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Swami Vivekananda: The World's Impact of a Visionary Hindu Monk
Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, writer, and religious leader Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) had a major influence in the dissemination of Indian concepts such as yoga and vedanta to the West[1][2]. He was born as Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), and he came from an elite Bengali Kayastha family[2].
The Life and Works of Swami Vivekananda
1. Education and Spiritual Awakening: While attending a university in the Western manner, Vivekananda was exposed to Western philosophy, Christianity, and science[3]. He eventually grew attracted towards spirituality and became a follower of the 19th-century Indian saint Ramakrishna[2]. 2. World's Parliament of Religions: In 1893, Vivekananda made a powerful address before the Parliament of Religions that furthered the concepts of global acceptance and interfaith understanding[1][2]. 3. Establishing the Ramakrishna Mission: Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission, which uphold the principles of self-improvement and service to others[2]. 4. National Youth Day: January 12, his birthday, is observed as National Youth Day in India because of his belief that all living things are manifestations of the divine self and that serving humanity may be a means of serving God[2].The Legacy and Influence of Swami Vivekananda
1. Impact on Hinduism: Vivekananda is credited for helping to bring Hinduism back to life in India and developing the idea of using Indian nationalism as a weapon in the struggle against the British Empire[2]. 2. Universal Acceptance: By highlighting the Vedas' universal and humanistic qualities and emphasizing the value of service over dogma, he modified and modernized the greatest goals of the Vedantic religion for the 20th century[3]. 3. Influence on Western Thought: By introducing Hindu spirituality to the globe and highlighting the fundamental oneness of all faiths, Vivekananda's lectures and teachings had a lasting impression on Western thought[3].Final Thoughts
Swami Vivekananda's birth and accomplishments serve as an inspiration for millions of people across the globe. His contributions to Hinduism, his teachings, and his advocacy for interfaith cooperation are still relevant and honored today. We can only be in awe of the amazing legacy he left behind and the many people he touched as we honor his life and contributions.
Frequently asked questions
1. When did Swami Vivekananda get born?
Swami Vivekananda was born in Calcutta, which is now Kolkata, on January 12, 1863[2].
2. When did Swami Vivekananda die?
He died on July 4, 1902, in the vicinity of Calcutta[2].
3. Why is Swami Vivekananda's birthday significant?
Because of his belief that all living things are manifestations of the divine self and that serving humanity may be a means of serving God, his birthday is observed as National Youth Day in India[2].
4. What was the principal message of Swami Vivekananda?
He stressed the significance of service and self-perfection in addition to the fundamental oneness of all religions[3].
5. What are some of the organizations that Swami Vivekananda created?
The Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission were formed by Swami Vivekananda, and they still uphold the principles of self-perfection and service[2].
References: [1] The Wikipedia page for Swami Vivekananda is here.
[2] [12th January 1863–4th July 1902] https://inc.in/congress-sandesh/tribute/swami-vivekananda
[3] Vivekananda's biography on https://www.britannica.com
[4] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2l77Fy6kts
[5] Swami Vivekananda Jayanti: https://www.bankbazaar.com/indian-holiday.html
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