Centre Par Excellence – Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Mangalore

 

Centre Par Excellence – Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Mangalore

We’ve all come across at least once in our lives, institutes, which have profoundly impacted our views, and helped lay a foundation on which we could build the edifice of our being. Places which have stood the test of time, which have become the beacons of strength in the ever-changing landscape of family, work and society. The importance of such institutes can never be communicated in rhetoric words, as their influence run deeper into our souls and are too pure to be stained with our flamboyant review of them. Yet, their enormous contributions in our lives, mandates that we remember them fondly. Hence, by expressing our gratitude we put into practice the lessons we have so affectionately been taught by them.

The legacy that has been bequeathed to the masses of our country after years of penance and perfection by the noble and charismatic Swami Vivekananda, in the form of Ramakrishna Math & Mission has been a testament to the long and strong lineage of Guru-Shishya Parampara. This endowment to the society affirms the principles enshrined and respected in our fundamental texts, of upliftment of society and individual empowerment, etched in our minds as, “Atmano Mokshartha Jagad Hithayacha.” Ramakrishna Math & Mission has continually led the path, for generations together, and has taught us the purpose of leading a meaningful life, and being a responsible contributor to the society.

Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Mangalore, is a powerhouse of wisdom, right action and a spiritual oasis. It has undertaken countless pursuits, which have brought people of all the sections of the society together. It has given them a common stable platform, infused with spirituality to attain goals for their overall development and that of the community. And, it has done so, unreservedly and conclusively. Its history is as honourable & righteous as the endeavours of the monks serving under it. The coastal city of Mangalore is indeed privileged to have at the heart of it, Ramakrishna Math & Mission, rhythmically thumping the tenets of Vedanta through its benevolent activities. It is well known that the work of a great institute is measured in terms of the number of lives it has touched and positively changed. The service rendered by The Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Mangalore, is as old as the time period of the independent India and as aspirational as a young Indian. It is a perfect confluence of tried & tested cultural morals and modern will. Through its deeds and sometimes by its mere presence, it has carried a phenomenal influence on the minds of many individuals, who unswervingly continue to take forward the message and teachings of the holy trio. Time bears witness to the revival of the life lessons embedded deeply in our cultural heritage.

To be able to breathe and be in the presence of the divine beings of this institution is undeniably a rare blessing. Clad in a simple ochre robe, they are the epitome of selfless service and the highest that a man can be and ought to be. They make living appear so effortless regardless of the changing times and re-instil our faith in humanity. Nothing short of a miracle is what you can experience in their presence. Time and again, Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Mangalore, has proved to the society, that it doesn’t take a miracle to bring a positive change but rather a consistent belief system i.e. to be good and do good. Deriving inspiration from the eternal words of Swami Vivekananda, they’ve piloted several initiatives whose fruits we are all knowingly or unknowingly partaking.

It is easy to forget and get lost in the pages of history, either for the lack of earnest recording or the inability in keeping it up with the passing of times. On one side, when collective efforts from large scale organizations and governments find it difficult to keep alive the details of history with clarity, which are barely 75-80 years old, on the other side we see, Ramakrishna Math & Mission, which have succeeded in not only preserving the history, but in disseminating it in a natural, unbiased and undiluted manner. It has been made possible due to their unwavering sincerity, unabated consistency and unfaltering devotion to the truth. This quality of theirs is not something found newly, in a particular generation, but rather something cultivated for years with dedication and persistence. It is this man making education of values which Swami Vivekananda imparted to all as the essential element for character building, whose results are out for the world to see and has been evident for more than a century now.

The greatness of values is that it is very precise, specific and particular to human kind and human kind alone, and to reach an understanding of it not by accident but by sheer effort is what separates us from the rest of nature’s creation. We may refuse to believe in them, we may even reject its lessons, but we can’t deny its existence. It is possible to not see the worth of it right away, because it demands attention, patience and practice from our end. Most of the time this is a lot to fulfil for an individual in his life. Apparently, this is why it is a road less travelled and is probably why we should harness whatever learnings we can from those who have walked on this path. The monks of Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Mangalore (& elsewhere), having traversed this path of austere life, and being continually immersed in its ways are a vital source of wisdom from whom we can seek the righteous means of living and remedies for our insurmountable existential problems. Let our efforts bring solace and with purposes which are beneficial to all that inhabit this planet, let us embark on a journey to replenish our roots and connect it with the whole once again. For those of you who want to reap the benefits and begin this voyage, let it be known that regular articles in various publications, discourse, guidance and retreats are organized for the benefit of seekers of truth which addresses the queries listed above.

Requesting the readers to benefit from the teachings of the holy trio and their sincere followers either through the publications of Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Mangalore (& elsewhere), or by your personal visit to their premises. Let this pursuit of virtuous life be both materialistically and spiritually rewarding to you.

In service to the individual and all. Jai Ramakrishna.