Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda has revealed himself with even greater appeal in his intimate and informal conversations with his disciples than in his preaching in public. In these talks published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, he gives directions about spiritual practice and meditation, discusses the highest philosophy, and in the next breath discusses the problems of national regeneration, social reform, educational ideals, and other such topics.

With historical-critical analysis and dialogical even-handedness, the essays of this book re-assess the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda, forged at a time of colonial suppression, from the vantage point of socially-engaged religion at a time of global dislocations and international inequities. Due to the complexity of Vivekananda as a historical figure on the cusp of late modernity with its vast transformations, few works offer a contemporary, multi-vocal, nuanced, academic examination of his liberative vision and legacy in the way that this volume does. It brings together North American, European, British, and Indian scholars associated with a broad array of humanistic disciplines towards critical-constructive, contextually-sensitive reflections on one of the most important thinkers and theologians of the modern era.

The life and message of Swami Vivekananda are a source of great inspiration to many in their individual as well as collective life. The present short biography published by Advaita Ashrama, a Publication House of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, is intended to meet the needs of those who have neither the time nor the opportunity to read bigger works about the Swami. A versatile genius as the great Swami was, and many-sided as were his activities, it is idle to hope that a complete picture of his wonderful life could be given in such a small compass. Here an attempt is made to give only a glimpse of this great personality so that people may become interested to know more about him.

Written in simple English, this books tries to introduce Swami Vivekananda to young readers in the hope that they will want to know more about this great man and get acquainted with his ideas and draw inspiration from them. All the important events in Swami Vivekananda's life are presented in an engaging manner. A few important teachings of Swami Vivekananda are presented topic wise so that the reader may apply them in their own life. This book may also serve as an excellent rapid reader for school students. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math.

Swami Vivekananda philosophy was a blend of the traditional values and modern thoughts, as well as human values and superhuman thoughts. Although he lived only for thirty-nine years, he influenced the thinking of multitudes around the world. His charismatic personality and intellectual speeches made an impact that altered people’s concept of Hinduism and India globally. Even today, his teachings are capable of transforming all who are keen to imbibe them. Vivekananda was born when Calcutta was India’s capital under the British Raj. It was a time when the British Raj sought to change the governing system of India after the Mutiny of 1857. Swami Vivekananda preferred a modern approach to deal with the existing social problems and favoured Western ideas. This book tries to cover the life and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda comprehensively and give an insight about his personality.

This book comprises of a choice collection of Swami Vivekananda’s utterances culled from his numerous speeches and writings, arranged under 44 suitable sections. It is a treasure house of thoughts of power to inspire and guide mankind in its march towards the Supreme Reality. Covering the entire cyclorama of ma’s life and its evolutionary movement, the electrifying gospel of this great Swami includes within its fold everything that would go to inspire and awaken a drooping soul by reminding him of his infinite potentialities and inherent greatness, and making him move ahead on the difficult terrain of life and circumstances. This book is a must for all those who earnestly wish to move ahead in the grand march of life, infested with tremendous obstacles and difficulties, towards the state of Supreme Felicity. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, India.