Swami Vivekananda

A lion that roared. A vision eternal. 

A spiritual genius of commanding intellect and power, Swami Vivekananda crammed immense labor and achievement into his short life (1863–1902). Born Narendranath Datta, Vivekananda in his youth was fascinated by the agnostic Western schools of philosophy.

As a young boy, Narendranath displayed sharp intellect. His mischievous nature belied his interest in music, both instrumental as well as vocal. He excelled in his studies as well, first at the Metropolitan institution, and later at the Presidency College in Calcutta. By the time he graduated from the college, he had acquired a vast knowledge of different subjects. He was active in sports, gymnastics, wrestling and body building. He was an avid reader and read up on almost everything under the sun. He perused the Hindu scriptures like the Bhagvad Gita and the Upanishads on one hand, while on the other hand he studied western philosophy, history and spirituality by David Hume, Johann Gottlieb Fichte and Herbert Spencer.

His well-studied knowledge led him to question the existence of God and for some time he believed in Agnosticism. Yet he could not completely ignore the existence of a Supreme Being. He became associated with Brahmo Movement led by Keshab Chandra Sen, for some time. The Bramho Samaj recognised one God unlike the idol-worshipping, superstition-ridden Hinduism. The host of philosophical questions regarding the existence of God roiling through his mind remained unanswered. He questioned people of holy reputation, asking them if they had seen God, each time he came away without a satisfying answer.

Narendranath's curiosity about spirituality and the existence of God led him to visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata, where Sri Ramakrishna served as the priest. Initially, Narendranath went to the temple to test the authenticity of Ramakrishna's spiritual experiences and mystical states, which he thought might be mere exaggerations or hallucinations.

When Narendranath met Sri Ramakrishna for the first time, he was impressed by the saint's radiant personality and sincere devotion. However, being a rational and questioning young man, Narendranath presented his doubts and asked probing questions about the nature of God, the existence of evil, and the validity of religious experiences. He asked Sri Ramakrishna if he had seen God, without a moment’s hesitation, Sri Ramakrishna replied: “Yes, I have. I see Him as clearly as I see you, only in a much intense sense.”

During this initial meeting, something extraordinary happened. Sri Ramakrishna, with his spiritual insight, touched Narendranath's heart and soul in a profound way. The young man experienced a mysterious spiritual state, described later as "samadhi" or deep meditative absorption. This extraordinary experience deeply moved Narendranath and left a lasting impact on his life. Intrigued by this unusual encounter, Narendranath returned to visit Sri Ramakrishna frequently. In these subsequent meetings, the young seeker explored various aspects of spirituality and gained a deeper understanding of Vedanta, Bhakti (devotion), and other spiritual paths. Sri Ramakrishna's teachings and affectionate guidance left an indelible impression on Narendranath's mind.

The physical presence of Sri Ramakrishna in Narendranath's life was brief but immensely impactful. In August 1886, Sri Ramakrishna left his mortal body. The news deeply saddened Narendranath and his fellow disciples. The legacy of Swami Vivekananda's meeting with Sri Ramakrishna can be seen in the subsequent events of his life. After the passing of his guru, Narendranath and a group of dedicated disciples formed a monastic brotherhood and established the Ramakrishna Mission to carry forward the teachings of their beloved master and work for the service of humanity.

Swami Vivekananda and his brother disciples embarked on a period of intense wandering throughout India, following the traditional monastic path of sannyasa. During this time, Swami Vivekananda explored the diversity of India, delving into various spiritual traditions, and gaining a deeper understanding of the nation's cultural and social issues. Swami Vivekananda spent significant time in meditation and contemplation in the Himalayas. It was during these moments of solitude that he experienced profound spiritual realizations and clarity about his mission.

In 1893, Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism and India at the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Chicago, USA. His speech, "Sisters and brothers of America," made a deep impact on the audience and introduced Hindu philosophy, Vedanta, and the idea of religious tolerance to the Western world. Swami Vivekananda returned to India in 1897 and was hailed as a spiritual hero. He traveled extensively across India, inspiring people to embrace their spiritual heritage and work for social upliftment. His lectures, writings, and teachings had a profound impact on both the common people and the intelligentsia.

Swami Vivekananda expounded the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, emphasizing the underlying unity of all religions and the divinity within each individual. He stressed the importance of practical spirituality, self-confidence, and the upliftment of the poor and downtrodden. He believed that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self; therefore, service to God could be rendered by service to humankind.

He passed away on July 4, 1902, at the young age of 39, in Belur Math near Kolkata. Despite his early departure, his impact on the world and the inspiration he provided to countless individuals remain unparalleled.

"It may be that I shall find it good to get outside my body -- to cast it off like a well-worn garment. But I shall not cease to work. I shall inspire men everywhere, until the world shall come to know that it is one with God.”