'MANHOOD IS MY GOSPEL' -- SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

'MANHOOD IS MY GOSPEL' -- SWAMI VIVEKANANDA 

We must emphasise martial culture more. Commercial culture is eating into our vitals. It is weakening the polity with its slow poisoning effect. Economic strength must not be achieved at the cost of character. The advertising culture that we see today is indicative of a character-rot which needs to be checked if we are to rise as a nation. Harmonious development of the fourfold system, namely, the spiritual-intellectual, the martial, the commercial and the labouring, must be achieved for overall national development. 

This loss of vitality, of virtue, of valour, of overall character in our national life is the result of the unrestrained play of the forces of greed, the third human vice, whose suppression has been exhorted even in our Upanishads ('Ma gridha' -- covet not). We have to be more manly in our means and mores if strength is to come to the nation, if continence is to revivify the children of Bharat. This weak submission to the copper coin which goes against the foundational teaching of Sri Ramakrishna cannot lead to any lasting good. Rather it will destroy our nation by enervating us. Reflect on how you talk, walk, sing, dance, act, behave and how you advertise your products. Consciously exhibit manhood in every phase of national life. That will lead to lasting good. Remember, strength is life.

Written by Sugata Bose