Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was a close disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. He was born in the 19th Century and was one of the first Indian Guru's to travel to America. He became famous when he spoke at the inaugural World Parliament of Religions in Chicago 1893. Swami Vivekananda spoke about the underlying harmony of the different religions.

He is strongly admired in his native India for inspiring his countrymen to aspire to higher ideals. He advocated social reform, education and improved welfare as well as teaching the lofty spiritual ideals of Vedanta

I wrote a biography of Swami Vivekananda for Write Spirit

" In 1897 Swami Vivekananda arrived in America as an anonymous and penniless sannyasin (wandering monk). He had travelled to America as a representative of Hinduism and the ancient Indian tradition of Vedanta. Yet Vivekananda was not bound by any formal ties of religion. To the World Parliament of Religions he offered a message of a shared spirituality and the harmony of world religions. This universal message and his dynamic spiritual personality won the hearts and minds of many seekers; and his vision is still treasured today....

View: Complete Biography of Swami Vivekananda

Kind Words for Vivekananda

" Vivekananda was a soul of puissance if ever there was one, a very lion among men, but the definite work he has left behind is quite incommensurate with our impression of his creative might and energy. We perceive his influence still working gigantically, we know not well how, we know not well where, in something that is not yet formed, something leonine, grand, intuitive, upheaving that has entered the soul of India and we say, "Behold, Vivekananda still lives in the soul of his Mother and in the souls of her children."

- Sri Aurobindo

" I cannot write about Vivekananda without going into raptures. Few indeed could comprehend or fathom him - even among those who had the privilege of becoming intimate with him. His personality was rich, profound and complex and it was this personality - as distinct from his teachings and writings - which accounts for the wonderful influence he has exerted on his countrymen and particularly on Bengalees. This is the type of manhood which appeals to the Bengalee as probably none other. Reckless in his sacrifice, unceasing in his activity, boundless in his love, profound and versatile in his wisdom, exuberant in his emotions, merciless in his attacks but yet simple as a child - he was a rare personality in this world of ours…. "

- Subash Chandra Bose

More Kind Words on Vivekananda

Poetry of Vivekananda at Poet Seers

- Spiritual Teachers

Vivekananda's Speech at the World Parliament of Religions 1893 - Live recording