On 4 July 1902, Swami Vivekananda died at 9:20 p.m. while meditating. Ramakrishna knew Vivekananda wouldn’t live much longer.

Why Swami Vivekananda is famous?

Swami Vivekananda, born in 1863, was a renowned Indian philosopher, spiritual guide, and social reformer who played a crucial role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. As a follower of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission and Math, which aims to serve humanity. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings centered around the universality of all religions and the unity of humanity. 

Vivekananda’s thoughts on Universalism

Vivekananda held the view that the common goal of all religions is to attain the realization of the divine or the ultimate truth. He believed that the core of all religions is essentially the same, and that the differences lie only in the ways in which they express this core. In his opinion, all religions encompass universal truths, and their differences reflect the diverse cultural and historical contexts in which they have evolved. 

Vivekananda’s universalism was based on his conviction in the interconnectedness of all beings, and he stressed the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the diversity of religions and cultures. He advocated for an all-encompassing and open-minded approach to spirituality, emphasizing the value of respecting and understanding other cultures and religions.

Vivekananda’s Thoughts on Self Realization

As per Vivekananda’s teachings, the ultimate goal of human life is to attain self-realization, which can be achieved through regulating the mind and senses. He believed that spiritual progress is directly related to the state of one’s mind and advocated for focusing the mind on the divine to achieve self-realization.

Additionally, Vivekananda stressed the importance of taking action towards improving society and the world, alongside meditation and contemplation. He proposed the concept of karma yoga, which involves selfless service and action with a sense of detachment and devotion to the divine, as a means to attain self-realization.

Nationalism and love for Culture

Swami Vivekananda strongly advocated for nationalism and believed it to be a crucial factor in India’s growth and development. According to him, India’s greatness lay in its ancient culture and spiritual heritage, and it was essential to preserve and promote these values. He encouraged the Indian people to take pride in their culture and traditions and emphasized the importance of self-reliance and self-respect.

However, Vivekananda’s nationalism was not rooted in hatred or intolerance towards other nations or cultures. He believed in the universality of all religions and cultures and urged people to appreciate and respect the diversity of humanity. He emphasized the need for cooperation and mutual respect among different nations and cultures for the betterment of humanity as a whole.

Vivekananda’s vision of nationalism was based on a deep understanding of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of India reclaiming its rightful place as a leader in the world, not just in terms of material progress, but also in terms of spiritual and moral values.

Youth Icon of India

Swami Vivekananda’s focus on the youth and their capacity to create a positive impact on society has earned him the reputation of a youth icon. He firmly believed that young people possess the ability to transform society and should be nurtured as leaders who can bring about constructive change.

The emphasis Vivekananda placed on self-reliance, self-confidence, and self-discipline has particularly struck a chord with young people globally. His teachings on harnessing the power of the mind and cultivating a positive mindset have motivated numerous individuals to take charge of their lives and strive towards their objectives.

Vedanta Philosophy

Swami Vivekananda was an ardent advocate of Vedanta philosophy, which highlights the concept of unity and interconnectedness among all beings and recognizes the ultimate reality of the universe. According to Vedanta, there is only one supreme reality called Brahman, which is beyond all dualities and is the source of all existence. This philosophy stresses the significance of self-realization, which involves understanding the true nature of the self, beyond the constraints of the ego, and acknowledging the interconnectedness of all beings.

Swami Vivekananda played a crucial role in interpreting and popularizing Vedanta philosophy for modern-day society, emphasizing its applicability to contemporary life and its potential for spiritual growth. He viewed Vedanta as a universal philosophy that goes beyond religious boundaries and can be embraced by people of all backgrounds and faiths. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on Vedanta remain a source of inspiration for people across the globe, and his lectures and writings on this subject continue to have a profound impact even today.

Chicago Speech and promotion of Hinduism

Swami Vivekananda’s famous Chicago speech, delivered on September 11, 1893, at the Parliament of the World’s Religions, introduced Hinduism to the Western world and catapulted him to fame in America and Europe. The speech focused on the unity of all religions and stressed the importance of tolerance and acceptance of diverse beliefs. 

Swami Vivekananda also emphasized the significance of practical spirituality over theoretical knowledge. The speech, delivered in English, showcased Swami Vivekananda’s impressive oratory skills and resonated with the audience. His powerful opening words, “Sisters and brothers of America,” captivated the crowd and left a lasting impact on people from all walks of life.

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