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Swami Aparananda
Vedanta Society of Berkley, California

“Swamijis and dear friends! We have been listening to talks about Swami Vivekananda since the last two days. We, Swamis also become students when we hear other speakers. Today I will talk to you about Swamiji’s message briefly.

Swami Vivekananda was a whirlwind of energy. He was holding classes, giving lectures and writing letters. He left us a permanent record of his thoughts and his experiences of Vedanta. At present, several books are available of his lectures and writings, both in English and Bengali. Among all his writings, a few important messages stand out. He constantly emphasized ‘believe in yourself,’ ‘you have the strength of the universe inside you’ and ‘each person is potentially divine’. Swami Vivekananda’s message is inspiring because most of us have been inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, and his life.

He tells us how we can accomplish anything, and become anything that we want to by working hard. What is needed is strong belief in ourselves, in our potential and capacity. Part of his strength came by facing adverse situations instead of running away from them. Swamiji says we have immense potential. He emphasized that we must have confidence in ourselves. He asks us to face any problem and have faith in ourselves. Then we will succeed. He learned from his own life’s experiences. With great courage he traveled from India to America and Europe. He did not have money and did not know who would help him. Most Americans and Europeans had no clear idea about India and Indian people. However, he met people who helped him when help was needed. He was able to give lectures and conduct classes. He did all these because he wanted the Western people to understand the ideas of Vedanta. From his own experiences, this is the message that comes ‘be strong, believe in yourselves and in your potential to be able to do anything that you want.’ Thank you”