Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda, known as Narendranath Dutta in pre-monastic life, was born into an affluent family in Simla, North Calcutta. His father, Vishwanath Datta, a person with wide-ranging interests, was a brilliant attorney in Calcutta High Court. His mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was a deeply pious lady who had practiced severe austerities and had prayed to Bhagwan Shiva of Varanasi to grant her a son with all His attributes. Swamiji was born on a Monday the day of Bhagwan Shiva on 12th January 1863 after over a year his mother would offer Puja every Monday to Vireshwar Shiva in Atma Vireshwar Mandir in Varanasi through a relative living there and she herself would spend the day in Calcutta by observing austerities and spiritual practice. That is why Swami Vivekananda is also known as Vireshwar Vivekananda. As a child, Narendranath exhibited extraordinary talents, and excelled in various fields including music, gymnastics as well as academics. By the time he graduated from Calcutta University, he had acquired a deep understanding of many subjects, especially Western philosophy and history. He was born with natural inclination towards spirituality. Since childhood, concentration of mind and meditation were very natural with him. He always felt that there is something which is beyond sensory experience and can not be described by words or conceived by form and this something is cosmic and divine in nature. As he grew up, his search for what is real and permanent, rather than what is fleeting or illusory became intense. At his growing up stage, he became highly influenced by the ideas of the Brahmo leaders and the Brahmo movement. He used to enquire with the Brahmo leaders, whether or not they have seen God or Almighty who has created or projected this universe. Even after meeting different religious leaders, he could never get a convincing answer from any one of them about the existence of God.

Finding His Guru, Sri Ramakrishna

In 1881, when Narendra was a student in Scottish Church college in Calcutta, Professor William Hastie, while explaining the word ‘trance’ in Wordsworth’s ‘The Excursion’, asked all students to meet Sri Ramakrishna if they wanted to understand the true meaning of the word. In the month of November, Narendra went to meet Sri Ramakrishna in Dakshineshwar. He asked him the question that had plagued him for so long, “Sir, have you seen God?” The Master’s reply was immediate and filled with the light of divine truth, “Yes, I have. I see Him as clearly as I see you, only in a much more intense sense.” From that moment, Sri Ramakrishna became the beacon of Narendra’s spiritual journey. Thakur Sri Ramakrishna helped young Narendranath to remove all doubts in his spiritual journey by his selfless love and profound wisdom.

Thus began the sacred relationship between the Master and the disciple, unparalleled in the history of spiritual masters. Narendra, now filled with faith and clarity, became a frequent visitor to Dakshineshwar, learning directly from Sri Ramakrishna and progressing rapidly on the spiritual path. There, he met other devoted young men, all of whom, in their journey of seeking ultimate truth of life, were drawn together by their shared love for the Master, forming a bond that would transcend time.

Trials and Transformation

Swamiji faced two life-altering events in the subsequent years. First, his father passed away suddenly in 1884, leaving his family destitute. Swamiji had to take the responsibility of supporting his mother, brothers, and sisters. The second was the illness of his beloved Master, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in the year 1885. On 2nd October 1885, Sri Ramakrishna was moved to a house at Shyampukur (now known as Shyampukur Bati), and later to a garden house in Cossipore (Cossipore Udyanbati). Swamiji, even amidst his own financial struggles, led the group of young disciples who nursed the Master with unwavering devotion.

The birth of ‘Brotherhood’

Before Sri Ramakrishna left his mortal frame on 16th August 1886, he planted the seeds of a new spiritual movement. He distributed ochre robes among his young disciples, instilling in them the spirit of renunciation and brotherly love. Under the divine command of the Master, Swamiji took the responsibility of leading his monastic disciples. After Sri Ramakrishna’s divine play on earth was over, his disciples under leadership of Swamiji began their new life of Sannyasa (renunciation) in Baranagar Math after taking vows and dedicating their lives to search and realise the ultimate truth.

The Call to Serve Humanity

After establishing the monastic order, Swamiji felt an inner call to serve a greater mission. Unlike others who saw Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings as personal spiritual guidance, Swamiji saw them as universal truths meant to uplift the entire mankind. In 1890, with the blessings of Sri Sarada Devi, Holy Mother and divine consort of Sri Ramakrishna, Swamiji embarked on a long journey across India, seeking to discover the real India, and ultimately, the soul of humanity.

A Heart Moved by India’s Suffering

As he travelled through the length and breadth of the country, Swamiji’s heart was broken by the sight of the immense suffering of the masses. He realized that India’s downfall was not due to lack of spirituality, but due to centuries of neglect and oppression. Having identified poverty as the crying problem of the country,  he knew that evil of hunger and starvation needed to be removed before preaching religion. Food, practical education and self-confidence were the primary requirements. Improved methods of agriculture, village-based economic activities and hygienic way of life needed to be introduced and taught for improving their economic condition and health. In order to infuse self-confidence, Swamiji wanted to spread the message of Vedanta amongst the masses so that they could be infused with the strength and dignity of Vedanta – the divine truth of the Atman, the soul’s innate divinity.

A Divine Mission Takes Shape

The burning question for Swamiji was how to awaken both the spiritual and secular strength of the people. The answer, he realized, lay in education – both secular and spiritual. He envisioned an organization dedicated to this cause, and it was this vision that led to the founding of the Ramakrishna Mission. Swamiji’s divine mission began to crystallize as he understood that an efficient organization of dedicated individuals was required to spread this noble cause throughout India and the world.

The Parliament of Religions – A Global Awakening

In 1893, Swamiji received a divine inner motivation to attend the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago. His purpose was clear : to spread the message of his Master and seek support for the upliftment of India’s suffering masses. His speeches at the Parliament were a divine revelation to the world, establishing him as a ‘Messenger of Indian wisdom’ and a true ambassador of ‘Sanatana Dharma’.

Return to India

A triumphant Swamiji returned to India in 1897 as a spiritual warrior to provide selfless service in order to achieve unity among humanity, lead them to freedom through spiritual path and to serve his motherland by serving the suffering countrymen. His powerful lectures ignited the hearts of his countrymen, awakening in them pride in their heritage, and calling attention to the plight of the downtrodden. He called for a unification of Hinduism and a practical application of Vedanta in daily life.

Founding the Ramakrishna Mission

On 1st May 1897, Swamiji founded the Ramakrishna Mission, a divine organization where monks and lay people would come together to serve humanity, combining spiritual wisdom with social service. The Mission’s work soon expanded to running hospitals, schools, relief efforts, and more, embodying the principles of Practical Vedanta.

Ramakrishna Mission, Practical Vedanta and Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda himself has explained to his disciple Sri Saratchandra Chakravarthy the objectives behind founding of Ramakrishna Mission and his own role in expanding and spreading Advaita philosophy to each and every section of society through Introduction of Practical Vedanta :

“If the Lord wills, we shall make this Math a great centre of harmony. Our Lord is the visible embodiment of the harmony of all ideals. He will be established on earth if we keep alive that spirit of harmony here. We must see to it that people of all creeds and sects, from the Brâhmana down to the Chandâla, may come here and find their respective ideals manifested. The other day when I installed Shri Ramakrishna on the Math grounds, I felt as if his ideas shot forth from this place and flooded the whole universe, sentient and insentient. I, for one, am doing my best, and shall continue to do so — all of you too explain to people the liberal ideas of Shri Ramakrishna; what is the use of merely reading the Vedanta? We must prove the truth of pure Advaitism in practical life. Shankara left this Advaita philosophy in the hills and forests; while I have come to bring it out of those places and scatter it broadcast before the work-a-day world and society. The lion-roar of Advaita must resound in every hearth and home, in meadows and groves, over hills and plains. Come all of you to my assistance and set yourselves to work.”

– Page 202-203, “Talks With Swami Vivekananda”

Belur Math

In 1898, Swami Vivekananda acquired a significant plot of land in Belur with the vision of establishing a permanent home for the monastery and the Monastic Order. This site was later formally registered as the Ramakrishna Math. At Belur Math, Swamiji pioneered a universal model of monastic life that seamlessly integrated the timeless ideals of renunciation and spirituality with the demands of contemporary life. This approach emphasized the harmonious balance between personal spiritual growth and selfless service to humanity, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds regardless of religion, race, or caste.

Disciples and Devotees

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and exemplary life left a profound impact on people across the globe, particularly in the West. Several individuals became his devoted disciples and close associates. Among them, Margaret Noble, later revered as Sister Nivedita, Captain and Mrs. Sevier, Josephine McLeod, and Sara Ole Bull hold a special place. Sister Nivedita, inspired by Swamiji’s vision, dedicated herself to the education and empowerment of girls in Calcutta. Swamiji also inspired numerous Indian disciples, many of whom embraced the monastic life by joining the Ramakrishna Math as Sannyasins, continuing his mission of spiritual enlightenment and societal transformation.

Swamiji’s Final Days

Swamiji’s life, filled with divine energy, was spent in service to humanity. He continued to inspire both Eastern and Western disciples, including Sister Nivedita and others. Though his body grew weak from incessant work, his spirit remained invincible. Before his Mahasamadhi on 4th July 1902, Swamiji proclaimed that even after casting off his physical body, he would continue to inspire mankind until the world realized its oneness with God. Swamiji lives on, eternally guiding us towards the light of the Divine. Through his words, his work, and his divine presence, he continues to inspire and uplift all who seek to know the truth of the Self.

ॐ नमः श्री यति राजाय विवेकानन्द सूरये।

सत्चित् – सुख स्वरूपाय स्वामिने तापहारिने।।

Swami Vivekananda, known as Narendranath Dutta in pre-monastic life, was born into an affluent family in Simla, North Calcutta. His father, Vishwanath Datta, a person with wide-ranging interests, was a brilliant attorney in Calcutta High Court. His mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was a deeply pious lady who had practiced severe austerities and had prayed to Bhagwan Shiva of Varanasi to grant her a son with all His attributes. Swamiji was born on a Monday the day of Bhagwan Shiva on 12th January 1863 after over a year his mother would offer Puja every Monday to Vireshwar Shiva in Atma Vireshwar Mandir in Varanasi through a relative living there and she herself would spend the day in Calcutta by observing austerities and spiritual practice. That is why Swami Vivekananda is also known as Vireshwar Vivekananda. As a child, Narendranath exhibited extraordinary talents, and excelled in various fields including music, gymnastics as well as academics. By the time he graduated from Calcutta University, he had acquired a deep understanding of many subjects, especially Western philosophy and history. He was born with natural inclination towards spirituality. Since childhood, concentration of mind and meditation were very natural with him. He always felt that there is something which is beyond sensory experience and can not be described by words or conceived by form and this something is cosmic and divine in nature. As he grew up, his search for what is real and permanent, rather than what is fleeting or illusory became intense. At his growing up stage, he became highly influenced by the ideas of the Brahmo leaders and the Brahmo movement. He used to enquire with the Brahmo leaders, whether or not they have seen God or Almighty who has created or projected this universe. Even after meeting different religious leaders, he could never get a convincing answer from any one of them about the existence of God.

Finding His Guru, Sri Ramakrishna

In 1881, when Narendra was a student in Scottish Church college in Calcutta, Professor William Hastie, while explaining the word ‘trance’ in Wordsworth’s ‘The Excursion’, asked all students to meet Sri Ramakrishna if they wanted to understand the true meaning of the word. In the month of November, Narendra went to meet Sri Ramakrishna in Dakshineshwar. He asked him the question that had plagued him for so long, “Sir, have you seen God?” The Master’s reply was immediate and filled with the light of divine truth, “Yes, I have. I see Him as clearly as I see you, only in a much more intense sense.” From that moment, Sri Ramakrishna became the beacon of Narendra’s spiritual journey. Thakur Sri Ramakrishna helped young Narendranath to remove all doubts in his spiritual journey by his selfless love and profound wisdom.

Thus began the sacred relationship between the Master and the disciple, unparalleled in the history of spiritual masters. Narendra, now filled with faith and clarity, became a frequent visitor to Dakshineshwar, learning directly from Sri Ramakrishna and progressing rapidly on the spiritual path. There, he met other devoted young men, all of whom, in their journey of seeking ultimate truth of life, were drawn together by their shared love for the Master, forming a bond that would transcend time.

Trials and Transformation

Swamiji faced two life-altering events in the subsequent years. First, his father passed away suddenly in 1884, leaving his family destitute. Swamiji had to take the responsibility of supporting his mother, brothers, and sisters. The second was the illness of his beloved Master, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in the year 1885. On 2nd October 1885, Sri Ramakrishna was moved to a house at Shyampukur (now known as Shyampukur Bati), and later to a garden house in Cossipore (Cossipore Udyanbati). Swamiji, even amidst his own financial struggles, led the group of young disciples who nursed the Master with unwavering devotion.

The birth of ‘Brotherhood’

Before Sri Ramakrishna left his mortal frame on 16th August 1886, he planted the seeds of a new spiritual movement. He distributed ochre robes among his young disciples, instilling in them the spirit of renunciation and brotherly love. Under the divine command of the Master, Swamiji took the responsibility of leading his monastic disciples. After Sri Ramakrishna’s divine play on earth was over, his disciples under leadership of Swamiji began their new life of Sannyasa (renunciation) in Baranagar Math after taking vows and dedicating their lives to search and realise the ultimate truth.

The Call to Serve Humanity

After establishing the monastic order, Swamiji felt an inner call to serve a greater mission. Unlike others who saw Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings as personal spiritual guidance, Swamiji saw them as universal truths meant to uplift the entire mankind. In 1890, with the blessings of Sri Sarada Devi, Holy Mother and divine consort of Sri Ramakrishna, Swamiji embarked on a long journey across India, seeking to discover the real India, and ultimately, the soul of humanity.

A Heart Moved by India’s Suffering

As he travelled through the length and breadth of the country, Swamiji’s heart was broken by the sight of the immense suffering of the masses. He realized that India’s downfall was not due to lack of spirituality, but due to centuries of neglect and oppression. Having identified poverty as the crying problem of the country,  he knew that evil of hunger and starvation needed to be removed before preaching religion. Food, practical education and self-confidence were the primary requirements. Improved methods of agriculture, village-based economic activities and hygienic way of life needed to be introduced and taught for improving their economic condition and health. In order to infuse self-confidence, Swamiji wanted to spread the message of Vedanta amongst the masses so that they could be infused with the strength and dignity of Vedanta – the divine truth of the Atman, the soul’s innate divinity.

A Divine Mission Takes Shape

The burning question for Swamiji was how to awaken both the spiritual and secular strength of the people. The answer, he realized, lay in education – both secular and spiritual. He envisioned an organization dedicated to this cause, and it was this vision that led to the founding of the Ramakrishna Mission. Swamiji’s divine mission began to crystallize as he understood that an efficient organization of dedicated individuals was required to spread this noble cause throughout India and the world.

The Parliament of Religions – A Global Awakening

In 1893, Swamiji received a divine inner motivation to attend the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago. His purpose was clear : to spread the message of his Master and seek support for the upliftment of India’s suffering masses. His speeches at the Parliament were a divine revelation to the world, establishing him as a ‘Messenger of Indian wisdom’ and a true ambassador of ‘Sanatana Dharma’.

Return to India

A triumphant Swamiji returned to India in 1897 as a spiritual warrior to provide selfless service in order to achieve unity among humanity, lead them to freedom through spiritual path and to serve his motherland by serving the suffering countrymen. His powerful lectures ignited the hearts of his countrymen, awakening in them pride in their heritage, and calling attention to the plight of the downtrodden. He called for a unification of Hinduism and a practical application of Vedanta in daily life.

Founding the Ramakrishna Mission

On 1st May 1897, Swamiji founded the Ramakrishna Mission, a divine organization where monks and lay people would come together to serve humanity, combining spiritual wisdom with social service. The Mission’s work soon expanded to running hospitals, schools, relief efforts, and more, embodying the principles of Practical Vedanta.

Ramakrishna Mission, Practical Vedanta and Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda himself has explained to his disciple Sri Saratchandra Chakravarthy the objectives behind founding of Ramakrishna Mission and his own role in expanding and spreading Advaita philosophy to each and every section of society through Introduction of Practical Vedanta :

“If the Lord wills, we shall make this Math a great centre of harmony. Our Lord is the visible embodiment of the harmony of all ideals. He will be established on earth if we keep alive that spirit of harmony here. We must see to it that people of all creeds and sects, from the Brâhmana down to the Chandâla, may come here and find their respective ideals manifested. The other day when I installed Shri Ramakrishna on the Math grounds, I felt as if his ideas shot forth from this place and flooded the whole universe, sentient and insentient. I, for one, am doing my best, and shall continue to do so — all of you too explain to people the liberal ideas of Shri Ramakrishna; what is the use of merely reading the Vedanta? We must prove the truth of pure Advaitism in practical life. Shankara left this Advaita philosophy in the hills and forests; while I have come to bring it out of those places and scatter it broadcast before the work-a-day world and society. The lion-roar of Advaita must resound in every hearth and home, in meadows and groves, over hills and plains. Come all of you to my assistance and set yourselves to work.”

– Page 202-203, “Talks With Swami Vivekananda”

 

Belur Math

In 1898, Swami Vivekananda acquired a significant plot of land in Belur with the vision of establishing a permanent home for the monastery and the Monastic Order. This site was later formally registered as the Ramakrishna Math. At Belur Math, Swamiji pioneered a universal model of monastic life that seamlessly integrated the timeless ideals of renunciation and spirituality with the demands of contemporary life. This approach emphasized the harmonious balance between personal spiritual growth and selfless service to humanity, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds regardless of religion, race, or caste.

Disciples and Devotees

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and exemplary life left a profound impact on people across the globe, particularly in the West. Several individuals became his devoted disciples and close associates. Among them, Margaret Noble, later revered as Sister Nivedita, Captain and Mrs. Sevier, Josephine McLeod, and Sara Ole Bull hold a special place. Sister Nivedita, inspired by Swamiji’s vision, dedicated herself to the education and empowerment of girls in Calcutta. Swamiji also inspired numerous Indian disciples, many of whom embraced the monastic life by joining the Ramakrishna Math as Sannyasins, continuing his mission of spiritual enlightenment and societal transformation.

Swamiji’s Final Days

Swamiji’s life, filled with divine energy, was spent in service to humanity. He continued to inspire both Eastern and Western disciples, including Sister Nivedita and others. Though his body grew weak from incessant work, his spirit remained invincible. Before his Mahasamadhi on 4th July 1902, Swamiji proclaimed that even after casting off his physical body, he would continue to inspire mankind until the world realized its oneness with God. Swamiji lives on, eternally guiding us towards the light of the Divine. Through his words, his work, and his divine presence, he continues to inspire and uplift all who seek to know the truth of the Self.

 

ॐ नमः श्री यति राजाय विवेकानन्द सूरये।

सत्चित् – सुख स्वरूपाय स्वामिने तापहारिने।।