Interview with Swami Nithyasthanandaji Maharaj

Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, is one of the most wonderful organizations to have come up in our land. A Land whose message is Renunciation and Service has found an ideal match with the ideals of this Ashram. This time we caught up with Srimat Swami Nithyasthanandaji Maharaj, President, Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

MM: Swamiji, What is the message of Sri Ramakrishna Deva to the people of 21st century and centuries to come?
SWAMIJI: About the message of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda says, "This is the message of Sri Ramakrishna to the modern world: 'Do not care for doctrines, do not care for dogmas, or sects or churches or temples; they count for little compared with the essence of existence in each man which is spirituality; and the more this developed in a man the more powerful is he for good. Earn that first, acquire that, and criticize no one, for all doctrines and creeds have some good in them. Show by your lives that religion does not mean words, or names, or sects, but that it means spiritual realization. Only those can understand who have felt. Only those who have attained to spirituality can communicate it to others, can be great teachers of mankind. They alone are the powers of light... My Master's message to mankind is 'Be spiritual and realize truth for yourself'... The time has come for renunciation for realization; and then you will know that there is no need of any quarrel. And then only will you be ready to help humanity. To proclaim and make clear the fundamental unity underlying all religions was the mission of my master. He left every religion undisturbed because he had realized that in reality they are all part and parcel of one eternal religion" (The complete works of swami Vivekananda, vol.4,p.187)

MM: What is Vedanta? How much can Vedanta help a man to realize his complete potential?
SWAMIJI: Vedanta is a search for unity behind the variety "What is that by knowing which everything else is known?"--this Upanishadic question reflects the spirit of Vedanta . Vedanta says that there is only one reality, and that is spiritual, something non-material, and whole universe is the manifestation of that Reality. As waves are the manifestation of ocean and are not essentially different from ocean, so also the whole world of phenomena are different manifestation of that Supreme Reality.

This spiritual reality or pure consciousness is within everyone of us, rather it is the real personality, unifying the diverging factors of our personality, such as body, senses, mind, intellect, emotions etc. This spiritual element is the real source of joy, strength, purity, goodness and everything that is excellent. As Swami Vivekananda says "Each soul is potentially Divine." Manifestation of this divine potentiality will make the man whole and complete, perfect in work, perfect in study, perfect in moral discipline and also perfect in human relationships. In this way, study and practice of Vedanta will help a man realize his complete potential. Vivekananda says that, if a student thinks, he is the self, he will be a better student, if a cobbler thinks that he is the self, he will be a better cobbler and if a farmer he is the self, he will be a better farmer.

And this manifestation of divinity gives real meaning to life. As the seed drives its meaning when it is allowed to germinate and become a huge tree expressing its own inner potentiality. Finding a meaning in life is indispensable for meaninglessness in life leads to different kinds of psychological problems.

MM: Even though the main objective of the Ashrama is to spread Advaita Vedanta, it has been my personal experience that there is too much dualism and emphasis on personal gods. Is it intentional that People be gradually led to realize the principle of Vedanta through dualism? If yes, Is it that much necessary?
SWAMIJI: Advaita as a philosophy is really grand and most rational. But in practice most of us are dualists. Mind cannot think of abstract impersonal ideas. It cannot think without name and form. Love is an abstract idea. To think of love, the mind has to conjure up some form or others, and by thinking of love through that form, one may be endowed with the quality of love, in the same manner, by contemplating on goodness through same form, one may be endowed with goodness. Extending this logic, we may conveniently say that by thinking and worshiping god in some form, with sincerity, and devotion, one can attain the state of godhood, behind the form. We have to reach impersonal reality through personality. But if one holds onto personality with all the occupying ritualism, overlooking the impersonal reality behind it, there is the likelihood of going astray from the main path of spiritual realization. So we must keep the dualistic form of worship to the minimum. And we are doing so in our Ashrams compared to other Matts and Ashrams and most of these dualistic worships are meant for devotees who belong to various religious denominations. We have to respect the sentiments of others, being the followers of Sri Ramakrishna, who was the representative of various sects and religious practices.

MM:.There have been remarks similar to this, "Vivekananda was so much energetic and was so much in social frame. What has happened to the people of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram nowadays? Why not we see them traveling throughout the width and breadth of this country and vivify it"? Your comments.
SWAMIJI: First of all, it has to be noted that Swami Vivekananda was made of a different stuff. He was endowed with extraordinary scholarship, oratorical skill and able all deeply mystical insight into the very nature of existence, In that sense Swami Vivekananda was unique. He did his work according to his own powers. It is not that others also should follow suit. Every member of the Ramakrishna Order is doing the work following the guideliens of Swami Vivekananda. Swamiji never wanted anyone to imitate him. Rather he wanted everyone to develop his or her own individuality and grow according to his own law of froth. Swamiji's work is going on in its own way. And the monks of the order are working out th ideas of Swamiji in spite of the tremendous constraints prevailing in socio-politico-economic scenario of this country.
Moreover transformation of society is not an overnight happening. Only when each individual gets transformed society will be transformed automatically. As regards travelling, Swamiji had to travel so much because it was a historical necessity. One has to note that during the time of Swamiji technology and news media was still in an infantile stage and he had to travel to get the first-hand knowledge about the people of this country. Since the time of Swamiji so much change has taken place and the needs of the society too have become a different. Now the crucial need seems to Be to instill in the minds of people strong faith in the Poor of contemplation and the need for spiritual experience. at the same time education of the masses should become the priority. But the unprecedented technological advancement has empowered T.V and other media usurp that responsibility to educate the people and influence them. Unfortunately, these influences are not always in a desirable direction. So one can see that the responsibility or keeping the spirit of Swami Vivekananda rests on all of us, the monks, the public, the media, the administrative machinery and so on.

MM: "Education at Ramakrishna Vidyashala has been considered to be for the 'rich and intelligent' owing to its considerably higher fee structure and the competitive tests". We accept the competitive tests but how should we understand the higher fees which will keep away the talented youngsters of poor background?
SWAMIJI: It is a wrong impression that is prevalent among a section of the public that Vidyashala is meant for the rich only. The facts and figures of this residential composite college speak altogether of a different story. Let me first of all make it clear that when the menace of donation is plaguing the entire 'Educational Industry' and institutions which pride themselves as standard educational centres does not even allow a poor but merited student to enter its gates, such a menace is conspicuously absent in our Vidyashala. Our institution does not charge a single pie of donation and the cost of education provided to the student compared to its quality is highly subsidized. 30% of the students are not only from the poor but backward community and the entire expenditure of their boarding, clothes, and also their educational needs are met free of cost. Students have been given concession of various types in the entire fees viz, 50%, 30% etc,. depending upon the financial condition of the ward's parents.

A significant feature of the Vidyashala is that it is completely administered by the all-renouncing monks of the Ramakrishna Mission who are totally committed to the ideal of service without any personal reward. It is a well known fact that the educational institutions today, especially if they are giving good academic training, charge exorbitantly often becoming money-spinning institutions to those who own it. It is in this background that we have to consider the fees-structure of Vidyashala which is moderately low compared to the fee-structure prevailing in other Residential Schools. Vidyashala has tremendous infrastructure built over a number of years with excellent academic standards and so many facilities which very few institutions can boast of. When compared to other Residential schools with poorer facilities, charging enormously i,e more than a six-figure amount to the education of a boy, one has to admit that Vidyashala, is unique. Even the middle class families in the changed socio-economic scenario of this country can afford to send their children to Vidyashala

The vision of the founders of Vidyashala was to build a model school which can give quality education with all modern facilities, up to date scientific innovations with an emphasis on character-building. This is being achieved through a number of cultural training programmes, with emphasis on physical culture-some 21 playgrounds catering to the needs of 450 students-well maintained enchanting gardens to create an awareness of clean environment and bio-diversity, advanced medical facilities and healthy and nutritious food. Naturally all these involve huge expenditure to maintain and run the institution efficiently. Considering these factors fee structure in Vidyashala is not at all high. Instead of being carried away by the false information and opinion of others, it is better to have the first-hand knowledge of paying a visit to this unique institution and study the whole system of training provided here.

MM: Are you happy with the progress that India has made after Independence? How can the society work unitedly to solve the social and economic problems of our country?
SWAMIJI: The answer is both YES and NO. In several areas India's progress is spectacular. But in several other areas India has miserably failed to make any headway. Most disheartening factor is the widening gap between rich and poor, and educated and uneducated, and the total collapse of value system. In our country the progress is naturally at a s slow pace mainly because of cultural, linguistic and religious differences. Two things are acting as great barriers for Indian's progress: one is the politics without values and the other is religion without spirituality.

People of India should come forward shedding their own cultural differences identifying themselves more and more with India as a whole nation rather than with their communal or caste affiliations. This will be possible when the broad and universal messages of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda are spread among the masses of this country. Aurobindo, a great patriot and a a visionary said, 'India cannot afford to forget Vivekananda and it can do so at its own peril' For social unity there must be sacrifice on the part of individual. One can see that throughout its history, at all periods of its drooping spirit and critical times, it was the extraordinary spirit of renunciation and sacrifice on the part of some of its nobles son, that India raised from its spirit of defeatism. And Swami Vivekananda said the same law applies even now. He said India will be raised not by wielding the swords but by hoisting the flag of renunciation. Again he said, 'India will be raised when thousands of of its youth inspired by the burning spirit of renunciation will move throughout its length and breadth with the motto of serving their countrymen'

MM: What are the significant achievements of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysore?
SWAMIJI: The Ashrama has been in existence for more than eighty years. Though consumerist attitude which has dominated our thinking for past two decades or so, prompts, one to measure everything in terms of 'targets' and 'achievements', such a thinking cannot be applied especially to the works of a religious organization like Ramakrishna Ashrama, which is a branch of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Rather than 'achievement', I would like to put it as 'impace'. The impact upon the lives of the people who have opened themselves to the influence of the Ramakrishna Ashrama has been tremendous. Though it is impossible to list such instances, I would just like to mention the name of our Kuvempu, whose literary genius shows a remarkable influence of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. His book on Swami Vivekananda in Kannada has influenced thousands of Kannada people.

The Ashrama throughout its existence has been an abode of silent, austere monks who live here with total renunciation and commitment to the spirit of service. Their perseverance, determination and indomitable will to mould their lives after the illustrious example of Sri Ramakrishna, is something that cannot be 'quantified'. Monks who have trained themselves and mould their lives here in this Ashrama are rendering service in different parts of the country.

The environs of the ashrama itself is highly conducive to the spiritual development of interesteed devotees. It provides spiritual succor and solace as also counsel to innumberable people who face lot of trouble in the increasing complexity of the modern world. However, this Ashrama has undertaken various activities so as to spread messages of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda not only to the people of Mysore but throughout Karnataka and related staticstics given here to too inadequate to give you a a correct idea of thee deep impact this Ashrama has on the lives of the people.

This year too the Ashrama conducted Sharada Jnana Sudha Quiz competition and there has been a very good response. Nearly 93,000 students throughout the Karnataka state participated in it. This competition has made a good impact on the student community.

MM:What are the next scheme of things for the Mysore division?
SWAMIJI: There has been a demand to conduct more spiritual retreats that is being conducted now bimonthly. We are considering it. For the benefit of devotees who already know something about the ideas of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna, we plan to conduct more and more seminars in the Ashrama so that they study our literature deeply and share their ideas with others.

It is the teachers who are the builders of this nation. This Ashrama has already been conducting through it educational wing-Ramakrishna Institute of Moral and Spiritual Education-regular Retreats, Programmes based on Value orientation. In addition to these, the Ashrama is planning to conduct half-day retreats to the teachers. In the context of increasing erosion of values in the public life, efforts will be made in these Retreats to impress upon the teachers their significant role in shaping the lives of students to stem the tide in public life. Such retreats will be conducted on the working days of their schools in a sustained way in different phases.

In the places where Jnanavahini, our mobile unit moves, we have been slowly building core groups who can take up the responsibility of conducting some regular cultural activities for children and youth in their respective areas. We are planning to conduct special residential spiritual retreats to Train this core group of young men so that they get necessary motivation, input and also related materials to go back to their villages and implement the idea. We are planning programmes to bring the alumni of the educational institutions of Mysore Ashrama so that They renew their relation with the Ashrama and its people.

So our efforts will be directed to strengthen the bonds - the common bond or the eternal love of Sri Ramakrishna - which has bound us all through his infinite grace.

MM: Your thoughts on mysorematters.com?
SWAMIJI: It has immense possibilities. The website is already doing wonderful work in giving publicity to the silent and noble work done by individuals and organizations who by their uncommon sacrifice are trying to contribute significantly to the betterment of our society. In modern times, the print media or electronic media has been bestowed with tremendous power in shaping the thinking of people. Such power needs to be guided with a sense of responsibility and maturity. On the one hand, the commercial aspect of especially the commercial media has brought lot of illusions on common man. At the same the time, the whole media is full of reports of scams, corruption, terrorist acts etc. which people have begun to accept as a part of life the common man stands confused. In this context it is important to dispel the gloom and sense of frustration which is widely prevalent. What better method can be there than to highlight the living examples of the spirit of sacrifice who mostly remain unknown and derive inspiration from them. mysorematters.com should also invite our young surfers their opinions regarding the right use of website and electronic media