Swami Vivekananda Thoughts on Meaning of Rishi
Swami Vivekananda’s insights into the formation of human
character, as expressed in the quote, highlight a profound understanding of the
interplay between pleasure, pain, good, and evil in shaping an individual’s
nature. To expand on this with additional information, stories, quotes from
Hindu scriptures, and other relevant facts, let's delve deeper into these
concepts.
The Role of Pleasure and Pain in Shaping Character
Swami Vivekananda's observation that pleasure and pain have
different but equally important impacts on the soul is rooted in the duality
that is central to human experience. In Hindu philosophy, life is seen as a
balance of opposites—joy and sorrow, light and darkness, good and evil. This
duality is encapsulated in the concept of "Dvaita" or dualism,
where the universe is seen as a play of opposing forces.
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in
Hinduism, also emphasizes the role of pleasure and pain in shaping a person's
character. In Chapter 2, Verse 14, Lord Krishna says:
"Mātrā-sparśās tu kaunteya śhītoṣhṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ,
āgamāpāyino ’nityās tans-titikṣhasva bhārata."
“O son of Kunti, the non-permanent appearance of
happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the
appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from
sense perception, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed.”
This verse suggests that pleasure and pain are temporary and
that the wise person learns to endure them with equanimity. The experiences of
joy and suffering are necessary for growth and learning. This aligns with Swami
Vivekananda's assertion that both good and evil contribute equally to the
formation of character.
Good and Evil as Teachers
Swami Vivekananda’s statement that "misery is a greater
teacher than happiness" resonates with the Hindu concept of Karma
and the lessons it imparts. The Law of Karma teaches that every action has
consequences, and through these consequences—whether they bring joy or
sorrow—individuals learn and evolve. The Upanishads, another set of
foundational Hindu scriptures, repeatedly emphasize the importance of
self-reflection and learning from all life experiences, whether they are
perceived as positive or negative.
A well-known story from the Mahabharata illustrates
how challenges and suffering can mold character:
Story of Arjuna and Karna
Arjuna and Karna, two of the greatest warriors in the
Mahabharata, had vastly different experiences that shaped their characters.
Arjuna, though born as a prince and loved by all, faced numerous challenges
throughout his life. His exile, his moral dilemmas during the war, and the
losses he faced made him a wise and compassionate leader. Karna, on the other
hand, born to a lowly charioteer and shunned by society despite his valor,
developed a character filled with both nobility and bitterness. His suffering led
him to align with the wrong side in the war, showcasing how suffering, when not
understood or accepted, can lead to a character that is conflicted and tragic.
This story exemplifies how suffering and happiness both
contribute to character building, but the ultimate outcome depends on how these
experiences are processed.
The Balance of Duality in the Upanishads
The Upanishads, which delve into the deeper aspects of human
existence and consciousness, often speak about the necessity of experiencing
dualities to transcend them. The Isha Upanishad states:
"Tena tyaktena bhunjithah, ma gridhah kasya svid
dhanam."
“By renunciation, enjoy. Do not covet, for whose is
wealth?”
This verse suggests that true enjoyment and liberation come
not from indulging in pleasure or avoiding pain, but from transcending them
through detachment and understanding their temporary nature.
Lesser-Known Facts and Insights
- The
Concept of "Ritam": In Vedic philosophy, Ritam
represents the cosmic order, the principle of natural justice, and truth.
Pleasure and pain are seen as parts of this cosmic order, ensuring that
individuals experience the results of their past actions to learn and
grow.
- Swami
Vivekananda’s Life: Swami Vivekananda’s own life was a testament to
his teachings. He faced immense challenges, including poverty, rejection,
and the loss of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. These experiences
deepened his understanding and compassion, shaping him into a spiritual
leader who emphasized the importance of resilience and the ability to
learn from every experience.
- Quotes
from Vivekananda: Another quote by Swami Vivekananda that complements
the idea of character formation is: “The world is the great gymnasium
where we come to make ourselves strong.”
This emphasizes that life’s challenges, including both
pleasure and pain, are opportunities to develop inner strength and character.
The Importance of Suffering in Hindu Philosophy
In Hindu thought, suffering is often seen as a Guru
(teacher). The Yoga Vasistha, a spiritual text, tells the story of King Bhagiratha,
who underwent severe penance and suffering to bring the river Ganga down to
earth. His suffering was not in vain; it led to the purification and salvation
of his ancestors and brought spiritual merit to the world.
This story illustrates the Hindu belief that suffering, when approached with the right attitude, can lead to great spiritual achievements and character development.
Swami Vivekananda’s reflection on character formation through the interplay of pleasure and pain is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy. Both pleasure and pain, good and evil, play vital roles in shaping a person’s character, teaching valuable lessons, and leading to spiritual growth. The scriptures, stories, and teachings of Hinduism reinforce the idea that life’s dualities are necessary for the development of a strong, balanced, and enlightened character. Through these experiences, individuals can transcend their limitations, achieving greater understanding and ultimately, liberation.