Swamiji's thoughts on India's Independance
June 2016
Swamiji says…
On India’s Independence
In a couple of months, it will be 70 years since India attained her independence from British rule. At that time, many small kingdoms had to be brought under one umbrella for the nation to take shape. It can be said that the heart of India was born at that time. But the soul of India has been in existence for thousands of years, since ancient Vedic times. Indian culture has always espoused unity amidst diversity. Every living creature lives in and shares a heavenly space between the earth and the sky. Why is this space heavenly? It is because it nurtures and sustains all life forms without preference for one over another. Beyond the sky, outer space is hostile to life as we know it. We are indeed very lucky that we have this rare chance of being witness to the wonders of the universe from such a comfortable and beautiful place that our planet earth is.
The entire vedantic thought can be summarized in one phrase, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" which literally means, the earth is one family. The entrance hall of the Indian Parliament bears this inscription. More recently, this lofty phrase has been brought to the attention of the world by none other than our Honorable Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi in his various speeches. He has a great vision for India. By studying his life, one can conclude that he has no selfish or personal ambitions. Afterall, he has given everything up in the service of our country. He has no personal wealth or family to speak of. When he left his post as Chief Minister of Gujarat, he donated his entire salary that he had earned in that post. All that money went to a very noble cause of educating the daughters of Class IV government workers such as peons and drivers. He assumed the post of Prime Minister of India with only the clothes on his back to his name. When he says "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" he really means it. He is not alone, just as we are not alone. We have the entire world as our family. Let us rejoice in that.
In 70 years since our independence, the country has grown just as a newborn grows into an adult. Adulthood is the time when one has to offer one’s contribution not just to one’s family but to the immediate community, the nation and indeed, the entire world. Instead of questioning others about what they have done for the nation and the world, one must ask oneself that question first? The time has now come for each one of us to put our petty differences aside and step up and contribute to the welfare of the world. Time is ebbing away every moment. Every moment lost is a monumental loss not just for an individual but for the entire nation. Sri Narendra Modi has set an example in time management. As as example, during a recent foreign trip, the itinerary was planned in such a way that nights would be spent flying from one country to another and not in hotels. Even on the flights, the nation’s work went on uninterrupted. Time indeed is gold for our Honorable Prime Minister.
We take a lot of things for granted such as water, land, air and sunlight. These are gifts given by Mother Nature for our enjoyment. Rather than sharing these resources and caring for them as one would of one’s own body, we have been hoarding wealth for ourselves and destroying the wealth of the nation through corrupt practices. Corruption is not just acquiring wealth through ill gotten means but also wasting precious time and opportunity. The senses are the source of our corruption. They are also the means to see beauty and unity everywhere if we choose to use them in that manner. A nation’s wealth is not only in natural resources but also in human resources. Both have to be nurtured and used wisely. We can get the best out of people only if we treat them well and motivate them. In this regard, Sri Narendra Modi is the "Prime Motivator" of India. Not just by his eloquent speeches, but more importantly by his thoughts and actions.
He is like a mountain, standing tall and fighting day and night as a beacon of hope to all of India. A mountain gives rise to many rivers and countless people benefit from it. There is no expectation of a return on the part of the mountain. It weathers many storms and harsh conditions. It remains unmoved despite all this. Similarly, Sri Narendra Modi has weathered many personal insults and verbal attacks from numerous enemies. Here is a man who is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the nation. To generate electricity, electrons have to travel from a negative terminal to a positive terminal. Our Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi is trying to electrify the nation both literally and figuratively by turning all the negative elements of governance towards the light of positivity and prosperity. Just as a battery stores and saves electricity, these changes have to be stored in each Indian’s heart so it can be given to the next generation. One drop of water cannot be a river but a single drop of water can be the start of a giant river. The force of that water can cut through solid rock. Similarly, change can be brought to India only if the river of humanity that courses through India becomes united in one cause, that is of peace and prosperity of not just India but of the entire world.
As a big step towards unifying India, not just geographically, linguistically or culturally, Sri Narendra Modi is shepherding commercial unification of all states by getting the GST bill through parliament. Similarly, all Indians would greatly benefit if there is a common oversight of electricity, major roads and water distribution throughout India. Every Indian regardless of religion, and each part of India, rich or poor is equally important if overall growth is to be achieved. Just because the soles of our feet touch shoes or the ground, we are not careless with our feet. If there is a small injury to the foot the mobility of the entire body is lost. No matter how rich or learned one is, one cannot walk comfortably if the foot is injured. Similarly, every strata of society is equal and each one has a role to play. All must be equally respected and taken care of. Money cannot prevent division and segregation of people but a good mind can unite all hearts. That is what is required in the world today. Sri Narendra Modi stands tall on the world’s stage proudly showcasing the unique talents and capabilities of our great nation, India. One India, One World should be everyone’s modern day mantra.
Jai Hind.
Swamiji says…
On India’s Independence
In a couple of months, it will be 70 years since India attained her independence from British rule. At that time, many small kingdoms had to be brought under one umbrella for the nation to take shape. It can be said that the heart of India was born at that time. But the soul of India has been in existence for thousands of years, since ancient Vedic times. Indian culture has always espoused unity amidst diversity. Every living creature lives in and shares a heavenly space between the earth and the sky. Why is this space heavenly? It is because it nurtures and sustains all life forms without preference for one over another. Beyond the sky, outer space is hostile to life as we know it. We are indeed very lucky that we have this rare chance of being witness to the wonders of the universe from such a comfortable and beautiful place that our planet earth is.
The entire vedantic thought can be summarized in one phrase, "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" which literally means, the earth is one family. The entrance hall of the Indian Parliament bears this inscription. More recently, this lofty phrase has been brought to the attention of the world by none other than our Honorable Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi in his various speeches. He has a great vision for India. By studying his life, one can conclude that he has no selfish or personal ambitions. Afterall, he has given everything up in the service of our country. He has no personal wealth or family to speak of. When he left his post as Chief Minister of Gujarat, he donated his entire salary that he had earned in that post. All that money went to a very noble cause of educating the daughters of Class IV government workers such as peons and drivers. He assumed the post of Prime Minister of India with only the clothes on his back to his name. When he says "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" he really means it. He is not alone, just as we are not alone. We have the entire world as our family. Let us rejoice in that.
In 70 years since our independence, the country has grown just as a newborn grows into an adult. Adulthood is the time when one has to offer one’s contribution not just to one’s family but to the immediate community, the nation and indeed, the entire world. Instead of questioning others about what they have done for the nation and the world, one must ask oneself that question first? The time has now come for each one of us to put our petty differences aside and step up and contribute to the welfare of the world. Time is ebbing away every moment. Every moment lost is a monumental loss not just for an individual but for the entire nation. Sri Narendra Modi has set an example in time management. As as example, during a recent foreign trip, the itinerary was planned in such a way that nights would be spent flying from one country to another and not in hotels. Even on the flights, the nation’s work went on uninterrupted. Time indeed is gold for our Honorable Prime Minister.
We take a lot of things for granted such as water, land, air and sunlight. These are gifts given by Mother Nature for our enjoyment. Rather than sharing these resources and caring for them as one would of one’s own body, we have been hoarding wealth for ourselves and destroying the wealth of the nation through corrupt practices. Corruption is not just acquiring wealth through ill gotten means but also wasting precious time and opportunity. The senses are the source of our corruption. They are also the means to see beauty and unity everywhere if we choose to use them in that manner. A nation’s wealth is not only in natural resources but also in human resources. Both have to be nurtured and used wisely. We can get the best out of people only if we treat them well and motivate them. In this regard, Sri Narendra Modi is the "Prime Motivator" of India. Not just by his eloquent speeches, but more importantly by his thoughts and actions.
He is like a mountain, standing tall and fighting day and night as a beacon of hope to all of India. A mountain gives rise to many rivers and countless people benefit from it. There is no expectation of a return on the part of the mountain. It weathers many storms and harsh conditions. It remains unmoved despite all this. Similarly, Sri Narendra Modi has weathered many personal insults and verbal attacks from numerous enemies. Here is a man who is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of the nation. To generate electricity, electrons have to travel from a negative terminal to a positive terminal. Our Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi is trying to electrify the nation both literally and figuratively by turning all the negative elements of governance towards the light of positivity and prosperity. Just as a battery stores and saves electricity, these changes have to be stored in each Indian’s heart so it can be given to the next generation. One drop of water cannot be a river but a single drop of water can be the start of a giant river. The force of that water can cut through solid rock. Similarly, change can be brought to India only if the river of humanity that courses through India becomes united in one cause, that is of peace and prosperity of not just India but of the entire world.
As a big step towards unifying India, not just geographically, linguistically or culturally, Sri Narendra Modi is shepherding commercial unification of all states by getting the GST bill through parliament. Similarly, all Indians would greatly benefit if there is a common oversight of electricity, major roads and water distribution throughout India. Every Indian regardless of religion, and each part of India, rich or poor is equally important if overall growth is to be achieved. Just because the soles of our feet touch shoes or the ground, we are not careless with our feet. If there is a small injury to the foot the mobility of the entire body is lost. No matter how rich or learned one is, one cannot walk comfortably if the foot is injured. Similarly, every strata of society is equal and each one has a role to play. All must be equally respected and taken care of. Money cannot prevent division and segregation of people but a good mind can unite all hearts. That is what is required in the world today. Sri Narendra Modi stands tall on the world’s stage proudly showcasing the unique talents and capabilities of our great nation, India. One India, One World should be everyone’s modern day mantra.
Jai Hind.
