what’s inside:
Editorial & Message
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Pen down your thoughts
Know a Great Indian Spoorthi
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The Newsletter of
RisingWaves 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda Swami Vivekananda needs no introduction, for his is a household name in India. Swamiji was one of the greatest spiritual leaders of the modern world, a great lover of humanity whose unconditional love extended to all people without any distinctions of caste, class, creed, race, region or religion. Swami Vivekananda is also remembered as a great patriot, the first cultural ambassador of India to the West, who raised the prestige of India in the eyes of Western people and changed their views about India with the compelling force to truth. Swamiji was the first great leader of India to diagnose the cause of India’s downfall as the neglect of the poor, downtrodden masses of India, and to declare boldly, “No amount of politics will be of any avail until the masses of India are once more well educated, well fed and well cared for.” Indeed, he was the first spokesman for the poor in India and coined the word “Daridranarayana” which was given currency later on by Mahatma Gandhi. Swami Vivekananda was the great awakener of the Soul of India in Modern times, whose magnificent personality and electrifying words infused faith and courage, love and sympathy, service and sacrifice in the hearts of millions of Indians. Swamiji was one of the builders of Modern India whose words and deeds profoundly influenced the lives and thinking of the great founding fathers of Indian Independence like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Rajagopalachari and others.
Volume issue April 2012
Swami Vivekananda was one of the great thinkers of the modern world, and has made important contributions to the world thought also. Swamiji’s message of potential Divinity of the soul, faith in man’s inner Self as the source of infinite strength, morality, freedom and joy; his message of seeing God in all, work as worship, service to man as service to God; his message of synthesis of yogas and all round development of human personality; his message of harmony of religions, harmony of religion science, harmony of the East and the West—this is precisely the message that the present world, especially the youth of our country needs. Above all, Swami Vivekananda, in spite of his own individual greatness, in spite of the fame and adoration that he received in India and in the West, regarded himself only as a humble messenger of his Guru and Master, known to the world as Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This humility, this utter faith in the Guru, and his devotion to God, his love for India, love for humanity and dedication of his life to the service of suffering people have set a shining example for modern man to emulate. Needless to say, the 150th birth anniversary of such a great personage as Swami Vivekananda needs to be celebrated in a fit and proper manner appropriate to his universally respected stature as a world teacher, thinker, leader, prophet, pathfinder and benefactor of humanity. The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission centers gearing up for this event
From the Editor’s Desk Warm wishes to all the readers.
On November 19, 1895, the Westminster Gazette ran an article on Swamiji entitled:“An Indian Yogi in London.” The following is an excerpt from that article: The Swami Vivekananda is a striking figure with his turban and his calm but kingly features. On my inquiring as to the significance, if any, of his name, the swami said: “Of the name by which I am now known (Swami Vivekananda), the first word is descriptive of a sannyasin, or one who formally renounces the world, and the second is the title I assumed--as is customary with all sannyasins--on my renunciation of the world; it signifies, literally, the bliss of discrimination.”
At the advent I profoundly thank all the readers and our well wishers for receiving and responding to Rising Waves with so much enthusiasm and zeal. The response and feedback has been incredible and immensely satisfying. This fills us with inestimable zeal to come up with next issue as soon as possible and yet again we have put in the best of our efforts to surpass our own standards and meet your expectations.
parcel of such an aesthetic and magnificent event.
As you all must be well aware, the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda was held on 10th, 11th, and 12th of January. It gives us immense joy and satisfaction to share with you all that the celebration was overwhelmingly successful and inspiring in every second of the three whole days. Here I would pause to thank Swami Bodhamayanandaji for giving us such wonderful opportunity to be a part and
Not to forget, each and every volunteer from the SWYJV for having been there not only for the whole of these three days but also for helping us reach out to the whole of the city to spread Swamiji’s message and mission. Considering this issue would be releasing after the National Youth day, we have decided to dedicate it to solely to those three days of celebration and through the pages of this letter we have our volunteers sharing with you their experience and reminisces of being a part of it. Swami Vivekananda as you all know never lived to be 40. Yet his message and his mission are expected to pierce every single rock and stone of this universe for the next 1500 years. Such was the power of his vision, the purity in his thought and the strength of
his action as a youth. His success with such meager resources entrusts on us a greater degree of responsibility as the youth of this country who are blessed with so much yet we put to use so little of it. So here, I request you all to pause again to take up a motto. A motto to be “INSPIRED” Yes, you read right. Let’s all take a motto to be inspired for the GOOD. Inspired for opportunities to explore & implore ourselves, Inspired to move out and away from our comfort zones to make a moment of difference in other’s lives, Inspired to have unflinching faith and trust in our cause, Inspired to be fearless and selfless, Inspired that every cell in our body to be filled with strength, truth, solicitude, purity, and above all nothing but the GRACE of the Holy Trinity.
Message Every person is blessed with Divine wealth from the time he is born on this earth. These are called Samsakaras or impressions. By intense training, discipline and practise, the Samskaras can be refined for personal growth and excellence. There is an interesting story that the Gods’ in heaven wanted to give a power to man using which he can get whatever he wants in life. There was a discussion as to where this gift be hidden and make man work to be blessed with the gift. Few suggested that it should be hidden in space or the bed of the ocean! But none of them were approved. Finally, they thought that it should be installed in the 2
depths of man’s mind itself and the strategy was to make him search for the gift in the outside world. From childhood upwards man is taught all things external and hardly things internal. As a result the internal mechanism of the mind is getting rusted and underutilized. But there are men and women of high excellence who swim against the current and climb against gravitation within themselves to be blessed with the gift. They are the selected few who challenge the normal ways of existence. The world adores them as the sages, saints and great leaders. The gift package is called DAIVI SAMPAT (spiritual wealth) in the Bhagavad Gita.
Excellent training sessions are being organized in the Vivekananda Institute of Human Excellence for utilizing the gift of the Gods as mentioned above. Hundreds of youth are participating and getting nourished in various values of life. On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda we wish and hope that the youth of the country would be more inspired to develop their character and contribute to fulfill the dream of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Bodhamayananda Director, VIHE
Interview with Mr. Aravind Rao
(Ex DGP, Andhra Pradesh)
Introduction:
Sri Aravind Rao hailing from Anantapur District was born 06th June, 1951. Sir entered into Government Service on 12th July, 1977. He belonged to the Batch No: 1977 (R.R). Sir has received Indian Police Medal in 1994 and the Presidents Police Medal in 2003.
RW: Do you think the youth today is
RISING WAVES (RW): You have been
in the Department for a considerable amount of time; could you share your experience? Sri Aravind Rao (AR): I have worked in the department for more than 35 years and this whole thing cannot be summed up in a few words or sentences. But all I have to say is the service is immensely satisfying. I realized that it is highly positive service and I got to serve the society
RW: Do you think joining the
department or being in the Services gives an individual with adequate and fair opportunities to serve the nation? AR: There is a whole galore of opportunities in the services that are yet to be explored and these provide many opportunities to serve the nation. Being in the civil services, one gets to play the role of policy makers, visualize policies and put them into action. One gets to take care of the security issues, how the system has to be improved to provide people with a higher level of secured living.
RW: The youth today has opted for
RW: What is your opinion about
practical Vedanta? Do you think it holds any relevance today? AR: Our history, the Vedas and Upanishads talk about two types of Dharma: 1. Routed through material growth 2. Routed through personal spiritual growth. Practical Vedanta calls for a much intensified integration between the two. Material well being has to be in tune with Spiritual growth so as to lead us to the path of righteousness, purity and lead a life aligned with the Dharma.
education system. Do you think it is equipping a child in all spheres to face the harsh realities time presents? AR: Well one thing is for sure, there is nothing like “Harsh Realities”. People turn them into harsh realities because they do not have a proper understanding of the context. They lack judgment skills and end up making wrong decisions. This is primarily because they are not taught anything beyond physics, biology or their subjects.
RW: When we compare students in
the west, they seem to have a clearer frame of mind as to what they are willing to do than the students here. Why do you think this is happening? AR: The main reasons behind this problem are Parental pressure, Peer pressure, societal pressure that develops a mob mentality among the students and amidst pressure from so many corners; they end up making wrong choices. 3
the motto “Survival of the fittest by hook or crook means” to be successful. What is your opinion on this? AR: Survival of the fittest has always been there. In fact that is the essence of any competition. But today the youth has to realize that there has to be a very firm and rigid line that has to be drawn. Hook or crook might work now but in the long run it ruins the fighting spirit and leads you in the wrong path.
RW: India is a developing country. It
RW: Your opinion about the current
RW: What is your opinion about the
youth of the nation? What in your opinion is the most common problem faced by the youth today? AR: The youth today is guided by so many external and internal factors which influence the decisions they make. Parents might want their child to pursue engineering, but the child may be interested in Literature. So there is always a mental conflict as to what they are expected to do and what they are inclined to do. Hence in most cases they cannot visualize and stand by their own perspective.
ready for a positive sacrifice? AR: Well, the idea of a positive sacrifice does not emerge today, as today there is no burning cause that requires them to do it. All that is expected from the youth is to recognize the problems around them, be sensitive to them and make efforts to solve them. That in today’s context is positive sacrifice and in my opinion it is not any kind of sacrifice. Being the youth of this nation, they are expected to do it.
has been a developing nation since ages and seems like it would be for all the time to come. What do you feel about it? AR: Yes, India has been a developing nation since ages but it is a very wrong notion that it would be for all the time to come. Considering Indian Population force to be majorly dominated by the youth, it would not be a developing nation for long. The youth today have a very vast potential. They are rockets and they just need to be ignited.
RW: How far do you think Swami
Vivekananda influences the current generation? AR: Well, I have three things to say in this: 1. Read, 2. Read, and 3. Read Swamiji’s literature. He has written incredibly inspiring literature that can make a man do wonders.
RW: Lastly, your advice to the youth
today? AR: “You are set in the right direction. You have amazing technology at your disposal and are 100 times better equipped than a man 30 years ago. All you have to do is put it to the right use and you will reap the highest benefits
January
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January
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January
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The National youth Day Since having a celebration for just one day would do no justice to celebrate the spirit of the Swami Vivekananda whose birthday the government of India has declared as The National Youth Day, it was only fitting to have a three day youth festival from 10th Jan to 12th of Jan’12 10th Jan’12 On the first day i.e. 10th Jan, the convention was held for students pursuing their Masters/ Post graduation courses. The guest of honor on this day was Shri Jayaprakash Narayan, an ex-IAS officer who delivered his duties with highest degree of sincerity and honesty and presently an eminent politician. With his peerlessly inspiring speech he proved to be the right man at the right time His very words were “ Nowhere in the world can we get to see so many religions, so many cultures, languages, schools of thought coexisting with each other with such dignity, quality, and without any bitterness. It is unprecedented. During his speech he also impressed upon the listeners to read inspiring literature of Swami Vivekananda so that we get to implore ourselves and explore the relation between man and the society The next speaker for the day was the ever incandescent Shri Vijay Menon. Several open ended questions that he flung like “The day you decide to lead a selfless life, to embark upon a journey of enlightenment, to read inspiring literature your life changes from the very next second. But do you have the courage, tenacity and unrelenting will power to do it?” stunned the audience and set them thinking.
11th Jan’12 The second day was solely dedicated to the high school students. It was very delightful to see hundreds of young school children gathered in the premises who seemed all ears to the speeches to be given. The guest of honor for the day was Smt. Chitra Ramachandran, an IAS Officer who is presently working as the principal secretary , Govt. of AP. Her speech fore-grounded the issue: “How outside influences are making their way into our lives?” She impressed upon the young minds as to how to discriminate
things around us so as to decide what has to be accepted and what has to be denied out rightly. She insisted that as young children they need to read inspiring literature and develop fearlessness, strength, courage and fervor for practical Vedanta. Her speech was followed by a very interesting and an interactive questionnaire in which several students raised enthralling questions seeking answers from her, and she answered all of them with utmost patience. On this day the students were also addressed by Shri Vijay Menon. He took them into the realm of seva, how the lessons learnt in pain and difficulty will give you good quality of life and make you a better person. We also had Shri. Santosh Mehra, Additional Commissioner of Police to address the young audience. He emphasized that all the questions will have their answers in you and you alone and that one need not go out in search of them.
12th Jan’12 There was an astronomically large gathering of more than 7000 students, all pursuing their graduation in various fields of study. A very sacred and auspicious day in the history of India. The day of Swami Vivekananda’s Descent! The celebration on this day began with an opening lecture given by the director of VIHE Swami Bodhamayanadaji Maharaj. Swamiji rechristened this day to be the day of “Viveka Sooryodayam” (The Rising of Wisdom in the form of Swami Vivekananda) On this day we had Shri. L. V. Subramaniam, a devotee who has been long associated with the Ramakrishna Math and E O, TTD. He stressed on how gravely important it is to have a guru in one’s life. He urged every youth present there to pause and take an oath of being truthful to oneself, and he explained that when this is done there comes a phenomenal change in one’s life. We also had Shri. Pramod Kumar from 5
Amrita Vishwavidyapeetam, Coimbatore. His speech dwelled upon this one question “What is so special about Swami Vivekananda, his message, his life that he and only he is considered apt to be a youth icon and role model for all the youth in the country?” And he answered this question by stating several incidents from Swamiji’s life. It was very amusing and interesting to know that one of our renowned freedom fighters Shri. Balagangadhar Tilak was significantly influenced by Swami Vivekananda, so too Shri Jamshedji N Tata for setting up the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. The guest of honor for the day was police commissioner Shri. A.K.Khan. He gave a very short, simple but an inspiring lecture which motivated the youth present. He urged them to free themselves from all the materialistic desires. His very words were “As the youth of this country there is every need for you to be aggressive, confident, fearless, yet pure, innocent, however, not in the least ignorant.” Amidst the inspiring lectures given by so many eminent personalities, there were also several cultural programs held. The song and dance troop from Karimnagar dt., enthralled the audience with their beautiful renditions of telugu songs on Swami Vivekananda’s life and message. There were several dance and song performances put forth by little girls and boys of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Sainikpuri, Hyderabad showcasing the Indian culture and heritage and enhancing the spirit of being an Indian
My Memoirs of the NATIONAL YOUTH FESTIVAL Raghava Bana (C A)
Vidhur (2nd yr B.Tech student, JBIET)
On the occasion of 150th Birthday of Swami Vivekananda, a three day event on 10th, 11th, and 12th Jan was held at the Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad. I convey my Pranams to Swami Bodhamayanandaji, for giving me this great opportunity to do seva for the devotees and other participants. The eminent Speakers like Pujya Swami Jnanadanandaji Maharaj, Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan, Sri. Vijay Menon, Sri. A.K.Khan, Sri.Pramod Kumar and others gave valuable lectures on human values and seva with spiritual outlook.
The idea of ‘YOUTH CONVENTION’ itself had filled our heart with ecstasy un-expressible. The most elating thing was that among the gathering a spirit of grave thirst for inspiration was highly prevalent. To our amusement they were rather submerged head deep in it. For a long time it has been my fervor filled longing to witness such a devout alacrity towards nation’s advancement among the youngsters seeing which I confident ally claim that each and every dream of Swami Vivekananda will take its turn to rise our mother land above all nations. My co-volunteers have elevated the spirit of service to new dimensions through their precious endeavors.
Around 20000 people participated in the three days event from the various schools and colleges. All my fellow volunteers who are the members of Swami Vivekananda Yuva Jagruthi Vedika (SVYJV) worked tremendously to host and manage the huge crowd.
My Pranams to the monks of Ramakrishna Math for entrusting their faith in us and transforming us to be the soldiers of Swami Vivekananda!
Each one of us experienced great joy while serving the devotees. Our work as volunteer was a reflection of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother and Swami Vivekananda in our SVYJV sessions. I feel very happy for being associated with the SVYJV.
Keerthana (2nd yr B.tech student) As the title reveals “3 day National youth festival” was an authentic and heartfelt festival in the alluring premises of Ramakrishna Math. I could see myself transform into a person who has realized the essence of life. I felt a strong urge to selflessly serve people. I witnessed confidence and courage building up in me so as to face the materialistic world. It was such a refreshing program. I could feel my inner soul being purified..
Yashwanthi (2nd yr B.tech student, JBIET) Three beautiful days have been added to my life which will remain memorable forever. The three day celebration left so many inspired along with me. The theme of the celebration was ‘SHRADDHA’ which aimed at spreading the message of strength, fearlessness, sacrifice, character, and excellence.
Ramakrishna Janak (B.tech Mechanical, BSIT): THE NATIONAL YOUTH DAY!! The word “YOUTH” echoed on these 3 successive days of 10th-12th January. Every participant present witnessed an overflow of knowledge by excellent and eminent speakers. In fact, their speeches can be defined as bombshell of words making positive impact on all the audience. We were mesmerized by these discourses and these speeches instilled in us a great deal of enthusiasm.
Being a student of Swami Vivekananda Yuva Jagruthi Vedika of the Ramakrishna Math, inculcated the sense of service in me which made me a volunteer for the grand celebration. The 12th January being the birthday of the great Indian sage Swami Vivekananda, hundreds of youth turned up in such large numbers that the premises was falling short of space to host them. A glimpse at the celebration was what everyone was longing for. The day started with garlanding Swamiji’s statue and we all volunteers went on a bike rally to create awareness about the significance of this day. Eminent speakers addressed the gatherings on all the three days and shared their words of knowledge and wisdom.
We got an amazing response from the students from all over Hyderabad and neighboring districts, who seemed very much willing to attend the convention. Apart from the inspiring speeches by eminent personalities, there came two young men from Chennai, Shri.Vedant Bharadwaj and M.T.Aditya for a musical concert. It was so soothing that all the students started humming with the two singers. I’m in dearth of words to explain about the Youth convention held in Hyderabad. I personally find our team of volunteers, the participants and myself privileged and lucky to be a part of this amazing 3-Day Youth Convention and I would be glad to be a part of it for many more years to come
As a volunteer I learnt many valuable lessons which are not taught in any school or college. The team work, dedication, punctuality, discipline, service, tolerance where some among many that my fellow volunteers practiced and taught me. Before and after these three days I could easily notice a phenomenal change and new enthusiasm in myself.
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The Teacher and the Leader
I
It is said the Real Guru is one in a million. Rare, indeed are the teachers of the soul who lead the disciples from out of the ways of ignorance and into knowledge. The real Guru gives all to the disciple unreservedly and this sort of guru was Vivekananda.
a leader but as a servant, for the least show of leading destroys everything by rousing jealousy. sadhanas, aloof from But, on the other hand, the faculty of personal and self sacrifice for those who looked up to him was also instinctively ingrained in his nature. If his disciples abandoned themselves to him, he more than abandoned himself to them. Many were the occasions where all his firm resolve for performing austere the world was swept away by seeing or hearing that a brother monk was ill, as was the case with Swami Yogananda, Swami Sadananda. For the latter, he begged from door to door, seeking for a shelter and a proper diet.
No words can paint the love which Swami Vivekananda had for his disciples. He was accustomed to quote the Hindi proverb in illustrating the irrevocable moral obligation between the guru and the disciple: “the tusks of the elephant come out but they never go back. Even so are the words of the Man!!” or he would say “I will give you everything I have, everything I am! I will be with you forever. If need be I shall go through a thousand deaths and a thousand hells for you!”. Where others would talk of ways and means, he knew how to light a fire. Where others gave directions, He would show the way himself.
He carried his disciple’s bundles of clothes, blankets and shoes on his shoulders. For them he would do anything. He would serve them as slave, come heaven or hell. Those were his very words and they were proved by his action.
His whole personality, his thought, his heart, his body, his love, his realization were spent unremittingly and unreservedly in the task of training his disciples. His disciples knew the manner in which he loved them and the measure of responsibility which he felt for them and they returned that love by fulfilling each and every wish of his heart.
The result of it all was that everyone of his intimate disciple fulfilled a certain mission. Whatever the outcome, the work was only by the way. In the heart of all alike dwell indelibly and imperishably the name and personality of their master and they speak and meditate on that with which their hearts are full to overflow the greatness and the love and the wonderful life of the MAN who revealed the Shining Lights of the Soul: Swami Vivekananda
He repeatedly cautioned his disciples not to rule over others. He believed that those entrusted with the charge must do so not as
For the Student
T
hese days it is a very clichéd question that is asked by the students: “Is there a shortcut to become successful?” for which we also have a very clichéd answer “Rome was not built in a day!!” This is again followed by a series of questions like “Then what does it take to be successful, or How can I achieve success?” and so on and so forth… So as a fitting answer to the above, here we bring to you
1. Power of Thought
“Take up one Idea. Make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it and live on that ONE IDEA. Let the brain, muscles, nerves and every part of your body be filled with that idea and leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.
2. Prayer
When a man prays to God “Give me that, Give me
6. Faith
3. Concentration
“HIS 10 COMMANDMENTS for SUCCESS” for you “THE STUDENT!!!” In Swami Vivekananda’s own words:
blame on yourself. Stand up, and take the responsibility on your own shoulders, Say “This misery that I am suffering is of my own doing” and that very thing proves that it has to be undone by me alone.
this...” it is not prayer. I offer you a prayer and you give me something in return: It is mere shop keeping. The feeling of the want is the real prayer, not mere words. By Prayer, ones utmost subtle powers are aroused. Prayer and praise are the first means of growth. We who cannot for a moment govern our own minds, who cannot hold our minds on a subject, focus it on a point to the exclusion of everything else for a moment!!! How can we call ourselves free? Think of it. Concentration is the essence of all knowledge. Noting can be done without it.
7. Will Power
4. Strength:
“If there is a sin, this is the only sin: to say “I am Weak or others are weak”. Have iron nerves and an intelligent brain and the whole world lies at your feet.
Great things are never done smoothly. Time patience and INDOMITABLE WILL must show. Do not quail for a moment. The sheer power of the ‘will’ will move the world.
8. Fate or Destiny
5. Fearlessness
Throughout the history of mankind if any motive power had been more potent than any other in the lives of all great men and women, it is that of FAITH in them. Born with the consciousness that they were to be great, they became great.
The first lesson to be learnt is “Never to blame anything or anyone outside, lay the
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You make yourself suffer; you make the good and the evil. It is you who puts hands in front of the eyes and say “It is Dark”. Take your hands away from
the eyes and see the light. You will realize you are effulgent and are already perfect from the beginning. For thou alone are thy greatest enemy and thou alone are thy greatest friend.
9. Character
Great occasions rouse even the lowest of human beings to do great things but he alone is great whose character is great always, wherever he be. Character has to be established through a thousand stumbles.
10. Duty
When you are doing any work, do not think of anything beyond. Do it as worship, as a highest form of worship and devote your whole life to it for the time being.
So readers, “Go on bravely; do not expect success in a day or two. Always hold on to the highest. Be steady and you will move the world.”
SRI RAMAKRISHNA JAYANTH
sri holy mother jayanthi
swami vivekananda jayanthi
Editorial Team Advisors : Swami Jnanadanandaji and Swami Bodhamayanandaji Editor : Apoorva Jayasimha Interview Panel: : Raghava Bana, Manish Aggarwal, Ramakrishna Janak, Sri Chandra Photographer : Srinivas Creative Head : Manu Aggarwal and Ramakrishna Janak
For More details : contact office, VIHE, rAMAKRISHNA MATH, DOMALGUDA, HYDERABAD 500029 Ph.: 27627961