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"The
wavy waters in the picture are symbolic of Karma,
the lotus of Bhakti and the rising-sun, of Jnana.
The encircling serpent is indicative of Yoga and the
awakened Kundalini Shakti, while
the swan in the picture stands for the Paramatman.
Therefore, the idea of the picture is that by the
union of Karma, Jnana, Bhakti
and Yoga, the vision of the Paramatman
is obtained." |
| "In 1897, Vivekananda
founded the Ramakrishna
Math and Mission and framed its rules and regulations. He delineated
the aims and ideals of the Ramakrishna
Order, which are purely spiritual and humanitarian in nature. Property
was purchased at Belur, across the river from Calcutta, which became the
headquarters of the Order. There Vivekananda installed the relics of Sri
Ramakrishna. 'The Master once told me,' said Vivekananda, ' "I will
go and live wherever you take me, carrying me on your shoulder, be it under
a tree or in the humblest cottage."' Two days before his passing away
Vivekananda made this prophetic statement: 'The spiritual impact that has
come here to Belur will last fifteen hundred years - and this will be a
great university. Do not think I imagine it - I see it.' "
- From the introduction to "Vedanta: Voice of Freedom", by Swami Chetanananda, of the Vedanta Society of St. Louis. ( The image above is elliptical instead of circular because it is based on a photograph taken by Swami Shantarupananda from below of a sculpture of the symbol at Belur Math. Aliza Allen, a devotee of the Vedanta Society of Portland, enhanced and colored the image.) |
