Archbishop and RKM stress on inclusiveness

KOLKATA: Archbishop Thomas D’Souza and Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture (RKMIC) secretary Swami Suparnananda stressed on inclusiveness and unity while celebrating Christmas Eve at the institute on Monday evening with the young members of Vivekananda Study Circle.
“All religions lead to God,” Archbishop D’Souza told the packed auditorium at Golpark, echoing Ramakrishna’s words — “ Jato mat, tato path” .The Archbishop deliberated on the common threads that bind all of humanity, irrespective of faith, caste, creed and doctrines.
“Jesus was like an elder brother to Ramakrishna and a guiding spirit for Swami Vivekananda. Thus, Christmas is a sacred day for the mission as well,” said Swami Suparnananda.
The archbishop narrated the story of how four months after the demise of Ramakrishna in 1886, Swami Vivekananda and other disciples decided to take sanyas (adherence to the monastic life). “That day was Christmas. Thus, Christmas is sacred for all the monks in the Ramakrishna Mission order,” the Archbishop said.
Earlier, he questioned the root of hatred and violence. “We all belong to humanity. If we are from the same human family, how can we hate each other? Kill each other? Whenever it happens anywhere in the world, it deeply saddens us. Ramakrishna Mission is one example of championing openness” he said.
“Christmas, which is celebrated with faith and love, was close Swami Vivekananda’s heart. He embraced humanity by starting his address to the congregation at the Parliament of the World’s Religions at Chicago by saying “my sisters and brothers”. Thus, we cannot ignore the inclusive approach of Swami Vivekananda during Christmas, which also champions the same spirit,” he said
“Swamiji’s openness towards all religions has brought us together. Like the teachings of Jesus, Swamiji has also taught us to live a life of truth, as peace stems from it. When we live in peace, harmony comes. We must understand the value of love, giving, detachment, service and joy. What a wonderful world we can have, if we live like brothers and sisters as conceived by Swamiji,” the archbishop added.
“Swamiji used to say that a good Christian is a good Hindu and a good Muslim is a good Christian. Thus, all are one in pursuit of divinity on different routes,” said Swami Suparnananda.