Swami Vivekananda was one of the most influential and beloved spiritual leaders of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His teachings are still relevant today, and his words provide a deep insight into human nature and the way we can connect with our divine nature.
In this essay, we will explore some of Swami Vivekananda’s key teachings and how they can help us live a more fulfilling life. We will also look at how these teachings can be applied to our everyday lives and how we can tap into our divine potential.
Table of Contents
Background of Swami Vivekananda
Vivekananda was born on July 12, 1887, in the town of Almora in Uttar Pradesh, India. His father was a government official and his mother was a devout Hindu. As a young man, Vivekananda studied philosophy at the Allahabad University and then traveled to Europe to study more about these ideas. He returned to India in 1912 and began preaching about Vedanta and the need for people to connect with their own spiritual selves.
In 1915, Vivekananda traveled to America to spread his message. He arrived in Chicago and began giving talks at various places around the city. Within months, he had attracted large crowds of people who were eager to hear him speak. In 1920, Vivekananda returned to India and continued preaching his message there until his death on May 6, 1926.
The States in which Vivekananda travelled
Vivekananda travelled extensively across the United States of America, preaching his message of love, peace and yoga. He visited such diverse states as Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan (then called the Upper Peninsula), Minnesota (then called the Red River Valley), Mississippi (then called West Point), Missouri (then called the Big Muddy), Montana (then known as the Treasure State), Nebraska (then known as Dakota Territory), New Hampshire (then part of Maine), New Jersey (then part of New York state), Ohio (then known as Western Reserve ), Oklahoma (), Oregon (), Pennsylvania (), Rhode Island (), South Carolina (), Tennessee (), Texas (), Utah () and Vermont ().
The Speech delivered by Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions
Vivekananda’s speech at the Parliament of Religions was an important event in American religious history. The speech addressed the issues of Hinduism and its place in the world, as well as Hindu-Christian relations. Vivekananda called for a united front against European imperialism and advocated for Hinduism to be accepted as one of the major religions in the world. He also called for an end to discrimination against Hindus and urged his audience to adopt Indian ways of thought and live.
The Influence of Vivekananda
Though his life was short, Swami Vivekananda left an impression on the world that is still felt today. Born in India in 1863, Vivekananda spent his early years traveling and learning from various spiritual masters. In 1896, he traveled to America and became a prominent speaker and teacher of Hinduism. Though he died young in 1902, his influence on later generations is undeniable.
Vivekananda believed that enlightenment could be attained through understanding one’s own nature and connecting with the divine. He emphasized the need for self-awareness and urged people to find their purpose in life. His message of love and tolerance remains a powerful example to follow today.
Conclusion
Swami Vivekananda was a Hindu monk, philosopher, orator and a leader of the Indian independence movement. He is considered one of the most influential religious figures in the history of India and the world. His philosophy emphasizes Raja Yoga or “the way of Yogananda”, which encompasses meditation and ascetic practices aimed at self-realization or liberation from material bondage.