Swami Vivekananda : A Hero For The Entire World

Swami-Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 in the state of West Bengal, India, in a family that belonged to the higher caste Brahmin community of northern India. He was a Hindu monk and philosopher who lived from 1863 to 1902. He was one of his era’s most remarkable and influential spiritual teachers, scholars, and freedom fighters. This is because he was able to change the lives of people who were caught in a cycle of ignorance, poverty, and despair through his words, teachings, lectures, and non-violent activism.

In 1892, Swami Vivekananda first traveled to the West and gave a series of lectures on Hinduism at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He then traveled through the USA, lecturing on social justice and religious tolerance, stopping at the World’s Colombian Exposition in Chicago before going to California. He was the one who introduced yoga to the west.

Introduction

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Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk from India who played a vital role in introducing Veda and Yoga to the Western world. He is also considered one of the most influential figures in the history of Hinduism. Vivekananda was born into a wealthy Bengali family in Calcutta on 12 January 1863. His original name was Narendra Nath Datta. From an early age, he was interested in spirituality and religion. 

When he was seventeen, he met Ramakrishna, a mystic and guru who profoundly impacted his life. After Ramakrishna died in 1886, Vivekananda traveled across India for several years, seeking spiritual truth. In 1893, he attended the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, where he delivered a speech that made him an international celebrity. 

Vivekananda then spent the next three years traveling and lecturing across America and Europe. In 1897, he returned to India and founded the Ramakrishna Mission to promote inter-religious harmony and service to humanity. Vivekananda died in 1902 at the age of 39. His teachings have inspired millions of people around the world and continue to do so today.

Swami Vivekananda Early life and family background 

Swami Vivekananda was born on 12 January 1863 in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India. His birth name was Narendranath Datta. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was an attorney in the Calcutta High Court. His mother, Bhuvaneswari Devi, was a religious housewife. 

Narendranath was the eldest of nine siblings, the other eight being Girish Chandra (eldest brother), Mahendranath (second brother), Bhupendra Nath (third brother), Gopal Chandra (fourth brother), Sarada Devi (only sister), Nivedita (Adi Shankara’s niece and Vivekananda’s spiritual disciple), Akhandananda (Vivekananda’s junior by four years) and Trigunatitananda (Vivekananda’s junior by twelve years). 

Narendranath was a bright student, and he excelled in his studies. He was also proficient in music and deeply interested in philosophy and religion. When he was eight years old, his father died, and the family fell into financial difficulties. 

In 1871, Narendranath took entrance examinations at Hindu College and Presidency College but could not achieve success in his studies. He was impressed by the philosophical works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Victor Hugo, as well as the Hindu scriptures, particularly the Bhagavad Gita. By 1880, he began social work and started a school with his maternal uncle at their home. This first exposure to teaching would shape his future life.

In 1881, he passed BA examinations from the Presidency College of Calcutta University and subsequently received a scholarship for further study in England. In 1882, he joined the General Assembly’s Institution (now known as Stewart College) to prepare for entry into the University of Calcutta; however, this did not materialize due to financial constraints. 

While traveling with his brother’s family to visit a friend in 1882, he met his future wife, Sarada Devi. When she returned to Kolkata after her father’s death, they were married in a ceremony performed by the Brahmins of their region. On hearing this news, his brother passed away. 

Vivekananda took up residence in Calcutta and became an active follower of Ramakrishna. He was attracted to Advaita Vedanta and joined the monastic order of the Narginidhi Math (also known as the “Brahmins Association”), where he served as secretary for five years. In 1897, he became a regular guest at Ramakrishna’s home; during this time, he studied English with Ramakrishna.

The Life Transformation of Swami Vivekananda

Vivekananda had an idyllic childhood and was very close to his mother. As a young man, he decided to renounce all material possessions and live a simple life to learn more about the spiritual path. In 1893, at the age of 25, Vivekananda journeyed to India to study Vedanta with Ramana Maharshi. Ramana Maharshi is considered by many to be the greatest philosopher of modern times, and Vivekananda quickly became his disciple.

Vivekananda spent the next few years traveling throughout India, preaching the gospel of Vedanta and meeting with many influential people. In 1897, he arrived in Chicago, where he would spend the rest of his life.

Life-Changing Incident in the Life of Swami Vivekananda

This life-changing incident occurred when Vivekananda met a young lady named Miss Elizabeth Metcalf in Chicago. She had been struggling with her faith, but after meeting Vivekananda, she realized that she could still believe in God despite her challenges. This encounter changed her life forever, and she followed Vivekananda’s teachings for the rest of her life.

There are countless instances where Swami Vivekananda helped others in their struggles, and his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Responsible for bringing Hinduism and Vedanta to the west.

Vivekananda was a Hindu monk and philosopher who toured the United States and Europe in the late 1800s, spreading his message of self-realization and Vedanta. He is considered a pioneer of interfaith dialogue and is often credited with helping to popularize Hinduism in the West.

Today, Vivekananda’s teachings continue to be embraced by millions worldwide, as they provide an understanding of spirituality that is simple yet profound. His message of compassion and tolerance is still relevant today, and his example shows us that anyone, regardless of race or religion, can achieve true happiness.

His Contribution to the World and Religion and His Influence on the World

He has made a significant contribution to religion and has helped spread the message of love and peace throughout the world.

He is known for his teachings on Vedanta, emphasizing the oneness of all things. This philosophy has significantly impacted how people think about themselves and their relationship with the world around them.

Vivekananda’s work has helped to bring together people from different cultures and religions, and his teachings continue to have a positive impact on the world today.

Famous Quotes by Swami Vivekananda

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that you are eternal, that the universe is eternal, and that your life is just beginning.” -Swami Vivekananda.

“Thought is the master of man, and it dethrones his mind, while action clogs it with all its cares and worries.” – Swami Vivekananda.

One should think of the good only and hate evil in thought, word, and deed. This is the only way to live a happy life: one must think only of the good and be active in its promotion. “God-realization can come to one only through this practice.” – Swami Vivekananda.

“Knowledge is fine, but we need not forget that knowledge without love is of little worth; knowledge without work is useless; knowledge without faith is barren. We ought to work for our religion and humanity.” -Swami Vivekananda.   

“There is no universal religion, but all religions contain certain spiritual truths.” – Swami Vivekananda.

Do not think that the world must be fixed one thing at a time. Do not think you have got to take up only one idea for the moment and then another after it. You must understand how important it is for us to know the Divine Truth which is behind all existing things–that which makes them move and change with every breath of life; behind this, there is a mystery that we cannot see but which draws all beings together as the hand holds and guides them towards Perfection.” – Swami Vivekananda.

I would put forward at this point our views on philosophy as already stated: “We think that all knowledge ultimately resolves itself into the two great fundamental principles of cause and effect, of being and non-being; that in this world, everything exists because it has a cause, but is not caused by any other thing; and that in the future, all things will be resolved into the same elements.” If a man understands these two truths, he understands all things. ” – Swami Vivekananda.

His famous speech in Parliament on June 16, 1897

Swami Vivekananda was an incredible speaker and philosopher. He is most famous for his speech in Parliament on June 12, 1897. In this speech, he outlined the philosophy of Vedanta and called for the unification of the various religions of the world.

His speech was so influential that it has been cited in many treaties and agreements. It is also credited with helping to advance the cause of education in India.

Swami Vivekananda was a true hero for the entire world. His famous speech in Parliament is a landmark event that should be remembered and celebrated.

The bullet points of Swami Vivekananda Speech at world Parliament:

Sisters and Brothers of America,

It fills my heart with unspeakable joy to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world, in the name of the mother of religions, and the name of the millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.

I also thank some of the speakers on this platform who, referring to the delegates from the Orient, have told you that these men from far-off nations may well claim the honor of bearing the idea of toleration to different lands. I am proud to belong to a religion that has taught the world tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal toleration but also accept all religions as accurate.

I am proud to belong to a nation that has sheltered the persecuted and refugees of all faiths and countries on earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to southern India and took refuge with us in the same year that their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion that has sheltered and is still fostering the remnants of the tremendous Zoroastrian nation. I will quote to you, brethren, a few lines from a hymn which I remember having repeated from my earliest boyhood and which is every day repeated by millions of human beings: ‘As the different streams, having their sources in different places, all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.’

The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world, of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: ‘Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me.’ Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time has come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Death and Legacy.

When we think of Vivekananda, the first thing that comes to mind is his work spreading Vedanta philosophy worldwide. But his legacy goes beyond just his philosophical teachings, and he was also a hero for the entire world. 

Swami Vivekananda died while meditating on July 4, 1902, when he was 39 years old. Vivekananda experienced maha samadhi, according to his disciples, and a blood vessel rupture in his brain was cited as a likely cause of death.

Conclusion

Swami Vivekananda was a hero for the entire world. He fought for justice, equality, and fraternity between all people – even though he was a Hindu Brahmin. Born in 1837 in Mysore, India, Vivekananda traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America, preaching his message of love, truth, and meditation. Although he passed away at the young age of 39 due to ill health, his legacy lives on through his teachings and through the millions of followers who have adopted them into their lives.

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