Swami Dayananda Saraswati. Profound thinker, philosopher, teacher and writer. From humble beginnings in Manjakkudi, a village on the Kaveri delta, in 1930, to a world renowned spiritual leader is in itself no small achievement. Compound that with taking centre stage at the United Nations, ordaining over 200 disciples dedicated to teaching Vedanta, founding Arsha Vidya Gurukulams in India and the US, and students spread across the world, from Australia to South America, from Canada and the US to the Reunion Islands, and the list would by no means be exhaustive.
A sweeping look at his contribution to spiritual civilisation as a whole – continuing the teaching tradition of Vedanta, creating an official voice of Hindu consciousness – striving for mutual respect, equality and freedom for all religions through dialogues at the international level, as understanding of cultures is the key to global peace – creating avenues to reach help to people in need – initiating projects to strengthen Vedic dharma / culture – brings us to a master, whose concern and vision encompass the individual, the nation, and the world.
He does not seek praise nor does he encourage his disciples and devotees in that direction. Averse to publicity to the point of self-effacement, never does Swami Dayananda the person, intrude. He works behind the scenes like true leaders do, encouraging the talents and skills of people who come into contact with him. He always finds ways to help, reaching out to those in need, no matter how slight or serious their problem. His approach is “how to address their problems, and not how to answer their questions or turn them away.”
If compassion, intellect, erudition, wisdom and quiet self-assurance, imbued with humbleness, were to take a human form, then it would certainly be Swami Dayananda Saraswati. He travels extensively spreading the message of the ancient rishis of this country, convinced that the Vedic vision is as essential and valid today as it was thousands of years ago.
Link: Swami Dayananda - The Person (www.swamidayananda.com)
