04 July - Swami Vivekananda death anniversary /Swami Vivekananda Memorial Day

 

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was an Indian Hindu monk and one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 19th century. He played a key role in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century.

Early Life

• Birth: Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Datta on 12 January 1863, in Kolkata (then Calcutta), West Bengal, India.
• Family: His father, Vishwanath Datta, was an attorney at the Calcutta High Court, and his mother, Bhubaneswari Devi, was a devout housewife.
• Education: Narendranath was a bright student and showed a keen interest in spirituality from a young age. He attended the Presidency College and the Scottish Church College in Kolkata, where he studied a variety of subjects, including philosophy, religion, history, social sciences, and literature.

Spiritual Journey

• Meeting Ramakrishna: His life changed when he met his spiritual guru, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, in 1881. Under Ramakrishna's guidance, Narendranath embraced the monastic life and took the name Swami Vivekananda after Ramakrishna's death in 1886.
• Founding the Ramakrishna Mission: In 1897, he founded the Ramakrishna Mission, a religious and philanthropic organization, and the Ramakrishna Math, a monastic order.

Contributions and Achievements

• Parliament of the World's Religions (1893): Swami Vivekananda is best known for his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he began his address with the words "Sisters and brothers of America..." His eloquent speech introduced Hinduism to the Western world and earned him widespread acclaim.
• Teachings and Philosophy: He emphasized the importance of self-realization, the unity of all religions, and the potential divinity of every individual. His teachings focused on the upliftment of humanity through spiritual development and social service.
• Works: Some of his notable works include "Raja Yoga," "Karma Yoga," "Jnana Yoga," and "Bhakti Yoga," where he elaborates on the different paths to spiritual realization.

Death and Legacy

• Death: Swami Vivekananda passed away on 04 July 1902, at the age of 39, in Belur Math, West Bengal, India.
• Legacy: His ideas and teachings continue to inspire millions around the world. He is regarded as a patriotic saint in India, and his birthday 12 January, is celebrated as National Youth Day in India.

Influence

• Global Impact: Vivekananda's work has had a profound impact on the development of modern Hinduism and has influenced numerous spiritual leaders, thinkers, and political figures worldwide.
• Institutions: Numerous educational and cultural institutions have been established in his honor, promoting his vision of education, spirituality, and social service.

Swami Vivekananda's life and teachings continue to resonate with people around the world, making him a timeless figure in the realm of spirituality and human upliftment.