Reflections on the Eastern Spiritual Mysticism from the Holy Land of Bengal
A few months back I visited California for few days and written a blog post on it. If I visited a state for 4 days and written a lengthy post on it, how come I miss something which has influenced me and interwoven with my life for last four years. This is about a state back in India whose people have contributed to my story of last 4 and half years. To disclose, I entered this project in which I am working for over four and half years through the gateway of people with Bengali roots. If a Bengali person interviewed and selected me to script the last four years, it is predominantly due to the techies from Bengal who have wished me well many years earlier in the office campus in Hyderabad which had turned into this opportunity. Their roots are different than normal people, their culture is different and the people from the state are simply out of planet to me. Not only it provided me with good days in India but also made me to relocate to the city which discovered their hero - Swami Vivekananda to the world. I would be overwhelmed to talk about the Bengal contribution to me, India and to U.S. After the edition of west of west covering California, let me explore this edition of east of east covering West Bengal from India. Both are simple opposites and I would touch upon more from the perspective of influence this state has on me and also the greater influence this state has on these two countries from my limited knowledge.
This attempt to speak about the greatness of a state in India itself is very humbling. How can we do complete justice in the limited space. But let us try to be as meagre and brief as possible and from the direct influence on me to limit the scope. As mentioned, I owe the last four years of professional life to the gateway this state has provided. Apart from professional life, the spiritual life of the last many years is also heavily influenced by the origins from this great state. Or great people from this state. As we are dealing with East of east, this state is a synonym of sprouting spirituality in leaps and bounds within humanity through tremendous people and institutions that have been proliferated from its soil. These institutions are the places of my comfort in the last many years which gives me an activity to get engaged at the least. The two most influential recent examples are – 1. I visited a spiritual retreat center over a weekend at the heights of my work through one the institutions established by Swami Vivekananda 2. I spent my time as volunteer in an ISKCON temple which is one of their spiritual centers over many weekends in the recent past. When your personal, spiritual and professional lives are sourced from the institutions established by great individuals from a state, you can go to the extent of calling it as a second home state.
The penetration into the common man's lives is what matters for the poor common man. This is the spiritual enrichment which has been envisioned by the greats from that land for the poor from India. This purity in their thought, word and action is what is driving the present and will drive the future as well. I would propagate the gist of the work done in India and U.S. by the spiritual masters from Kolkata of these two earlier examples to encourage and enlighten many individuals like me. These two individuals are amazing and astonishing to me for what they have done in the land of U.S. many decades ago. The two poor monks who entered U.S. unassumingly have built strong foundations for a great future of the leader of the world. Their greatness lies in propagating the wonderful eastern spiritual nectar in the west very early by envisioning the giant strides which America is going to make.
At a brief, let me lay out the contributions of these two spiritual masters from Bengal to India and U.S. West Bengal has made significant contributions to both India and the United States through the lives and works of Swami Vivekananda and Srila Prabhupada. These two spiritual leaders from Bengal have left an indelible mark on global spirituality, culture, and philosophy.
Swami Vivekananda
Contribution to India:
Swami Vivekananda, born Narendranath Datta in 1863 in Kolkata, was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. His contributions to India are manifold:
Revival of Hinduism: Vivekananda played a crucial role in reviving Hinduism during a time when it was under threat from colonial rule and missionary activities. He emphasized the universal and humanistic aspects of the Vedas, promoting a more inclusive and rational approach to spirituality.
Social Reform: He was a strong advocate for social reform, particularly in the areas of education and the upliftment of the poor. He believed in the potential of every individual and worked towards eliminating social evils like child marriage and caste discrimination.
Ramakrishna Mission: In 1897, Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission, an organization dedicated to social service and spiritual development. The mission has been instrumental in providing education, healthcare, and disaster relief across India.
Nationalism: Vivekananda played a pivotal role in inspiring nationalism and the Indian independence movement through his teachings and actions. His emphasis on the spiritual and cultural heritage of India instilled a sense of pride and unity among Indians.
Revival of Indian Identity: Vivekananda’s teachings highlighted the greatness of India’s ancient culture and spiritual traditions. He urged Indians to take pride in their heritage and work towards the nation’s revival.
Social Reform: Vivekananda’s advocacy for social reform, including the upliftment of the poor and marginalized, aligned with the broader goals of the independence movement. His call to serve the nation and its people motivated many to join the struggle for freedom.
Through his powerful speeches, writings, and personal example, Swami Vivekananda ignited a spirit of nationalism that significantly contributed to India’s fight for independence.
Contribution to the U.S.:
Parliament of the World’s Religions: Vivekananda’s speech at the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago was a landmark event. His eloquence and profound message of religious tolerance and universal acceptance captivated the audience and introduced Hinduism to the Western world.
Vedanta Societies: He established Vedanta Societies in New York and San Francisco, which became centers for the study and practice of Vedanta and Yoga. These societies played a crucial role in spreading Indian spiritual teachings in the U.S..
Interfaith Dialogue: Vivekananda’s efforts laid the groundwork for interfaith dialogue and understanding. He emphasized the commonalities between different religions and promoted the idea that all paths lead to the same truth.
Influence on Western Thought: His teachings influenced many Western thinkers and writers, contributing to a greater appreciation of Eastern philosophies in the West. His ideas on spirituality, self-realization, and service to humanity continue to resonate in the U.S. today.
Srila Prabhupada
Contribution to India:
Srila Prabhupada, born Abhay Charan De in 1896 in Kolkata, was the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). His efforts towards India include:
Revival of Bhakti Movement: Prabhupada revived the Bhakti movement, emphasizing devotion to Krishna as a means to attain spiritual enlightenment. His teachings brought a renewed interest in the Bhagavad Gita and other Vedic scriptures.
ISKCON: Founded in 1966, ISKCON has become a global spiritual movement with a significant presence in India. The organization runs numerous temples, schools, and farms, promoting a lifestyle based on Vedic principles.
Cultural Renaissance: Prabhupada’s efforts led to a cultural renaissance in India, with a renewed interest in traditional music, dance, and art forms associated with Krishna worship.
Social Welfare: ISKCON’s various social welfare programs, including food distribution and educational initiatives, have had a positive impact on many communities in India. I participated in many of their food distribution drives.
Contribution to the U.S.:
Establishment of ISKCON: Prabhupada’s journey to the U.S. in 1965 marked the beginning of ISKCON. He established the first ISKCON center in New York City, which became a hub for spiritual seekers and a base for spreading Krishna consciousness in the West.
Promotion of Vegetarianism: Through ISKCON, Prabhupada promoted vegetarianism and a lifestyle of simplicity and devotion. This has had a lasting impact on the dietary habits and spiritual practices of many Americans.
Cultural Exchange: Prabhupada’s teachings facilitated a cultural exchange between India and the U.S., introducing Americans to Indian music, dance, and cuisine. ISKCON festivals and events have become popular cultural attractions.
Educational Initiatives: Prabhupada established the Bhaktivedanta Institute and other educational programs to promote the study of Vedic literature and philosophy. These initiatives have contributed to a deeper understanding of Indian spirituality in the U.S.
Community centers: ISKCON centers in the U.S. have become vibrant communities where people from diverse backgrounds come together to practice spirituality, engage in community service, and celebrate cultural events.
The contributions of Swami Vivekananda and Srila Prabhupada from West Bengal to both India and the U.S. are profound and far-reaching. Their efforts have not only revived and spread Indian spiritual traditions but have also fostered greater understanding and appreciation between the East and the West. Through their teachings, organizations, and personal examples, they have inspired countless individuals to lead lives of purpose, compassion, and spiritual fulfillment. These individuals and institutions from the holy land are enablers of my journey back in India and presently in U.S. This write-up is a small offering and tribute to the immense service they provided for the mankind. On this Independence Day eve, with the present-day work happening in their footsteps in U.S., we need to envision a greater nation in the future which will enrich the humanity. These masters took us to the present and they simply built the future from their work in the very distant past. It is very important for the present to lay a strong foundation along same lines for even better future. We can see it on the ground and it is for everyone to feel and act towards the same.
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