Swamiji explains the practical side of Vedanta in daily life. He says that our duty is constantly changing: for example, a man is a husband to his wife one moment, a son to his parents in another, then a father to his children, and then a friend to his buddies, etc etc. So we need to perform these with utmost dedication and care. Like dressing ourselves differently for different occasions of life.
Bhagavan always stresses this side of spirituality actually. That we are always projecting ourselves onto this world anyways, and we should remain aware of who and where in each situation, and act accordingly. A lot of suffering in this world comes from failing to do so!
(Viewers are encouraged to read the classical book Karma Yoga by Swami Vivekananda.)
In general, when we hear spiritual teachings, we have to learn them properly. And it takes time and practice for these teachings to become fully integrated into our lives and make practical sense.
Swamiji recounts how Bhagavan taught him a lesson on practical Vedanta once. He sent swamiji to buy something in the market and was observing him from the side. Then when swamiji returned, Bhagavan taught him a lesson. He explained that you cannot be naive and ignorant in life. When you go to a shopkeeper, the seller is playing his role, which is to maximize profit. He will take advantage of you if you are not properly playing your role as a consumer. So know who you are, and act accordingly to protect your interests, i.e. do your duty. If you don’t, you will suffer greatly in this world, because the world is full of these apparent contradictions: seller and buyer, boss and worker, etc. etc. Know your role and follow it with utmost care and dedication.
Swami Vivekananda taught - do work for work's sake. Do your duty. Gradually remove the selfish motivations behind your actions, and then develop the unselfish motivation. This will greatly reduce suffering, purify your mind, and make you progress spiritually advance in strides!
Biography of Swami Nirgunananda
Bhagavan always stresses this side of spirituality actually. That we are always projecting ourselves onto this world anyways, and we should remain aware of who and where in each situation, and act accordingly. A lot of suffering in this world comes from failing to do so!
(Viewers are encouraged to read the classical book Karma Yoga by Swami Vivekananda.)
In general, when we hear spiritual teachings, we have to learn them properly. And it takes time and practice for these teachings to become fully integrated into our lives and make practical sense.
Swamiji recounts how Bhagavan taught him a lesson on practical Vedanta once. He sent swamiji to buy something in the market and was observing him from the side. Then when swamiji returned, Bhagavan taught him a lesson. He explained that you cannot be naive and ignorant in life. When you go to a shopkeeper, the seller is playing his role, which is to maximize profit. He will take advantage of you if you are not properly playing your role as a consumer. So know who you are, and act accordingly to protect your interests, i.e. do your duty. If you don’t, you will suffer greatly in this world, because the world is full of these apparent contradictions: seller and buyer, boss and worker, etc. etc. Know your role and follow it with utmost care and dedication.
Swami Vivekananda taught - do work for work's sake. Do your duty. Gradually remove the selfish motivations behind your actions, and then develop the unselfish motivation. This will greatly reduce suffering, purify your mind, and make you progress spiritually advance in strides!
Biography of Swami Nirgunananda
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