This biography tells us about Swami Vivekananda
and his teachings. Have a look at the life history of Swami
Vivekananda.
Swami Vivekananda
About Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda was the disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa. He
founded the Ramakrishna mission to spread the teachings of his Guru
throughout the world. One of the most famous and influential spiritual
leaders of India, he sought to promote the philosophies of Vedanta and
Yoga. Swami Vivekananda was the first spiritual leader of India who
introduced Hinduism, Yoga and Vedanta at the World's Parliament of
Religions. Read this biography further to know more about Swami
Vivekananda, his teachings and his life history.
Early Life
Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Dutta in Calcutta (now
Kolkata), in the year 1863. Even as a child, Narendra showed a high
level of intelligence and a deep inclination towards meditation. He
joined Presidency College of Calcutta in 1879 for one year and then
entered Scottish Church College to study philosophy. By this time,
Narendra started questioning God and His presence. He also became a part
of the Brahmo Samaj, a religious movement. Unsatisfied with only
congregational prayers and devotional songs, he started looking
elsewhere to find answers to his questions.
Meeting Ramakrishna and Renunciation
His search led Narendra towards Ramakrishna, whom he met in November
1881. After testing Ramakrishna to his maximum limit, Narendra accepted
him wholeheartedly as his Guru. He remained with Ramakrishna for a
period of five years. After the death of his Guru, Narendra took his
vows as a monk, renounced the world and became Swami Vivekananda. In
July 1890, Narendra started his journey as a wanderer, roaming around
the country promoting the teachings of his Guru.
Ramakrishna Mission
Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission to spread the
teachings of his Guru, Ramakrishna, far and wide. He left for the holy
abode in 1902, at the Belur Math, near Calcutta.
Swami Vivekananda Teachings
- Each individual is himself responsible for making or breaking his
life. He should concentrate on his goal and should not rest until it
is achieved.
- God in Nirankar (formless), with attributes.
- God is one and different religions serve as a path towards the
same God.
- God is present in every living being and he, who serves others,
serves God.
- Human being should strive towards truth, purity, sincerity,
morals and unselfishness.
- The quintessence of every religion is to make people realize the
highest spiritual truth.
- To be good and to do good is the main aim of every individual.
