Swami Vivekananda, a prominent figure in India’s spiritual and philosophical landscape, advocates for a philosophy of non-condemnation and compassionate action in his famous saying, “Condemn none: if you stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless brothers, and let them go their own way.” These words encapsulate the essence of his teachings, emphasizing the importance of refraining from judgment and criticism while promoting a proactive approach to extending support and kindness to others. Vivekananda’s message underscores the power of empathy and understanding in fostering harmonious relationships and fostering a more compassionate society. By encouraging individuals to offer assistance when possible and to withhold condemnation when unable to help, Vivekananda promotes a worldview rooted in empathy, humility, and respect for the autonomy of others. His words serve as a timeless reminder of the transformative potential of compassion and the significance of uplifting others through both action and acceptance.
Tag: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators.
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, explain the meaning of the quote.
- In Body, explain all the terminologies mentioned in the quote.
- Conclude, the answer with an opinion.
Answer:
The quote is about the values of leadership, absence of coercion and along with that it is also concerned with the empowerment of people. No person, no one or nothing should be criticized strongly for moral or other reasons. Who we are to express complete disapproval of something! We can’t force someone to accept something which a person doesn’t want to. The best we can do is to give a helping hand with the potential to better the course and the conclusion of an event is the most valuable move.
We should not condemn anyone because:
- Everyone has their own ideas, path and method of progress. If their path is not acceptable or if their ideas are not agreeable, we should not impose our decision, we can better give suggestions but cannot condemn. Moreover, we should keep in mind that -what we consider good for a person may not be good for others.
- Every person has individualism and a unique soul. So, we should not condemn anyone but have to give necessary respect to the views and decisions of others.
- If a person commits mistakes, then he has the free will to commit mistakes, it is not that he has to follow one’s direction. But yes, again we can make him/her aware of things, give suggestions but cannot condemn or commit mistakes.
Swami Vivekananda’s idea of helping hands:
- If someone is following a different path which is not suggested, then we should still extend our helping hands and as Swami Vivekananda said, “helping hands are better than praying lips”.
- Along with that, we can give handholding and Altruism as a gesture of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Criticism doesn’t help anyone. Rather, it makes a person less eager to work. It spreads negativity. On the other hand, helping someone or for something gives support, confidence, and hope to a person to work harder.
- If we are not in a position to offer help, a respectful greeting and asking for God’s help and protection for someone or something is the best we can do.
The statement holds significance not only in day to day personal life but also in professional duties of, say, civil servants. A clerk at a pension sanctioning office can either help an old widowed lady get her rightful monthly pension or he can refuse her application for want of proper documents and worse off talk to her rudely and make her run from pillar to post for some forms and documents.
Blessing:
Swami Vivekananda’s idea of blessing includes well wishing, expressing a hope to get good results and encouragement.
Thus, in the truest sense, the society can be more tolerant and flourishing if the actions of people are directed by humanity and acceptance.
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