Sri Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, Bhagavad Gita

Introduction to Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. Harmony between religions

One of the most important characteristics of Hinduism is the acceptance of other religions as valid. The Rigveda had already announced it thousands of years ago:

“The truth is only one, the wise call it in different ways.”

We find the same principle when Sri Krishna said to Arjuna (Yoga of Knowledge and Realization of Brahman):

“Subject Syllabus:Whatever way one worships, if it is with Faith and devotion, in that same way, I affirm his faith” Bhagavad Gita 7.21.

Chapter 4 of the Bhagavad Gita begins with one of the most beautiful and shocking verses, where we can appreciate the tolerance of Hinduism with other religions:

These verses leave the door open to new prophets, to new holy men. Many Hindus believe in the sanctity of Jesus, Buddha, Guru Nanak, Zarathustra.

This vision has influenced the great reformers of Hinduism of the 19th and 20th centuries: Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda (his disciple), Sri Swami Sivananda, Swaminarayan, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Vidya Prakashananda, Swami Krishnananda.

Gandhi's life was an example of the principle of harmony between religions, we have already seen Gandhi's love for Christianity, in the same way he loved Islam: he himself stated that he had read the Koran more than once and also many books on the Koran and Muhammad, stated that Islam never authorized the destruction of places of worship of other religions. He considered Islam to be a religion of peace.

Sri Ramakrishna delved into this principle and that is why he has gone down in history as “The Prophet of Harmony of Religions.” His disciple Swami Vivekananda explained it to the world.

Swami Sarvapriyananda (NY Vedanta Society)

Mahasamadhi

Swami Vivekananda, London, Back to India, Belur Math

1. Karma Yoga
2. Bhakti Yoga
3. Dhyana Yoga
4. Jnana Yoga

India: spiritual power of the world