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SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S MESSAGE
TO MODERN MAN
Swami Rasajananda
Swami Lokeshwaranandaji was to have come here to bless the proceedings, but as he could not, he sent me here in his place. While coming here, I was told that I should speak about Swami Vivekananda's message to the modern man. Well, I have not come here prepared, therefore, my speech will be totally extempore. That is good in one respect because I can speak what I feel from my heart. I shall give expression to ideas, just as they strike me, within the time allotted to me.
The topic I am to speak on is Swami Vivekananda's message to the modern man. Who is the modern man? We may say we are all modern men, living in 1993. Then, what was Swaini Vivekananda's message to us who are living in this year, 1993, not only to we Indians, but to the whole of humanity? First of all, it may be asked if there is any need for a message from Swami Vivekananda. Certainly, the answer is an emphatic yes! Why? Modern man has not attained peace, harmony or happiness in spite of the fantastic advancement, particularly in science and technology. Science and technology are indeed a great boon for mankind as a whole, but there is also a need for qualification.
With the help of this microphone, my voice is able to reach you all, showing thereby the good side of science. But, what of all the innocent people who had nothing to do with instigating World War II? I am referring to the civilians of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They were subjected to intensive bombardment from which this generation is still suffering.
Then the question arises, why has science not given man fullness, happiness, harmony and peace? That is because science is not dealing with the whole of man. Science is not dealing with all the aspects of the world. Its domain is limited. By science alone, a man cannot be happy. That is quite clear. No doubt, a lot of happiness has come from its creative, con
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