Shivaji Maharaj: Warrior King.

Swami vivekanand  

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was a spiritual leader and philosopher who played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism and the spread of Vedanta philosophy in the West. He was born in Kolkata, India, as Narendranath Datta, and was influenced by the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

Vivekananda was a multifaceted personality who excelled in various fields such as literature, music, and sports. He was also a brilliant orator and a charismatic speaker who captivated his audience with his powerful and inspiring speeches.

In this article, we will delve into the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda and explore his contribution to the spiritual and intellectual landscape of India and the world.

Early Life and Education

Narendranath Datta was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, India. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was an attorney-at-law, and his mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was a homemaker. Narendranath was the third child in a family of seven siblings.

Narendranath was an intelligent and curious child who was interested in reading books and learning about the world around him. He was also physically active and enjoyed sports such as wrestling and swimming.

At the age of eight, Narendranath was enrolled in the Metropolitan Institution, a prestigious school in Kolkata. He was an excellent student and excelled in academics, music, and sports. Narendranath was also interested in spirituality and was influenced by the teachings of his father, who was a devout follower of the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist Hindu organization.

In 1879, Narendranath enrolled in the Presidency College in Kolkata, where he studied philosophy, Western logic, and the history of European nations. He was also interested in Indian philosophy and read the works of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Dayananda Saraswati, and other prominent Indian thinkers.

Encounter with Ramakrishna

In 1881, Narendranath met Ramakrishna Paramhansa, a saint and mystic who would become his guru and mentor. Ramakrishna was a devotee of the goddess Kali and had attained enlightenment through intense spiritual practices.

Narendranath was initially skeptical of Ramakrishna's teachings but was intrigued by his personality and spiritual insights. He began to visit Ramakrishna frequently and developed a close bond with him.

Under Ramakrishna's guidance, Narendranath underwent a profound spiritual transformation and experienced states of ecstasy and samadhi. He also gained a deeper understanding of Hindu philosophy and the nature of God.

After Ramakrishna's death in 1886, Narendranath and a group of disciples formed the Ramakrishna Mission, a spiritual and social organization dedicated to the service of humanity.

Teachings and Philosophy

Swami Vivekananda's philosophy was deeply rooted in the Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy that emphasizes the unity of all beings and the ultimate reality of Brahman.

Vivekananda believed that the purpose of human life was to realize one's true nature as the Atman, the eternal and unchanging essence of the self. He taught that this realization could be achieved through spiritual practices such as meditation, devotion, and selfless service.

Vivekananda also emphasized the importance of self-reliance and self-confidence, and encouraged people to overcome their fears and limitations. He believed that every individual had the potential to achieve greatness and that it was the duty of society to nurture and support such individuals.

In his famous speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, Vivekananda spoke