July 4th, a Memorable day!

1. On July 4, 1902, Swami Vivekananda attained mukti at the age of 39. His life and teachings had and continues to have a tremendous impact and dynamic influence world-wide. He inspired not only the Indian Freedom Movement but also societies and individuals world over. He introduced Yoga and Vedanta to the West. He helped to restore a sense of pride among Indians.

Another of his great contribution to Hinduism is by clearly delineating the difference between the Sruti and the Smritis: "Vivekananda made a strict demarcation between the two classes of Hindu scriptures : the Sruti and the Smritis. The Sruti, by which is meant the Vedas, consist of eternally and universally valid spiritual truths. The Smritis on the other hand, are the dos and donts of religions, applicable to society and subject to revision from time to time. Vivekananda felt that existing Hindu smritis had to be revised for modern times. But the Srutis of course are eternal - they may only be re-interpreted.Vivekanda advised his followers to be holy, unselfish and have shraddha (faith)"(Wikipedia).

I have been attracted to Swami Vivekananda right from my school days. I came to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Holy Mother Sarada Devi through him only. Later through my friend, Dr.R.Janakiraman(who has been the turning point in my life), I became closer to the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement.

Some of Swamiji's quotes, I repeat frequently and they have been sustaining me through difficulties and challenges. A few important of these:

(a) Anything that makes you weak - physically, mentally and spiritually - reject it as poison.
(b) Arise! Awake! and Stop not till the goal is reached!
(c) For the coward, neither this world nor the other world.
(d) Strength is Life, weakness is death. Expansion is Life, Contraction is Death. Love is Life, Hatred is Death.

My salutations to Swamiji, Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother on this memorable day!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Vivekananda

Vivekananda's Dynamic Influence on Societies and Individuals - His Contributions to Humanity -His Lasting lLgacy to the World. http://www.vivekanandagospel.org/

Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda: http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/vivekananda/complete_works.htm

Quotes from Swami Vivekananda:
http://www.angelfire.com/me2/sutras/sv.html

2. July 4th is the Independence Day of the United States of America.

"In the United States, Independence Day (commonly known as "the Fourth of July","July Fourth", or even simply "The Fourth") is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.
Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Fireworks have been associated with the Fourth of July since 1777." (Wikipedia)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28United_States%29