Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Power Capsules

Visited the Ramakrishna Math in Ulsoor (Bangalore) for the new year last week. It was quite, not unexpectedly, crowded. Though I generally prefer sitting there in solitude and silence, it was a visit that I am thrilled about. Ask me why! :-) Primarily because I discovered a lot of new books at the Math's book-shop.

One of the books I picked up is called "Power Capsules" and comprises short and inspiring thoughts by Swami Vivekananda. Simply awesome stuff. Believe me. I am in total awe of Swami V all over again! There's an electrifying power in his words...enough to charge a billion people to start with. I can't imagine how powerful it may have been to hear him live! As I read the book, I couldn't help but wonder why we're not making it compulsory for school students to read his works. I think every school-going kid must be introduced to Swami V's thoughts and ideas. My mind jumps with joy at the very thought of what a wonderful influence and experience that will turn out to be for the kids. The sooner they get to know him, the better. I have no doubts that it will lead them on to a brave and constructive life. (Wonder if the Ramakrishna Mission schools make it compulsory for their students to read the Mission's literature. Would be a joy to observe the influence that it has on the kids studying there).


Sample this from the book "Power Capsules": "Education is not the amount of information that is put into your brain and runs riot there, undigested, all your life. We must have life-building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas. If you have assimilated five ideas and made them your life and character, you have more education than any man who has got by heart a whole library"

"Be not afraid of anything. You will do marvellous work. The moment you fear, you are nobody. It is fear that is the great cause of misery in the world. It is fear that is the cause of all our woes and it is fearlessness that brings heaven even in a moment"

"We need to have three things: the heart to feel, the brain to conceive, the hand to work. Make yourself a dynamo...If you are pure, if you are strong, you, one man, are equal to the whole world."

I think I'll share more in my subsequent posts......if this post doesn't motivate you to go around and look for books by one of the most charismatic and inspiring people I've ever come across.

11 comments:

asimov said...

I have worked in one of the Ramakrishna mission for a year after retirement. The teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Annai Saradambal and vivekenanda- commenly called Trinity is a must for the students of Ramamkrishna Mission. If you visit chennai pl.visit Sri Ramamkrishna mission meditation hall at mylapore.They are doing excellent service by promoting education to the poor people. The schools are located in and around T.Nagar.

Anonymous said...

Very good stuff! New to your blog but like your postings....I love pithy sayings: Here's one from Mark Twain: "If you don't read the Newspapers, you are uninformed; if you DO read the newspapers, you are misinformed." Following your blog! :)

Nimmy said...

Hello Asimov!
Excellent! How was the experience? Were you involved in teaching students? I've been to the Mylapore Math once...but that was really long back...and I think I visited only the book shop. Next time, I shall spend more time at the Math as well! :-) Thanks for the recommendation...!

Hello Bushka,
Thanks for the comment and following my blog. Mark Twain, at the risk of repeating myself, is a darling! :-D LoL. No wonder I don't read the newspapers! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Good Lass! Getting my news updates from On-line services based in various countries. Re-exploring history of India at the moment -- via reading. Have to make sure of best Historians writing in English -- busy with John Keay. You will also note from my blog that I am very much of a cross-cultural and cross-religious disposition. Keep in touch! :)

Nimmy said...

:-) Sure thing! I visited your blog and was inspired by your write-ups. But had to rush out to catch up with some work. Need to come back some time. Will be adding your blog to my RSS feeds...! Cross-cultural and cross-religious disposition...in other words...a wise man! :-))

Anonymous said...

Thanks! Wise? Mmmm...Let's say, well-informed...inclined to 'chew-the-cud', in a manner of speaking. It seems that you and I might have similar inclinations. Good to have each other on board.:):):)

Anonymous said...

Very nice post and quotes.

Atul said...

Wonderful! Indeed, the simplicity with which Swami Vivekananda and indeed, Sri Ramakrishna could explain things is wonderful indeed. What they do is to make you realize that God lies within and that the power to create is within.

Nimmy said...

Hey Atul...how are you doing? Long time...! Thanks for the comment. Quite...! You say it well! :-)

Anonymous said...

Great to read about vivekananda
I am a great admirer.

You can read a related post on vivekananda in Inspire Minds Blog.
This post tells us how Narendra became Vivekananda.

URL of related story

http://changeminds.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/how-narendra-became-%e2%80%98swami-vivekananda/

URL of blog

http://changeminds.wordpress.com/

I found out this blog while searching google for inspire minds. I just wanted to share this info.

Ravi ram

TandyGreigCherlyn said...

yes, rama krishna math is a very greatable place, i think. whatever he(swami Vivekananda)tolds sentenses everyone is a very valuable sentense.