Eastern Philosophy and Traditions

Advaita Vedanta

The universe is your playground. How will you play?

Swami Vivekananda

January 4, 2025

Discover the wisdom of Swami Vivekananda, the Cyclonic Monk who awakened the world to the power of Vedanta and the unity of all religions. His timeless teachings offer a path to self-discovery and liberation.

BIRTH:

1863

Death:

1902

Life and times

Born Narendranath Datta in 1863, Swami Vivekananda was a spiritual genius and a key figure in the revival of Hinduism in India. His early life was marked by intellectual curiosity and a questioning spirit. He became a disciple of the mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who instilled in him the principles of Advaita Vedanta and the unity of all religions. Following Ramakrishna’s death, Vivekananda embarked on a journey across India, witnessing firsthand the poverty and suffering of his people. This experience fueled his mission to uplift the nation through education and spiritual empowerment. His famous address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in 1893 catapulted him to international recognition, introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the West.

LEGACY

Founded the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, organizations dedicated to spiritual practice, social service, and education.
Popularized Vedanta and Yoga in the West, influencing Western spiritual and philosophical thought.
Revived and reformed Hinduism, emphasizing its universal and humanistic aspects.
Advocated for social reform, education, and the upliftment of the poor and marginalized.
His lectures and writings, such as “Raja Yoga,” “Karma Yoga,” and “Jnana Yoga,” continue to inspire millions worldwide.

Legend has it that Vivekananda once meditated for three days straight, emerging with a renewed vision for humanity

MODERN ECHOES

Vivekananda’s message of self-empowerment and universal acceptance resonates deeply in today’s world. His influence can be seen in the mindfulness movement, the rise of yoga and meditation in the West, and the growing emphasis on interfaith dialogue. Thinkers like Deepak Chopra and Eckhart Tolle echo his teachings on the power of consciousness and the interconnectedness of all beings. His call for social justice and service to humanity continues to inspire activists and humanitarian organizations worldwide.

Despite his towering intellect, Vivekananda was known for his playful humor and love of music. He was a skilled singer and often entertained his fellow monks with his renditions of traditional Indian songs.

TIMELESSNESS

Swami Vivekananda’s interpretation of Advaita Vedanta provides a powerful framework for self-discovery and the realization of non-duality. He emphasized the inherent divinity within each individual, urging people to recognize their true nature as one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). His teachings on the four paths of yoga – Karma Yoga (action), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Jnana Yoga (knowledge), and Raja Yoga (meditation) – offer diverse approaches to self-realization, catering to different temperaments and inclinations. He teaches that the ultimate goal is to transcend the limitations of the ego and realize one’s true, divine self.

“Arise! Awake! and stop not till the goal is reached!”

Take Away

Vivekananda’s life invites us to embrace our inner strength and challenge the limitations we impose on ourselves. Reflect on his teachings of self-reliance and universal acceptance. How can you apply these principles to break free from your own limiting beliefs and contribute to a more compassionate world? Unalome’s resources on mindfulness and self-inquiry can guide you on this journey of self-discovery, empowering you to awaken the sleeping giant within.

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Recommended Resources

Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. (n.d.). Advaita Ashrama (Publication Department).
Nikhilananda, Swami. (1953). Vivekananda: A Biography. Advaita Ashrama (Publication Department).
Rolland, Romain. (1930). The Life of Vivekananda and the Universal Gospel. Advaita Ashrama (Publication Department).

References:

Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. (n.d.). Advaita Ashrama (Publication Department).

Nikhilananda, Swami. (1953). Vivekananda: A Biography. Advaita Ashrama (Publication Department).

Rolland, Romain. (1930). The Life of Vivekananda and the Universal Gospel. Advaita Ashrama (Publication Department).

Burke, M. L. (2015). Swami Vivekananda in the West: New Discoveries. Advaita Ashrama.

Keywords:

Swami Vivekananda, Vedanta, Hinduism, Yoga, India, spirituality, self-discovery, meditation, non-duality, enlightenment, Ramakrishna Mission, Parliament of the World’s Religions, Eastern philosophy, mindfulness, self-actualization, spiritual awakening.

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