Who is Swami Vivekananda

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. That is the way great spiritual giants are produced. ~ Swami Vivekananda (Tweet this)

Swami Vivekananda – a Crusader of life

Swami Vivekananda was a personality beyond description. He lived a life that is timeless. He was among the few human beings who came to this earth for the benefit of human kind.

Propagating his beliefs and philosophies, he made this world a better place to live in. He conveyed the intricacies of life and philosophy through his parables, teachings and true missionary works. The principal disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda achieved a lot in his short life span of just 39 years.

Swami Vivekananda – Early Days

Born on January 12, 1863 in Shimla Pally Kolkata, as Narendranath Dutta, Swami Vivekananda was the son of Viswanath Dutta & Bhuvaneswari Devi. Always a precocious child, Narendra started meditating at a very early age.

Before turning into a monastic disciple, Narendranath pursued all interests as a young child and was an all-rounder. He performed brilliantly in studies, sports, debates and other extracurricular activities. For pursuing higher studies, he joined Presidency College in Kolkata in the year 1879.

After, he joined the Scottish Church College in Calcutta to learn philosophy where he learnt about Sri Ramakrishna of Dakshineswar. After coming into contact with Guru Paramahamsa, life was never same again for Narendranath.

Founding of Ramakrishna Mission

On the 1st of May, 1897, Swami Vivekananda founded The Rama Krishna mission. Since the time of its foundation, The Rama Krishna mission has been actively involved in missionary work, disaster relief and other altruistic works.

Thousands of altruistic people are associated with this mission and these people include both the monastic and householders. The headquarters of this mission is located near Kolkata with branches in several cities.

Philosophy shaped by Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was a great social reformer who worked for the well being of dejected and destitute people. The pride of India, Vivekananda worked immensely to purify the soul of people. He quoted that God lives in every soul. According to him, a person who does not feel the presence of God in the poor and ill people, but tries to see God in Idols is not a true worshiper.

Works of Swami Vivekananda

For the benefit of human kind, he treasured all his views and thoughts in a few books. He compiled a few books on four yogas; Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga.

In addition, he wrote some brilliant letters which have excellent spiritual value. The most important aspect of his writings is the simple style which help even laymen understand the meaning of complex matters without effort.

Attended the Parliament of All religions

In 1893, he attended the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago to present his Master’s message to the world. His speeches in Chicago made him famous as an ‘orator by divine right.’ After that, he spent more than three years spreading Vedanta as pursued by Shri Paramahamsa.

Lectures at the World Parliament of Religions, 1893, Chicago:

• Sept 11 Welcome Speech at World Conference

• Sept 15 Why We Disagree

• Sept 19 Paper on Hinduism

• Sept 20 Religion Not the Crying Need of India

• Sept 26 Buddhism the Fulfillment of Hinduism

• Sept 27 Address at the Final Session

Awakening his countrymen

Through his powerful lectures he helped awaken his fellow countrymen to realize their duty towards their country. He attempted to:

• Awaken the religious consciousness of the people and to take pride in their heritage.

• Unification of Hinduism across several sects.

• Draw the attention of educated people towards the plight of destitute people.

Key Learnings – Teachings of Swami Vivekananda

His birthday on January 12 is celebrated as the National Youth Day every year. He influenced not only Indian minds but also introduced Vedanta philosophy in the western world.

Learning #1. Build strong character to build a strong nation.

Learning #2. Educate yourself both morally and intellectually to help yourself and human kind.

Learning #3. See God in the poor and the ill.

Learning #4. Be proud of your nation and nationality. Try to build a better nation with your altruistic missions

Learning #5. He urged Indian youths to shed laziness and fear to work for the future of their country. According to him, fear is the greatest sin one can commit.

Learning #6. He quoted “Him I call a Mahatman (great soul) whose heart bleeds for the poor, otherwise he is a Duratman (wicked soul). Let us unite our wills in continued prayer for their good. We may die unknown, unpitied, unbewailed, without accomplishing anything—but not one thought will be lost. It will take effect, sooner or later.”

Learning #7. According to him three essentials to success are Purity, Patience, and Perseverance. He said, everything will be in place if you are pure and sincere. He stressed upon the need of youths with strong character.

An Immortal Soul:

A social leader beyond comparison, Vivekananda has left an indelible mark in the minds of people, especially youths. His timeless teachings are revered even today across the boundaries of nations. At the age of 39, this immortal soul passed away on 4th July, 1902.

A Chronology of Important Events in Vivekananda’s Life:

1. Jan 12, 1863 Born Narendranath Dutta in Kolkata, India

2. 1880 Passed the Calcutta University Entrance Examination in first division

3. Aug 16, 1886 Death of Shri Ramkrishna Paramhamsa

4. May 31, 1893 Swami Vivekananda sails for America

5. 1893 Attends Parliament of Religions

6. Feb 20, 1897 Returns to Kolkata

7. 1897 Starts the Ramkrishna Mission

8. Dec 9, 1898 Inaugurates the first monastery at Belur

9. June 1899 Sails for the second time to the West

10. 1901 Ramkrishna Mission receives legal status

11. July 4, 1902 Vivekananda passes away in meditation at Belur monastery at the age of 39