Q: Is your teaching a system of comparative religion?
Swamiji: It might convey a more definite idea to call it the kernel of all forms of religion, stripping from them the
non-essential, and laying stress on that which is the real basis.
I am a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a perfect Sannyasin whose influence and ideas I fell under.
This great Sannyasin never assumed the negative or critical attitude towards other religions, but showed their positive side -- how they could be carried into life and practiced.
To fight, to assume the antagonistic attitude, is the exact contrary of his teaching, which dwells on the truth that the world is moved by love.
You know that the Hindu religion never persecutes.
It is the land where all sects may live in peace and amity.
The Mohammedans brought murder and slaughter in their train, but until their arrival peace prevailed.
Thus the Jains, who do not believe in a God and who regard such belief as a delusion, were tolerated, and still are there today.
India sets the example of real strength, that is meekness. Dash, pluck, fight, all these things are weakness.
- Swami Vivekananda,
‘Sunday Times, London’ Interview (1896)
Swamiji: It might convey a more definite idea to call it the kernel of all forms of religion, stripping from them the
non-essential, and laying stress on that which is the real basis.
I am a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a perfect Sannyasin whose influence and ideas I fell under.
This great Sannyasin never assumed the negative or critical attitude towards other religions, but showed their positive side -- how they could be carried into life and practiced.
To fight, to assume the antagonistic attitude, is the exact contrary of his teaching, which dwells on the truth that the world is moved by love.
You know that the Hindu religion never persecutes.
It is the land where all sects may live in peace and amity.
The Mohammedans brought murder and slaughter in their train, but until their arrival peace prevailed.
Thus the Jains, who do not believe in a God and who regard such belief as a delusion, were tolerated, and still are there today.
India sets the example of real strength, that is meekness. Dash, pluck, fight, all these things are weakness.
- Swami Vivekananda,
‘Sunday Times, London’ Interview (1896)
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