How relevant are Vivekananda's teachings today?
Swamiji's teachings are universally applicable. He wanted religion to be free of superstitions. He was concerned with welfare of all and he laid great stress on selfless service. According to the Mahabharata, inclusive welfare is true dharma. One day a group of Naxals came to the Math and asked how Swamiji's teachings can eradicate suffering of the people. I told them Swamiji has given you ideas. You have the brain; use it to put his ideas in action.
Is selfless service practical in this day and age?
According to Swamiji, the difference between God and the Devil is that of unselfishness and selfishness. The Devil knows as much as God does; is as powerful as God is; only, he is not holy and that is why he is called a Devil.
The same thought works in the modern world: Excess of knowledge and power, without spirituality, turns human beings into devils. He said: "Truth, purity, and unselfishness — where these are present, there is no power below or above the sun to crush the possessor. Equipped with these, an individual is able to face the whole universe in opposition." These qualities are important for the present-day world.
There is no substitute to hard work; Swamiji wanted young people to work hard for the welfare of others and also wanted the educated and rich people to pitch in for the welfare of the society. Though India has excelled in several fields, a lot more needs to be done for the poor.
What were Vivekananda's views on women's welfare?
He wanted equal opportunity for growth to be provided to women. He advocated women's education and the freedom to work. Though women are doing well, in villages and even in cities the situation is still unfavourable for their growth. He believed that education is the panacea for all ills.
What did he make of spirituality and religion?
Spirituality is a phenomenon. It cannot change to suit different time periods. Real spirituality elevates the human being to a higher plane and makes people selfless. "The first sign that you are becoming religious is that you become cheerful. When a man is gloomy, that may be dyspepsia, but it is not religion.... Misery is caused by sin and by no other cause. What businesses have you with clouded faces? It is terrible. If you have a clouded face, do not go out that day; shut yourself up in your room. What right do you have to carry this disease out into the world?" — this is what he said!
Is mantra diksha relevant?
If a person wants to live a spiritual life, it is important that he takes diksha. It makes concentration easier and spirituality comes with concentration. Swamiji had given diksha to many people during his wandering years. Later, he told many disciples to give mantra diksha to others.
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