India’s Mission in the World
Or
Life and Works of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda embodied the mission of India in the world. When his Guru Swami Ramakrishna died, he said, will come like a bombshell and make the world follow me like a dog.” He reappeared at Madras after seven years.
Known as Narendranath, he was born on January 12, 1863. His mother was a pious lady steeped in the Great Hindu epics. His father was a lawyer and a friend of the poor. Even in boyhood, Narendranath possessed great physical strength, presence of mind, a vivid imagination, deep power of thought, keen intelligence, an extraordinary memory, a love of truth, passion for purity, a spirit of independence and a tender heart.
He was an expert musician. He acquired deep ability in physics, astronomy, mathematics, philosophy, history and literature.
He came in contact with Sri Ramakrishna at Dakshineswar Kali Temple and became his follower. He tested his guru before surrendering himself to him.
‘Sir, have you seen God?” asked the youth.
‘Yes, I have seen God.” said the guru. “I have seen him more tangibly than I see you. I have talked to him more intimately than I am talking to you. I can make you see him if you only follow me.”
Swami Vivekananda travelled extensively as a wandering monk from the Himalayas to Kanya Kumari. In 1893 he set sail for America to attend the Parliament of Religions at Chicago. He carried the day by his wonderful exposition of the Vedanta philosophy and Hindu religion. He established many Vedanitic centres in USA.
He told the youth of India. “Have faith, that you are my brave lads, born to do great things. Let not the barks of puppies frighten you; no, not even the thunder bolt of heaven, but stand up and work”
He said: Truth always triumphs. What India wants is a new electric fire to stir up a fresh vigour in the national veins.
“No need of looking behind. Forward I The old religions said that he was atheist who did not believe in God. The new religion says that he is an atheist who does not believe in himself.”
“Follow truth wherever it may lead you; carry ideas to their utmost logical conclusion. Do not be cowardly and hypocritical.
“Manifest the divinity within you, and everything will be harmoniously arranged around it.”
