Monthly Readings

October 1, 2008

Time and Eternity

What is time? It is something that plays a huge role in the way we experience our everyday lives. In fact, without time, life as we know it would be impossible. Time is something that is always with us, that appears to be close at hand—a palpable reality. Sometimes we stress out over not having enough of it. We say we are pressed for time or are racing against the clock to get something done.
September 1, 2008

Spirituality in Daily Life

One who has “discovered” one’s innermost Reality and identifies oneself with all that exists is called a “sthita-prajna” in Chapter Two of the Bhagavad Gita.
August 1, 2008

Can We Not Give Too?

The service activities of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, inspired by the motto given by Swami Vivekananda—atmano mokshartham jagaddhitaya cha—have been steadily expanding, for the good of many, for the happiness of many. Besides the sannyasins and brahmacharins of the Order, a large number of devotees and admirers have dedicated themselves to this service, inspired by the ideology of “service to humans as worship of God”.
July 1, 2008

Bodhisattva of Compassion

This morning’s topic is “Bodhisattva of Compassion.” During the month of May, on the full moon day, it is customary in our Vedanta Societies to celebrate Buddha Purnima. This immensely sacred day, known to Buddhists as Vaisak, is considered thrice-blessed, for it commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment, and his departure from this world, three pivotal events in human history.
June 1, 2008

Sri Ramakrishna: Patron Saint of the Bengali Stage

Girishchandra Ghosh, the noted Bengali playwright and prominent disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, brought his master to see many of his plays. And by doing so, Girish made him the patron saint of the Bengali stage. Through his plays, Girish carried Ramakrishna’s message to the red-light districts of Calcutta. Christopher Isherwood notes: ‘In those days, actresses in the Bengali theatre were regarded as no better than prostitutes—a prejudice which also persisted in England until at least the beginning of the nineteenth century.’