TALKS

WITH
SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
ADVAITA ASHRAMA
llfAYAVATI, ALMORA, HIMALAYAS
Published by
SWAMI PAVITRANANDA
ADVAITA ASBRA:MA
MAYAVATI. AL:MORA. HIMALAYAS
All rigltt8 Tt8erved
Second Edition-1946
Printed in l ndia
BY PBANI BHUSAN ROY, AT THE
PRABARTAK PRINTING & HALFTONE LTD.,
52{3, BOWBAZAR STREET, CALCUTTA.
PREFACE
Great persons are usually known to us through
their lectlllres, writings or public activities. But it is
always a rare privilege to come into intimate contact
with them and study their lives and thoughts at close
quarters. This is all the more true of spiritual
geniuses. Those who have attained to a great
spiritual height live in a different plane, as it were,
from that of ours, and in spite of their endeavour
to do good to the world and their great sympathy
for the suffering humanity, none except those who
have been directly touched by them succeed in taking
full advantage of their lives and teachings. Spiritual
giants are worshipped from a distance but the influ-
ence of their examples enters into the lives of only a
fortunate few. All are not destined to have direct
contact with spiritual personalities, hence the next
best thing for ordinary people is to know tlteir
teachings, in which is hidden the inspiration of their
lives. It is therefore that the teachings or recorded
sayings of saints are so much in demand. A few
sayings of Christ found in the Bible and a few words
of Buddha that have been left to the woria as a
great legacy are giving spiritual sustenance to millions
of people for thousands of years. It is but natural.
The meteoric success of Swami Vivekananda as a
religious teacher in two hemispheres dazzles us. We
are struck with awe and reverence when we read his
iv
PREFACE
writings or go through his recorded speeches. We
feel he is talking to us from a dizzy height. We e.re
bewildered by the thought of the gulf between his
greatness and our smallness. But when one would
come into direct touch with him, one would feel that
the distance had vanished, and find in Swami Viveka-
nanda a close friend or an intimate relation, eager
to do the highest good for all. It is only when such
relationship is established that you can know the
real man. The disciples who recorded their conversa-
tions with Swami Vivekananda in the following pages,
had the,privilege not only of finding the Swami as a
Guru, but of being very free with him. So we find,
they were discussing all kinds of subjects with him.
An.i as Swami Vivekananda while giving out his views
was not trammelled by formality as is the case when
one stands on a public platform, his words as found
here have got special value. Here Swami Viveka-
nanda gives directions about spiritual practice and
mll,ditation, talks of high philosophy, and in the next
breath discusses the problems of national regenera-
tion, social reform, educational ideals, and what not.
Now and then we find how the large heart of that
great giant bled for the sufferings of the poor and
the needy. People in almost all walks of life will
find guidance from these conversations.
The conversations took place in Bengali and were
originally published in the Udbodhan-a Bengali
monthly of 'the R'amakrishna Order. They were
translated, at places abridged, and incorporated in
The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. We
PREFACE v
bring them out in a handy book form, hbping they
will be of immense help to a larger circle of the
reading public. May our hopes be justified.
ADVAITA ASHRAMA
MAYAV.\TI, HIMALAYAS
The 12th January, 1939
PuBLISHER
CONTENTS
PREFACE
PAGE
iii
CHAPTER I (1-324)
Sec. I. The first meeting with Swami
Vivelwnanda-Mr. Narendranath Sen,
Editor of the Mirror-Comparison between
the English and the American-The future
result of preaching religion in foreign
countries-The relative value of politics
and religion-a preacher of cow-protection
-Man is to be saved first 1
Sec. II. Rebellion against nature, the sign of
consciousness-The same is true of nations
-The cause of India's degradation-Need
for self-confidence-Men or money ?-The
way to Self-realisation-The Krishna of
Kurukshetra-Need for the development
of Rajas 10
Sec. III. Talking with some Pandits in
Sanskrit-What is ' civilisation-Character-
istics of Indian civilisa.tion-Samadhi-
Who is the real teacher-Hereditary Gurus
-Sri Ramakrishna 20
Sec. IV. The Birthday anniversary of Sri
Ramakrishna at Dakshineswar-Need of
religious festivals-Swami Vivelcananda did
not preach sectarianism 26
:Viii CONTENTS
Sec. V. Initiating the disciP.le__:_Origin of the
sacred thread-The problem of virtue and
PAGE
vice-When is the Self realised 33
Sec. VI. Starting, the Rama7aishna Mission
-Did Swami Vivekananda differ from Sri
Ramakrishna-Swami Vivekananda's atti-
tude towards Sri Ramakrishna-The Law
of grace-Girish Chandra Ghosh 39
Sec. VII. Solar Eclipse-Nature of medita-
tion-Practical hints on meditation-Need
for renunciation, 49
Sec. VIU. Female education-Mahakali
Pathshala-Women in India and the West
-Early marriage-Right type of female
education-Spread of education 53
Sec. IX. Rig-Veda-Max Muller--The theory
of creation-Swami Vivckananda's great
heart-Need for the study of scriptures-
& ervice of living beings 62
Sec. X. The ideal of Sannyasa-Buddha and
the institution of Sannyasa-M eeting the
criticism against Sannyasa-Who is a real
Sannyasin 72
Sec. XI. Consecration of the temple of Sri
Ramakrishna 83
Sec. XII. Guru Govind Singh-Psychic
powers 85
CONTENTS'
Sec. XIII. Tithipuja of Sri Ramakrishna-
Investing some non-Brahmin devotees with)
holy thread-Girish Chandra Ghosh-
Karma-Yoga or unselfish worl-lts aim and
ix
PAGE
utility 92
Sec. XIV. Installation of Sri Ramakrishna at
B elur M ath-Shankaracharya-Buddha-
Cause of the downfall of Buddhism-In-
fluence of pilgrimage-Different methods of
worship . . . 100
Sec. XV. In a reminiscent mood-His
psychic men and women
-Opposition from the bigoted Christians-
Self-surrender and ine1tia-Nag Mahashaya 110
Sec. XVI. Swami Vivekananda's experiences
at Amarnath and I(shir Bhavani-Hearing a
divine voice-Existence of ghosts and spirits
-Swami Vivekananda's experience of a
disembodied spirit . . . 119
Sec. XVII. Composing a Sanskrit hymn-
About BengaU language and style-"Be
fearless"-N eed for the study of scriptures-
Result of Self-realisation 123
Sec. XVIII. Swami Vivelwnanda's experi-
ence of Nirvikalr.a Sarnadhi-Ex.traordinary
power of Avatar.as . .. 131
Sec. XIX. Need for faith in oneself-Service
and business-So-called educated people-
Masses-Their future 138
CONTENTS
Sec. XX. At the Zoological Garden at
. Alipur-Darwin,- Theory of Evolution and
PAGE
Patanjali-Need for physical strength 147
:Sec. XXI. Swami Vivekananda's future plan
about Belur Math-Work and meditation-
Nescience-Brahman and the world of
matter 154
sec. XXII. The Bengali monthly 'Udbo-
dhan'-Its future policy 166
sec. XXIII. India wants not lecturing !J.ut
work-The crying problem in India is
poverty-Young Sannyasins to be trainea
both as secular and spiritual teachers and
workers for the masses-Ea::hMtatinns to
young men to work for others . . . 172
"Sec. XXIV. Reconciliation of Jnana and
Bhakti-Sat-Chit-Ananda-How sectarian-
ism originates-Bring in Shraddha, a,nd the
worship of Shakti and Avataras-The ideal
of the hero we want now, not the M adhura
bhava-Sri Ramakrishna-Avataras 178
:Sec. XXV. Brahman and differentiation-
Personal realisation of oneness-Supreme
Bliss is the goal of all-Think always, I am
Brahman-Discrimination and renunciation
are the means-Be fearless 186
Sec. XXVI. Renunciation of Kama-
1canchana-God's mercy falls on those who
CONTENTS
xi
PAGE
struggle for realisation--Unconditional
mercy and Brahman are one . . . 193
Sec. XXVII. The doctrine of Ahimsa and
meat-eating-The Sattva, Rajas and Tamas
in man-Discrimination of food and spiri-
tuality-'Ahara'-The three defects in food
-Don't-touchism and C'aste-v.rejudices-
Plan of restoring the old Chaturvarna and
the laws of the Rishis 198
Sec. XXVIII. Cause of India's degradation
-Ancient Vedic customs must be re-
modelled accol'ding to the need of the
society and the times-New Smriti to be
compiled 205
Sec. XXIX. Auspiciousness of time and
place-Work and Self-realisation-Karma-
Yoga-India wants manifestation of Rajas-
Bright future for the country .. . 211
Sec. XXX. Laws of Brahmacharya-New
Order of Sannyasins-Wa-nted KarmacYoga
as taught in the Gita 219
Sec. XXXI. Meeting with Nag Mahashaya 222
Sec. XXXII. Brahman, Ishvara, Jiva and
Avidya-Renunciation and Self-realisation-
How to control the mind-Atman as the
object of meditation--Jnana, BhaHi,
Karma and Yoga-The doctrine of incarna-
tion of God-Exhortation for Self-realisa-
tion-Work of a Jnani 227
xii
CONTENTS
Sec. XXXIII. On art-Difference between
Indian and Western arts-Seal of the Rama-
krishna Mission, its significance-Plan of
PAGE
the Ramakrishna temple 240
Sec. XXXIV. A power working through
Swami Vivekanand.a-Reminisccnce of East
Bengal and the visit to Nag Mahash'aya's
house-Renunciation and not the observ-
ance of external forms is the test of spiritual
progress-Firm determination needed to
realise the Self 247
Sec. XXXV. Plan of the future Math for
women-Soul has no sex-Wom'en have
equal opportunity for realising the Brahman
-Religion to be the centre of female educa-
tion-Definition of good wor1r-Work and
knowledge 256
Sec. XXXVI. Swami Vive1wnanda's wonder-
ful memory..:...His , opinion about Bharat-
chandra and Michael Madhusudan Dutt, two
B cngali poets 267
Sec. XXXVII. Wh:f Atman is not per-
ceived, though so very near-on Self-
TPalisation all questionings cease-Mother
Kali 272
Sec. XXXVIII. Wanted a sturdy band of
young men ready to sacrifice all for others
-Manliness should be the ideal-Remedy
against low spirits and weakness of mina-
CONTENTS xiii
PAGE
Work for others-No individual liberation
before the salvation of all-Influence of
thoughts 277
Seo. XXXIX.-Swami Vivekananda's '[Jlan to
celebrate Durga Pufa at Belur Math-His
visit to the temple at Kalighat . . . 286
Sec. XL. The last birthday anniversary of
Sri Ramakrishna that Swami Vivekananda
saw-Swami Vivekananda's idea as to how
the celebration sh'ould talce place-How far
o. Guru can help-What is meant by grace
-Swami Vivelwnanda's vision of Sri Rama-
krishna 288
Seo. XLI. Swami Vivekananda's love and
sympathy for the poor-"Don't.touchism"
-Who serves Jiva serves God indeed . . . 294
Sec. XLII. Life at the Belur Math in early
dayR-Swami Vivekananda's reminiscence
of Baranagore Math-Rigours of monastic
vow 298
Sec. XLIII. On meditation-How to awaken
the Kundalini-How to have concentration
-Directions about spiritual practice 304
Sec. XLIV. About disciples of Sri Rama-
krishna . . . 309
Seo. XLV. Different grades of devotees of
Sri Ramalcrishna-Different interpretation
of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna-
Fut1ae of the message of Sri Ramakrishna 313
xi.v CONTENTS
PAGE
Sec. XLVI. Denationalisation and national
degradation-Directions about spiritual
practice .. . 320
CHAPTER II ... (325-372)
Sec. I. Educative value of royal Durbars-
Freedom and discipline-Swami Viveka-
nanda' s catholicity-Test of civilisation .. . 325
Sec. II. The picture of Sri Krishna, the
preacher of the Gita-What is meant by
'Karma' in the Gita-Egoism arwl self-
surrender-Problem of evil-The value of
sincerity-Origin of image worship-
. Tantrikism-Harmony, of Yogas-Reverence
for women 328
Sec. III. Reminiscence-The problem of
famines in India, and self-sacrificing
workers-East and West-Is it Battva
or Tamas-A nation of mendicants-
The "give and take" policy-Tell
a man his defects directly but praise
his virtues before others-Vivekananda
everyone may become-Unbroken Brahma-
charya is the secret of power-Bamadhi and
w ~ ~
Sec. IV. Reminiscences-Pranayama-
Thought-reading-Knowledge of previous
births 348
CONTENTS
XV
PAGE.
Sec. V. The art and science of music,
Eastern and Western 351'
Sec. VI. The old institution of living with
the Guru-The P.resent University system-
Lack of Shraddha-We have a national
history-Western science coupled with
Vedanta-The so-called higher education-
The need of technical education and educa-
tion on national lines-The story of Satya-
kama-Mere book-learning and education
under 'l'yagis-Sri Ramakrishna and the
Pandits-Establishment of Maths with
8adhus in charge of colleges-Text-books
for boys to be compiled-Stop early
marriage-Plan of sending unmarried
graduates to Japan-The secret of Japan's
greatness-Art, Asiatic and European-Art
and utility-Styles of dress-The food
question and poverty 354
Sec. VII. The discr'imination of the four
castes according to Jati and Guna-
Brahmanas and Kshatriyas in the West-
Thr; Kula-Guru system in Bengal
368
(373-393)
CHAP'rEn III ...
Sec. I. The loss of Shraddha in India and
need of its revival-Men we want-Real
social reform '373 ~
xvi
CONTENTS
Sec. II .. Rllconciliation of Jnana-Yoga and
Bhakti-Yoga-God in good and in evil too
-Uae makea a thing good or evil-Karma
PAGE
-Oreation-God-Maya 876
Sec. III. Intermarriage among subdivisions
of a Varna-Against early marriage-The
education that India needs-Brahmacharya 382
Sec. IV. Madhura-bhava-Prema-Nama-
1cirtana-Its danger-Bhakti tempered with
Jnana-A curious dream 387
CHAPTER IV ...
{394-397)
Think of death alwayB and new life will come
within-Work for othera-God, the last
reftrge 394
V