After a long long hiatus, it is only fitting to return to writing on the birthday of the man who said the words that make the title of this blog: Swami Vivekananda.Sure New Years was 12 days ago, but it was on this day in 1863 that the lion of all men was born. So in remembrance of him, I thought it was appropriate to take some inspiration from him and bring some of his words to life.
"Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached." -- Swami Vivekananda
Hearing these words of that great wandering monk of the East, inspiration permeates my body. Looking at the radiant face of that young man standing confidently with his hands folded striking that famous pose, one can only begin to feel a sense of enthusiasm and positive attitude.
His life was brief--only 39 years. But his thoughts are immortal. His message of can-do attitude and incessant pursuit of higher aims speak volumes to today's youth who are quick to accept the status quo and be satisfied by mediocrity. He traveled all across America and spoke of lofty ideals and virtues, far beyond what the people could comprehend. Yet, it was not a dreamy idealism.
He believed that each human being was full of potential and could reach the pinnacle of life -- self-realization. His own life was a living example of it and it was this message that he delivered to humanity, wherever he went. Faced with the countless political, social and economic challenges of our time, that bold gaze of his speaks volumes to us. Do not run away from struggles and hardships, it says. Instead, stare them down eye-to-eye and just like that, they'll disappear.
On this 149th birth anniversary of Vivekananda, his inspiring thoughts speak directly to our generation. They are a call to action. We have enjoyed the fruits of the previous generations' efforts and we rode the coattails of our forefathers as far as we could. Now we must arise from our slumber. It is an election year, and it is hardly the time to sit idle. Our problems are real--growing economic inequalities, a crumbling education system, an insurmountable debt, and the list goes on... the goal is clear: America's return to glory and prosperity, and the time is now. So I say to my fellow brothers and sisters--and also to myself--what this powerful man once told the world, "Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached."
Never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is the greatest heresy to think so. If there is sin, this is the only sin; to say that you are weak, or others are weak. - Swami Vivekananda
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