Swami Vivekananda
- Context (PIB): Swami Vivekananda’s Jayanti is celebrated on January 12 every year.
Swami Vivekananda
Birth and Early Life
- He was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, India. His early name was Narendranath Datta.
- The teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahansa influenced him during his youth.
Preachings
- Advocated for religious tolerance and harmony among different faiths.
- He stressed the universality of religions and the commonality of spiritual truths.
- He emphasised the teachings of Vedanta as a way to realise the divinity within oneself.
- He propounded the idea of service to humanity as a form of worship.
Chicago World Parliament of Religions (1893)
- He achieved global recognition for his speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
- He introduced Hindu philosophy and spirituality to the Western world with his famous address beginning with “Sisters and Brothers of America.“
Vivekananda’s Service to Humanity
- He founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to propagate the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahansa.
- He set up the Ramakrishna Math (Belur Math) in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- He believed in “Daridra Narayana” – serving the poor and needy as a service to God.
- He promoted the idea of spiritual nationalism, emphasising that India’s strength lies in its spiritual heritage.
- He encouraged a synthesis of modern scientific thinking with ancient spiritual wisdom.
- He introduced Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.
- He emphasised the need for education that nurtures character and instils a sense of duty.
- He advocated for an education system that combines Western science with Indian spiritual values.
Death
- Vivekananda passed away on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39.
