-His visit to the temple at Kalighat ... 286 Sec. XL. The last birthday anniversary of 288 Sri Ramakrishna that Swami Vivekananda saw-Swami Vivekananda's idea as to how the celebration sh'ould talce place-How far o. Guru can help-What is meant by grace -Swami Vivelwnanda's vision of Sri Rama- krishna Seo. XLI. Swami Vivekananda's love and sympathy for the poor-\"Don't.touchism\" -Who serves Jiva serves God indeed ... 294 Sec. XLII. Life at the Belur Math in early dayR-Swami Vivekananda's reminiscence of Baranagore Math-Rigours of monastic vow 298 Sec. XLIII. On meditation-How to awaken the Kundalini-How to have concentration -Directions about spiritual practice 304 Sec. XLIV. About disciples of Sri Rama- krishna ... 309 Seo. XLV. Different grades of devotees of Sri Ramalcrishna-Different interpretation of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna- Fut1ae of the message of Sri Ramakrishna 313

xi.v CONTENTS PAGE Sec. XLVI. Denationalisation and national degradation-Directions about spiritual practice .. . 320 CHAPTER II ... (325-372) Sec. I. Educative value of royal Durbars- 325 Freedom and discipline-Swami Viveka- 328 nanda's catholicity-Test of civilisation .. . ~ Sec. II. The picture of Sri Krishna, the preacher of the Gita-What is meant by 348 'Karma' in the Gita-Egoism arwl self- surrender-Problem of evil-The value of sincerity-Origin of image worship- . Tantrikism-Harmony, of Yogas-Reverence for women Sec. III. Reminiscence-The problem of famines in India, and self-sacrificing workers-East and West-Is it Battva or Tamas-A nation of mendicants- The \"give and take\" policy-Tell a man his defects directly but praise his virtues before others-Vivekananda everyone may become-Unbroken Brahma- charya is the secret of power-Bamadhi and w~ Sec. IV. Reminiscences-Pranayama- Thought-reading-Knowledge of previous births

CONTENTS XV PAGE. Sec. V. The art and science of music, Eastern and Western 351' Sec. VI. The old institution of living with the Guru-The P.resent University system- Lack of Shraddha-We have a national history-Western science coupled with Vedanta-The so-called higher education- The need of technical education and educa- tion on national lines-The story of Satya- kama-Mere book-learning and education under 'l'yagis-Sri Ramakrishna and the Pandits-Establishment of Maths with 8adhus in charge of colleges-Text-books for boys to be compiled-Stop early marriage-Plan of sending unmarried graduates to Japan-The secret of Japan's greatness-Art, Asiatic and European-Art and utility-Styles of dress-The food question and poverty 354· Sec. VII. The discr'imination of the four castes according to Jati and Guna- Brahmanas and Kshatriyas in the West- Thr; Kula-Guru system in Bengal 368 CHAP'rEn III ... (373-393)· Sec. I. The loss of Shraddha in India and need of its revival-Men we want-Real '373 ~ social reform

xvi ·CONTENTS PAGE Sec. II.. Rllconciliation of Jnana-Yoga and Bhakti-Yoga-God in good and in evil too -Uae makea a thing good or evil-Karma -Oreation-God-Maya 876 Sec. III. Intermarriage among subdivisions of a Varna-Against early marriage-The education that India needs-Brahmacharya 382 Sec. IV. Madhura-bhava-Prema-Nama- 1cirtana-Its danger-Bhakti tempered with Jnana-A curious dream 387 ··CHAPTER IV ... {394-397) Think of death alwayB and new life will come within-Work for othera-God, the last reftrge 394