Thoughts of SWAMI VIVEKANANDA ON GHOSTS

Ghosts and Spirits and devils have always aroused our curiosity. Great thinkers, saints and other parapsychologists have shared their opinions and experiences about ghosts.

Great Swami Vivekananda had his personal opinions about the same. He shared his views and experiences about ghosts and spirits while having a conversation with one of his disciples.

Following are the details of the conversation-

“One day the disciple brought up  the subject of departed spirits, and said, "Sir, these ghosts and departed spirits we hear about -- which the Shastras also amply corroborate -- are all these true or not?

Swamiji: Certainly they are true. Whatever you don't see, are they all false for that? Beyond your sight, millions of universes are revolving at great distances. Because you do not see them, are they non - existent for that? But then, do not put your mind on these subjects of ghosts and spirits. Your mental attitude towards them should be one of indifference. You duty is to realise the Atman within this body. When you realise the Atman, ghosts and spirits will be your slaves.

Disciple: But sir, I think that, if one sees them, it strengthens one's belief in the hereafter, and dispels all doubts about it.

Swamiji: You are heroes; do you mean to say that even you shall have to strengthen your belief in the hereafter by seeing ghosts and spirits! You have read so many sciences and scriptures -- have mastered so many secrets of this infinite universe -- even with such knowledge, you have to acquire the knowledge of the Atman by seeing ghosts and spirits! What a shame!

Disciple: Well, sir, have you ever seen ghosts and spirits?

Swamiji narrated that a certain deceased relative of his used to come to him as a disembodied spirit. Sometimes it used to bring him information about distant events. But on verification, some of its information was not found to be correct. Afterwards at a certain place of pilgrimage Swamiji prayed for it mentally, wishing it might be released -- since then he did not see it again. The disciple then questioned Swamiji if Shraddha or other obsequial ceremonies appeased the departed spirits in any way. Swamiji replied, "That is not impossible." On the disciple's asking for the grounds of that belief Swamiji said, "I will explain the subject to you at length some day. There are irrefutable arguments to prove that the Shraddha ceremony appeases the departed beings. Today I don't feel well. I shall explain it to you another day." But the disciple did not get another opportunity to ask that question to Swamiji.”

(Source:The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 7/Conversations And Dialogues/IV)