Swami Vivekananda was a “Hindu monk” and one of the most celebrated spiritual leaders of India. He was more than just a spiritual mind; he was a prolific thinker, great orator and passionate patriot. He carried on the free-thinking philosophy of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramhansa forward into a new paradigm.
He was a great social reformer and a very inspiring personality of India. The young monk and his teachings have been an inspiration to many, and his words have become goals of self-improvement especially for the youth of the country. For this very reason, his birthday, January 12, is celebrated as the National Youth Day in India.
Vivekananda was called by the name Narendranath Datta, He was born in Kolkata on 12 January 1863 to Vishwanath Datta and Bhuvaneshwari Devi. His father was a successful attorney. He used to practice meditation even from his boyhood, and was associated with Brahmo Movement for some time.
At the threshold of youth Narendra had to pass through a period of spiritual crisis when he was assailed by doubts about the existence of God. In November 1881, Narendra went to meet Sri Ramakrishna who was staying at the Kali Temple in Dakshineshwar. Narendra became a frequent visitor to Dakshineshwar and under the guidance of the Sri Ramakrishna, he made rapid strides on the spiritual path.
After a few years two events took place which caused Narendra considerable distress, sudden death of his father in 1884 and Sri Ramakrishna in 1886. In the middle of 1890, Vivekananda left Baranagar Math and embarked on a long journey to explore and discover India. He went on a pilgrimage all over the country, studying the conditions of the people. Wherever he went, his magnetic personality created a great impression.
He decided to attend the World Parliament of Religions in order to spread his message in the West which was schedule to be held in Chicago in 1893. On the eve of his departure, he adopted the name of Swami Vivekananda. His speeches at the World's Parliament of Religions held in September 1893 made him famous as an 'orator by divine right' and as a 'Messenger of Indian wisdom to the Western world'. For three years he spread the Vedanta philosophy and religion in America and England and then returned to India. He found the Ramakrishna Math and Mission on 1 May 1897. In 1898, he established Belur Math.
In June 1899 he leaves India for second visit to the West. He returned to Belur Math in December 1900. The rest of his life was spent in India, inspiring and guiding people. He has dedicated his life to guiding others for pure and true spiritual path. His health deteriorated and Swami Vivekananda breathed his last on 4 July 1902 at the Belur Math, leaving behind an immortal legacy not just in the hearts of his contemporaries, but for all generations to come.
You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.
Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.
All power is within you, you can do anything and everything Believe in that.
Do not wait for anybody or anything. Do whatever you can, build your hope on none.
Who is helping you don’t forget them.Who is loving you, don’t hate them.Who is believing you,don’t cheat them.
Take up one idea, make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it, let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.