In this issue

The Vedanta Kesari, meaning ” Lion of Vedanta”, is a spiritual and cultural monthly in English published from Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. This Magazine contains articles on Indian spiritual traditions and scriptures, mainly focusing on Vedanta as expounded by Swami Vivekananda, the illustrious disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. The focus of the magazine is to promote a spiritual and matured outlook towards life. It advocates renunciation of selfish desires along with the service to others in a spirit of worship.

Faith

A man in the world should practise discrimination and pray to God, ‘Give me faith and devotion.’ Once a person has faith he has achieved everything. There is nothing greater than faith.

2 mins

Swami Vivekananda's Contributions to Hinduism

Swami Vivekananda was a prince among sannyasis.

10+ mins

Reminiscences of Sargachhi

Swami Premeshananda (1884 – 1967) was a disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi. For over two decades he lived at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi, West Bengal. Under his inspiration countless people led a life of spirituality and service, and many young men and women entered into monastic life. His conversations – translated from Bengali and presented below – were noted by his attendant who is now Srimat Swami Suhitananda Ji, one of the VicePresidents of the Ramakrishna Order.

5 mins

What is Worth Pursuing?

We pursue so many things in life — money, entertainment, health, job, house, car, companion, children, pets, education, skills, knowledge, etc.

5 mins

Akka Mahadevi: Bhakta's Bhakti to Aikya Bhakti

Spiritual life is a graded journey towards realising the Truth. In Lingayatism, this graded path is referred to as Shatsthala, or the six stages of spiritual progression. This article attempts to understand this spiritual movement as revealed in Akka Mahadevi’s vacanas. The life and message of Akka Mahadevi were presented by the author in our July and August 2020 issues.

10+ mins

A Friend in Need

A fictional narrative based on incidents from the childhood of Swami Vivekananda.

3 mins

The Royal Devotee

The Story of Kulashekhara Aazhvaar

5 mins

Kedarnath Chattopadhyay

This is the sixth story in the series on devotees who had a role in the divine play of Sri Ramakrishna.

4 mins

Worshipping the Universal Consciousness

With reference to the religion of the Hindus, two criticisms are usually levelled: that it is idolatry, and that it advocates. Swami Vivekananda said that he too believed that Hindus were idolaters, and to pay the penalty for that he had to learn his lesson sitting at the feet of one who realised everything through idols. We address these two issues in this article.

10+ mins

Pariprasna

Srimat Swami Tapasyananda Ji (1904 – 1991) was one of the Vice-Presidents of the Ramakrishna Order. His deeply convincing answers to devotees’ questions raised in spiritual retreats and in personal letters have been published in book form as Spiritual Quest: Questions & Answers. Pariprasna is a selection from this book.

4 mins

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The Vedanta Kesari Magazine Description:

The Vedanta Kesari, meaning ” Lion of Vedanta”, is a spiritual and cultural monthly in English published from Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai. This Magazine contains articles on Indian spiritual traditions and scriptures, mainly focusing on Vedanta as expounded by Swami Vivekananda, the illustrious disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. The focus of the magazine is to promote a spiritual and matured outlook towards life. It advocates renunciation of selfish desires along with the service to others in a spirit of worship.