WHEN OUR 'REVERENCE' FLOWS IN OPPOSING CURRENT TO THE REVERED ONE'S LIFE

WHEN OUR 'REVERENCE' FLOWS IN OPPOSING CURRENT TO THE REVERED ONE'S LIFE

Let us follow the ideals these seminal ones represent instead of idle idolising. Vidyasagar's whole life was an exemplification of ideal practised to some degree of fulfilment. We should live like him instead of engaging in mere verbal indulgences tantamount to nothing. Efficiency in work, honesty of approach, manifestation of courage of conviction and character would serve better to further the cause that he stood for and be a more robust expression of our reverence. When the young Kalikrishna (future Swami Virajananda) and his fellow mates (all future monks of the nascent Ramakrishna Order) went to Vidyasagar begging for a small contribution that would help them celebrate a festival in honour of Sri Ramakrishna, the great one rebuffed them politely on grounds of uselessness of the endeavour in terms of real social welfare. The learned one of large compassion rejected all forms of passive piety and would have appreciated us in following suit for the betterment of society.

Written by Sugata Bose