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Swami Vivekananda's vision for empowering youth

Published : Sunday, 12 January, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 110
Probir Chandra Das
'Religion is the manifestation of the Divinity already in man'- is famously stated by Swami Vivekananda, a towering figure whose life and teachings continue to inspire millions across the globe particularly the youth. Today (January 12) marks his 162nd birth anniversary Born in 1863 in Kolkata, India, as NarendranathDatta, Swami Vivekananda's vision transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, making him a universal icon of youth empowerment, spiritual awakening, and social reform. He was both a monk and a visionary who conquered the world with his wise words. His philosophy of strengthening young minds focused on education, spiritual development, and self-confidence. Furthermore, Swami Vivekananda made significant contributions to Hinduism, humanity, and international culture. He addressed current issues and shaped contemporary views on religion, humanism, spirituality, and universal brotherhood.

According to Swami Vivekananda, young people have limitless potential and can shape the future. His well-known guidance, "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached," perfectly captures his unwavering belief in the potential of young people. He placed a strong emphasis on education as a tool for achieving holistic development, which integrates moral and spiritual principles with intellectual advancement.

In his lectures at educational institutions, Vivekananda frequently emphasized the value of developing one's character and independence. "Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man," he declared. He believed that young people actively participated in forming society rather than merely inheriting it. Vivekananda promoted education that incorporates moral, intellectual, and spiritual development. In a time when rote learning was the norm in education, his emphasis on developing character, independence, and critical thinking was unorthodox. "We want education that creates character, increases mental strength, expands the intellect, and enables one to stand on their own two feet," he said. In addition, he was a fervent supporter of women's emancipation in a patriarchal culture. He highlighted women's critical role in creating a wholesome and forward-thinking society and felt that they had equal capacity for spiritual and intellectual development.

By emphasizing its shared principles and embracing a variety of sects and ideas, Vivekananda unified Hinduism. Sister Nivedita emphasized his contribution to the development of a unified Hindu identity. He was dubbed a unifier of Hindu philosophy because he used Sri Ramakrishna's theory of harmony to put an end to disputes among Hindu sects and ideologies. By fusing God-realization and renunciation with humanitarian service, as demonstrated by the Ramakrishna Order, he revolutionized Hindu monasticism. He offered unique perspectives derived from his transcendental experiences and interpreted Hindu concepts in a modern manner. Furthermore, Vivekananda brought the age-old Vedanta philosophy into the modern day. He emphasized that Vedantic principles should govern all facets of life, including relationships, employment, and social duty, rather than limiting spirituality to meditation or rituals.
 
Vivekananda promoted the unification of all religions during a time when religious exclusivism was prevalent. By redefining religion as the "science of consciousness," Vivekananda equated it with scientific inquiry. He maintained that religion is a methodical search for ultimate truth and reality rather than a question of dogma or blind faith. With this method, religion was freed from superstition and became a universal, logical endeavour that everyone might pursue.

Interfaith discussion is still based on Swami Vivekananda's seminal speech at the 1893 Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. He received a standing ovation and widespread acclaim for his introductory remarks, "Sisters and Brothers of America," which crossed over religious and cultural lines. By saying, "As different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take... all lead to Thee," he further promoted religious unity. His attempts to advance interfaith understanding have impacted many contemporary interfaith programs that seek to advance world peace and tolerance. This all-encompassing perspective encouraged interfaith unity and condemned sectarianism.

Serving others as a kind of worship was highly valued in Swami Vivekananda's teachings. His mentor, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, inspired him to see God in all living things and to try to lessen other people's suffering. Selflessness and compassion are emphasized in his teaching, "They alone live who live for others; the rest are more dead than alive." While renunciation and detachment were frequently stressed in ancient spiritual practices, Vivekananda popularized the idea of "spiritual humanism." He emphasized each person's innate divinity and declared that the greatest kind of devotion is to serve others. This worldview combined practical activity with spirituality, elevating social service to the level of divine service. He established the Ramakrishna Mission, a group devoted to social service, education, and spiritual advancement, in 1897 with this goal in mind. In keeping with Swami's philosophy of "service to man as service to God," the mission now works all over the world, offering healthcare, disaster assistance, and education.

In addition, his idea of the "potential divinity of the soul" fostered spiritual humanism, which combats the decline of society. Global movements cantered on self-discovery and meditation have been sparked by this concept. He declared, "When this sleeping soul is awakened to self-conscious activity, power, glory, goodness, purity, and everything that is excellent will come." Vivekananda suggested a morality based on the inherent purity and unity of the soul (Atman) as opposed to fear-based morality, such as dread of societal consequences or divine wrath. He said that when one understands their divine essence and connectivity with others, ethical behaviour comes naturally.

The teachings of Swami Vivekananda provide a global framework for social advancement and self-realization that cut across religious, cultural, and geographic barriers. His thought combines the best aspects of Western pragmatism with Eastern mysticism. In order to succeed and be happy, he highlighted the need of having courage, self-control, and trust in oneself. His understanding of Vedanta emphasized the divine potential in each person as well as the unity of reality. His teachings are still important today because they align with contemporary psychology ideas of mindfulness and self-empowerment. He remarked, 'It is love and love alone that I preach, and I base my teaching on the great Vedantic truth of the sameness and omnipresence of the Soul of the Universe.'Vivekananda prioritized the well-being of the general populace, in contrast to conventional spiritual leaders who frequently catered to the privileged. He placed a strong emphasis on reducing poverty, educating the poor, and resolving social injustices, making spirituality pertinent to the advancement of society.

Swami Vivekananda's journey to the West signalled a turning point in the understanding of Indian philosophy and spirituality across the world. He was acknowledged as one of the leading representatives of Indian culture by audiences all over the world for his profundity and eloquence. Swami Vivekananda left behind a strong legacy of fraternal brotherhood throughout the world throughout his brief 39-year life. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Martin Luther King Jr. have been influenced by his argumentative speeches and writings on subjects ranging from social change to the essence of the self. His idea of an enlightened, peaceful society still serves as a beacon for global endeavours in spirituality, education, and humanitarian work. He also exhorted Indians to adopt Western science and technology while retaining their spiritual foundations in order to have a well-rounded perspective that cut across cultural divides.

Swami Vivekananda's lessons are ageless, motivating the spiritual and moral development of humanity while reconciling tradition and modernity. His outlook on youth is just as pertinent now as it was more than a century ago. His lectures inspire youth to develop knowledge, accept their inner power, and make significant contributions to society. His steadfast faith in the ability of each person to change the world, the strength of service, and the oneness of mankind continues to be a beacon of hope. His words continue to inspire young people to create a society based on empathy, wisdom, and peace as they reverberate through the generations.

The writer is Senior Assistant Director at Strategic Planning, Quality Assurance Division, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC)


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