I have been reading Swami Vivekananda's articles and teachings for close to six years now. And I am in complete awe of the swami. His fearlessness, freedom in action and thought are remarkable.Everything about him truly suggests a manifestation of god.His fervent calls to the youth appealing to remain strong, fearless and to express the inherent divinity, have always been inspiring.I have relished most of his thoughts and ideas, and always felt he was the ultimate teacher.
Until recently that is. Upon a reflection of the recent past, I have come to realize that, with his teachings there was a pressure to 'perform', if I may say so.Things like assuming total responsiblity for one' s destiny, strength even in crisis, asserting one's divinity (and many others) were difficult 'tests'(atleast for me), failing which, induced a guilt feeling. And when you respect someone so much, failing his teachings feels as bad as failing the person himself.
I really don't know why, but all these days I never got down to reading the gospel of the teacher's teacher himself - Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.But I am glad I did it now. There is so much solace in his teachings.Not that they are any easier than the Swamiji's, but they are more 'in-sync' with my personal beliefs regarding many of the things in life. I am not saying that I have found complete peace of mind now.I still have my moments/days of doubt and anxiety, but amidst all these, there is a sense of calmness, once I begin to understand the source of such trepidations.
I am not out to say that swamiji's teachings are inferior to the master's or that they have counter productive effects.Its just that like so many things in life - some suit your personality, some don't, the same is with teaching.You have to choose what best suits you.
For me, I think I've found the ultimate teacher.
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6 comments:
seems to be a very profound analysis.. a degree of spirituality higher than what i can digest! had a naive question... is "peace of mind" in so tough to find at this age ?? or u intend to keep ur spiritual self honed so that u can face life better just in case it gets tough ?
or is it that I have entirely misunderstood what u mean by saying u have not yet found complete peace of mind ??
@shekie..
at this age, i find peace of mind very elusive. it might be there, but my mind is too prudent to acknowledge its existence. peace of mind is synonymous to complacency.
@kiTTi..
can u share the teachings that u have with me pls? the material will be good. a crash course, stil better [:p]
Shekhar:
In the first place, I don't think that peace of mind is a function of age :).
As regards my case, I think I know what is bothering me - only I am unable to find an effective antidote.And no,its nothing to do with spriritual inclinations and all.Purely materialistic stuff !!
Sameer:
If you are referring to me, to conduct a crash course, sorry buddy, am not qualified enough to teach someone else.
Material - yes I can help here :)
"Its just that like so many things in life - some suit your personality, some don't, the same is with teaching.You have to choose what best suits you" - exactly...right frm my adolescence i hav adopted sooooo many paths(at diff points of time though), adiguru shankaracharya's advaita, lord shri Ram's, then astaanga yoga but wasnt satisfied with any of them, till i found 'the best' for me. Now, i dont think im gonna turn back. seems like i hav found my teacher as well.
sounds interesting... i've never tried reading his teachings... do share the material with me too... wud love to read them...
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