From a young age, I have been drawn to the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual luminary whose wisdom transcends time. His life, courage, and deep insights into Vedanta and Upasana continue to inspire seekers across the world. But among his many well-known stories, there exists one that deeply resonated with my personal journey at Atmabhan and under the guidance of Ashvin Deshpande.
This lesser-known story of Swami Vivekananda holds a powerful message about strength, wisdom, and self-realization, which aligns seamlessly with the core values of Atmabhan’s teachings. It is a lesson in Atma Shakti (inner strength), Dhyaan (meditation), and unwavering faith in oneself—qualities that are essential for any spiritual seeker.
The Story: A Lesson in Fearlessness
During his travels across India, Swami Vivekananda once visited Varanasi, the sacred city known for its rich spiritual heritage. As he walked through the narrow streets, he was suddenly chased by a large group of aggressive monkeys. Alarmed by their aggression, he started running. But the more he ran, the more the monkeys chased him.
Just then, an old Sadhu (sage) who was watching the scene called out to him and said:
“Stop running! Face them!”
Swami Vivekananda instantly stopped, turned around, and stood firm. To his surprise, the monkeys immediately backed off and ran away.
This simple moment became one of the most profound lessons of his life—a lesson that shaped his philosophy on fearlessness, self-mastery, and inner strength.
Lessons from This Story: How It Aligns with Atmabhan’s Teachings
At Atmabhan, we believe that true wisdom is not just in knowing but in experiencing. This story of Swami Vivekananda has deep spiritual significance that mirrors the philosophy of Atmabhan and Shri Ashvin Deshpande’s teachings
1. Fear Exists Only Until You Face It
The monkeys in this story symbolize our fears, doubts, and insecurities. The more we run from them, the stronger they become. But the moment we turn around and confront them with awareness and courage, they lose their power over us.
Through Atmabhan Meditation, I have learned that fear is a creation of the mind, not the soul. When we practice Dhyaan and Sadhana, we develop the mental strength to face life’s uncertainties with clarity and composure.
Lesson:
Stop running from your fears—face them with Atmabhan (self-awareness), and they will dissolve.
2. Strength Comes from Inner Stability, Not External Validation
Swami Vivekananda didn’t defeat the monkeys with physical strength—he conquered them with his mental strength and presence of mind.
This is one of the fundamental teachings at Atmabhan—true power does not come from external achievements, but from inner stability and unwavering self-belief. The more we align with our inner self, the less we are affected by external chaos.
Lesson:
Strength is not about fighting back; it is about standing your ground and trusting your inner wisdom.
3. Meditation & Awareness Are the Key to Fearlessness
Swami Vivekananda was able to stop running and face his fear only because he had cultivated immense self-awareness through meditation and spiritual discipline.
At Atmabhan, we practice a unique form of Guided Meditation that helps seekers develop clarity, focus, and emotional resilience. My own experience of Atmabhan’s Dhyaan practices has shown me that the mind stops creating fear when it is fully present and aware.
Lesson:
Meditation is not an escape; it is the tool to master the mind and eliminate fear.
Final Thoughts: Becoming Fearless in Our Own Lives
This simple story of Swami Vivekananda contains a powerful truth—fear is an illusion, and the only way to conquer it is to face it head-on with self-awareness and inner strength.
Through my journey with Atmabhan and Shri Ashvin Deshpande, I have realized that fear is not the absence of courage—it is the absence of self-awareness. When we truly understand ourselves, we naturally develop the fearlessness to walk any path with confidence.
Are you ready to stop running and face your fears?
