Swami Vivekananda is a Hindu monk who introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the West. Vivekananda establish Ramakrishna Mission, which promote social reform, education, spiritual life.
Swami Vivekananda a prominent student of Ramakrishna, During his significant address in the 1893 Chicago Parliament of the World’s Religions, he highlighted religious acceptance and interfaith fraternity.
About Swami Vivekananda
| Full Name | Narendra Nath Dutta |
| Nick Name | Naren |
| Date of birth | 12th January 1863 |
| Birth place | Kolkata |
| Mother | Bhubaneswari Devi |
| Father | Vishwanath Dutta |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts degree |
| Guru | Ramakrishna |
| Founder of | Ramakrishna Math Ramakrishna Mission |
| Died | 4th july 1902 |
Quotes Of Swami Vivekananda
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“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
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“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”
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“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
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“In a day, when you don’t come across any problems you can be sure that you are traveling in the wrong path.”
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“The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves.“
Childhood of Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863. His father was Vishwanath Dutta, and his mother was Bhubaneswari Devi. His real name was Narendra Nath Dutta. People call him Naren. In addition to Narendra, his mother had two sons and four daughters, two of whom passed away at a young age. Naren became very religious in childhood. In 1871 at eight, Narendra joined High School in Metropolitan Institute.
Educational Journey of Swami Vivekananda
In 1879 Vivekananda graduated from high school. Vivekananda entered the Presidency College of Calcutta for higher studies, but he transferred to the General Assembly’s Institution, later this known as the Scottish Church College founded by the Scottish General Missionary Board. Vivekananda completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at the Scottish Church College in 1884, and he also had interest in music.
William Hastie, the college’s principal and English literature professor, introduced Vivekananda to the name Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The philosophy of Vivekananda was largely influenced by Paramahamsa. Brahma Samaj, and unlike traditional Hinduism, it was not based on the spiritual experiences of saints at the time. Like many other young men in the modern era, Vivekananda was drawn to its progressive ideals and joined the group. However, as we shall see in a moment, the Brahma Samaj could not satisfy the deep spiritual yearning of his soul.
In November 1881, Vivekananda first met Ramakrishna at the home of Master Surendranath Mitra, one of his devotees. Ramakrishna had a great affection for Vivekananda, his parents were Brahmin caste members who were impoverished and committed to their ancient religion’s custom.
Poverty and struggle
He began to realize the core philosophy of Hinduism, which is Brahmin. His spiritual tendencies also helped him a lot in this process. Ramakrishna put all his effort into Vivekananda and began transforming him, but soon things turned different as his father passed away and he was in extreme poverty. At the time, Vivekananda was so distressed that he began questioning the existence of God. He thought that he should leave all this and engage his life in work to support his family.
He questions, Why me? Ultimately, Vivekananda realized the power of God gathered and left in search of God, supported by Ramakrishna.
Transformation of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda begged the master to teach him meditation, and Sri Ramakrishna’s reply was a source of comfort and strength. The master said God listens to our sincere prayers. I can swear that you can see God and talk with Him as intensely as you see and talk with me.
Kali embodying creation and destruction, love and terror, life and death, symbolizes the entire universe. The eternal cycle of manifestation and non-manifestation of the universe is the breathing out and breathing in of this divine mother. In one aspect, she is death, without which there cannot be life. Swami Vivekananda began to worship Kali.
Spiritual life of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda further learned that religion is a vision which at the end, transcends all barriers of cast and race and breaks down the limitations of time and space with immense knowledge of Vedas Upanishads, Purana, Yogas he attained good qualities. He conquered his mind and understood everything.
Sri Ramakrishna wanted the discipline to see God in all beings and to serve them in a spirit of worship, meanwhile Paramhamsa health also went worse and he attained the final Samadhi on August 15,1886. He had given Swami Vivekananda everything he possessed and told him to take care of the disciples. Show everyone the path of Salvation.
After Swami Sri Rama Krishna’s death, one of his disciples including Swami Vivekananda rented a house in Baranagar. Life was not easy there, but he didn’t care because he was lost in infinity. Soon, the youth of the Barangore monastery became restless for the life of the wandering monk, with no other possessions except staff and begging bowls.
Swami Vivekananda too wished to enjoy the peace of solitude; hence, he left everything and went to explore India. He travelled the whole of India and attracted everyone. He defeated everyone with his charm.
The people at large were debarred from true knowledge of religion, and the Vedas, the source of Hindu culture, were completely forgotten. It was at Mount Abu on June 4, 1891, that Swami Vivekananda first met Ajith Sing Raja of Khatri. It was the Raja who later confirmed the name Vivekananda.
World Conference in Chicago(1893)
He considered India to be the mother of all religions. Swami Vivekananda frequently emphasized India’s profound spiritual legacy and regarded it as the cradle of numerous significant religious practices. Maharaja of Khetri helped Swami Vivekananda receive substantial financial backing for his voyage to Chicago.
Swami Vivekananda introduced the knowledge of Vedanta and Yoga in the western world. He was distressed about having no money and asked for the help of theosophical society but was denied due to religious differences; however, American well-wishers and benefactors supported him.
On September 11, 1893, with his well-known opening remarks, Swami Vivekananda addressed the Parliament of the World’s Religions Conference with his famous words, “Brothers and sisters of America,” which received a two-minute standing ovation from the audience. This marked the beginning of impactful work in the West.
Travelling in the west
Swami Vivekananda stayed in the West for almost 2 years. He travelled to England, France, Germany, Italy, etc. to spread his teachings, and many of the people became his disciples. He also founded the Vedanta Society in New York in 1894. He met with various prominent figures, including scientists.
Elevate humanity was Swami Vivekananda’s goal. He went to England and met with Margaret Nobel later known as Sister Nivedita one of his most beloved and he trained her so that she could carry his work after him in India, especially for the women. He also met Max Muller in Germany, basically he taught the whole best of his philosophy.
Swami Vivekanda return to India
Swami Vivekananda gave his well-known talk on “The Philosophy of Vedanta” on March 25, 1896, to graduate students at Harvard University’s philosophy department. He eventually made his way back to India. Swami Vivekananda returned to India in 1897.
Respect for Swami Vivekananda was immense throughout South India. Even those who were really impoverished were to be elevated by him. The Ramakrishna Mission in Belur, West Bengal, which grew to become the hub of several spiritual, philanthropic, and educational initiatives, was created by him, as was the Advaita Ashram monastery in the Himalaya. His master, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, inspired the mission’s name. In this, he received assistance from Miss Muller and Miss Nobel (Sister Nivedita).
In 1898, on November 13, the day of Kali’s worship, the Nivedita Girls School was opened in Kolkata. In addition, he launched the monthly magazine Prabaudha Bharath, emphasizing the unity of all beings.
Swami Vivekananda passed away
In 1899, Swami Vivekananda began to travel west and to India, but his health kept deteriorating, and he knew that the final time was coming. He already announced that he would not see his 40th birthday.
Swami Vivekananda also got the news of the doctor’s illness. He also felt that his mission on earth was over, and in his last days, he was completely lost in the gods through meditation. While he was in Samadhi, he got Moksha in 1902, at the age of 39. All wept like children, but there was a sudden breeze, assuming everyone that angels never die.
FAQ
Who is Swami Vivekananda?
Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) was a renowned Indian philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer. He was a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission. He is best known for introducing Indian philosophies like Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.
What is Swami Vivekananda’s real name?
Swami Vivekananda’s real name was Narendranath Datta.
When and where was Swami Vivekananda born?
He was born on January 12, 1863, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), West Bengal, India.
Why is Swami Vivekananda famous?
Swami Vivekananda is famous for his landmark speech at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893, where he began with the words, “Sisters and Brothers of America”. His speech emphasized religious tolerance and the unity of all faiths.
What are Swami Vivekananda’s teachings?
- The divinity of the soul and the unity of all religions.
- Service to humanity is service to God (“Jiva is Shiva”).
- Importance of self-reliance, discipline, and education.
- Emphasis on spiritual growth alongside material progress.
What is Swami Vivekananda’s contribution to India?
He inspired the youth to take pride in their heritage and work toward national development. His vision laid the foundation for India’s spiritual and cultural revival. His birthday, January 12, is celebrated as National Youth Day in India.
What is the Ramakrishna Mission?
The Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897, is a spiritual and humanitarian organization dedicated to education, healthcare, disaster relief, and social reform. It is based on the teachings of his guru, Sri Ramakrishna.
What are Swami Vivekananda’s famous works?
- “Raja Yoga” – Explains the practice and philosophy of yoga.
- “Karma Yoga” – Discusses the path of selfless action.
- “Jnana Yoga” – Focuses on the path of knowledge.
- “Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda” – A compilation of his lectures, writings, and speeches.
When did Swami Vivekananda die?
He passed away on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39, in Belur Math, West Bengal.
What is Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy on youth?
Swami Vivekananda believed that the youth are the backbone of the nation. He encouraged them to embrace self-confidence, strength, and education, famously saying: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
