SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

In 1884, Narendranath faced significant financial hardship following his father's death, as he became responsible for supporting his mother and younger siblings. Seeking help, he approached Sri Ramakrishna and requested prayers for his family's financial well-being. Acting on Ramakrishna's advice, Narendranath visited the temple to pray. However, when he stood before the Goddess, he couldn't bring himself to ask for material wealth. Instead, he prayed for 'Vivek' (discernment) and 'Bairagya' (detachment). This moment marked a profound spiritual awakening for Narendranath, leading him towards an ascetic lifestyle.

The Life of a Monk

• During 1885, Sri Ramakrishna's health deteriorated due to throat cancer. In September of that year, he was moved to Shyampukur in Calcutta, while Narendranath rented a villa in Cossipore to care for his ailing guru.
• Alongside a group of devoted young followers of Sri Ramakrishna, Narendranath provided dedicated care to their beloved teacher. Sri Ramakrishna passed away on 16 August 1886, leaving a lasting impact on Narendranath and his followers.
• Following Sri Ramakrishna's death, Narendranath and around fifteen disciples gathered at a dilapidated building in Baranagar, North Calcutta, establishing the Ramakrishna Math, a monastic order dedicated to Sri Ramakrishna's teachings.
• In 1887, they formally renounced worldly ties and embraced monkhood, taking vows of celibacy and dedication to spiritual pursuits. Narendranath adopted the name Vivekananda, symbolizing "the bliss of discerning wisdom."
• The brotherhood sustained themselves through alms collected during 'madhukari' or holy begging, practising rigorous yoga and meditation.
• In 1888, Vivekananda embarked on a journey across India as a 'Parivrajak,' travelling on foot to explore the country's diverse social, cultural, and religious landscapes.
• He immersed himself in the lives of ordinary people, witnessing their struggles and suffering. This experience deeply moved Vivekananda, reinforcing his resolve to alleviate the plight of the masses and dedicate his life to serving humanity.

4. Lecture at the World Parliament of Religions

• During his travels across India, Vivekananda learned about the upcoming World Parliament of Religions scheduled to take place in Chicago, America, in 1893.
• Driven by a desire to represent India, Hinduism, and the teachings of his Guru Sri Ramakrishna, Vivekananda felt a strong calling to attend the gathering. This conviction solidified during a meditative experience on the rocks of Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of India.
• With financial support from his disciples in Madras (now Chennai) and Ajit Singh, Raja of Khetri, Vivekananda embarked on his journey to Chicago, departing from Bombay on May 31, 1893.
• Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, Vivekananda's determination remained unwavering. When he finally took the stage on September 11, 1893, at the World Parliament of Religions, he captivated the audience with his opening line, "My brothers and sisters of America," earning an immediate standing ovation for his profound words.
• Throughout his speech, Vivekananda eloquently expounded on the principles of Vedanta and their profound spiritual significance, effectively introducing Hinduism to the global stage of World Religions.
• Following his impactful speech, Vivekananda spent the next two and a half years in America, where he founded the Vedanta Society of New York in 1894.
• He also extended his travels to the United Kingdom, where he spread the teachings of Vedanta and Hindu Spiritualism to a Western audience, leaving a lasting impact on the global understanding of Indian philosophy and spirituality.

5. Swami Vivekananda's Return and Ramakrishna Mission

Upon his return to India in 1897, Swami Vivekananda received a warm reception from people across all strata of society. After a series of enlightening lectures throughout the country, he arrived in Calcutta and took a monumental step by founding the Ramakrishna Mission on May 1, 1897, situated at Belur Math near Calcutta.

Objectives of Ramakrishna Mission

The Ramakrishna Mission was established on the ideals of Karma Yoga, emphasizing selfless service to uplift the impoverished and distressed populace of India.

The mission's initiatives included

1. Educational Endeavors: Establishing and managing schools, colleges, and hospitals to provide educational and healthcare services.
2. Spiritual Propagation: Conducting conferences, seminars, and workshops to propagate the practical teachings of Vedanta, emphasizing mental discipline and selfless work.
3. Relief and Rehabilitation: Engaging in relief and rehabilitation efforts across the nation, especially during times of calamity and distress.

Swami Vivekananda's spiritual outlook was deeply influenced by Sri Ramakrishna's teachings and his profound understanding of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. He emphasized achieving spiritual divinity through a harmonious blend of selfless actions, devotion, and mental cultivation.

Pursuit of Soul's Freedom: According to Vivekananda, the ultimate aim of human existence is to attain freedom and realization of the soul's divine nature. He advocated the path of selfless work, sincere worship, and disciplined thoughts as crucial elements in this spiritual journey, transcending the confines of religious dogmas.

Nationalistic Vision: Swami Vivekananda was not only a spiritual luminary but also a passionate nationalist. He prioritized the welfare and progress of India and its people above all else. His famous call to action, "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached," resonated as a clarion call for his fellow countrymen to strive tirelessly for national upliftment and progress.

6. Swami Vivekananda's philosophy

Swami Vivekananda's philosophy is deeply rooted in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of India, yet it also embraces universal human values and practical approaches to life. 

Advaita Vedanta

1. Oneness of Existence: Vivekananda emphasized the principle of Advaita Vedanta, which teaches that there is ultimately only one reality, and everything is interconnected and part of that oneness.
2. Unity of all Religions: He believed in the universality of religions, seeing them as different paths leading to the same ultimate truth. Vivekananda advocated for religious tolerance and harmony, respecting diverse faiths.
3. Divinity Within Vivekananda taught that every individual is inherently divine, possessing immense potential and the spark of the divine within. He emphasized the need to realize this inner divinity through self-awareness and spiritual practices.

1. Service to Humanity: Vivekananda's philosophy emphasized the importance of selfless service (Seva) to humanity. He believed that serving others, especially the poor and needy, is a direct way to worship the divine.
2. Education and Knowledge: Vivekananda stressed the value of education and knowledge as essential tools for personal and societal transformation. He advocated for holistic education that combines intellectual, moral, and spiritual development.
3. Action and Karma Yoga: Vivekananda promoted the idea of Karma Yoga, which emphasizes the path of selfless action and fulfilling one's duties without attachment to results. He believed that work done with the right attitude can lead to spiritual growth and inner peace.

1. Self-Realization: Central to Vivekananda's philosophy is the idea of self-realization or Atmano mokshartham jagat hitaya cha (आत्मनो मोक्षार्थं जगद्धिताय च), which means "for one's own salvation and the welfare of the world." He emphasized the importance of inner transformation and self-discovery.
2. Fearlessness and Strength: Vivekananda encouraged individuals to cultivate fearlessness, inner strength, and confidence. He believed that a strong mind and spirit are essential for facing life's challenges and achieving one's goals.
3. Practical Spirituality: Vivekananda's philosophy was not confined to theoretical concepts but emphasized practical spirituality. He encouraged people to live with integrity, compassion, and courage while striving for spiritual growth amidst their daily lives.

1. Social Equality: Vivekananda was a strong advocate for social equality and condemned all forms of discrimination based on caste, creed, or gender. He believed in the inherent dignity and worth of every human being.
2. Nationalism and Patriotism: While promoting universal ideals, Vivekananda also emphasized the importance of national pride, cultural heritage, and upliftment of the masses. He envisioned a strong and self-reliant India contributing positively to the world.

Swami Vivekananda's philosophy is a blend of spirituality, social reform, practical wisdom, and universal love. His teachings continue to inspire people worldwide to lead meaningful lives, seek inner fulfilment, and work for the betterment of society.

Death

Swami Vivekananda had predicted that he would not live till the age of forty. On July 4, 1902, he went about his days’ work at the Belur Math, teaching Sanskrit grammar to the pupils. He retired to his room in the evening and died during meditation at around 9. He is said to have attained ‘Mahasamadhi’ and the great saint was cremated on the Banks of the river Ganga. 

7. Swami Vivekananda's Enduring Legacy