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Swami Vivekananda was the disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa. He founded the
Ramakrishna mission to spread the teachings of his Guru throughout the world.
One of the most famous and influential spiritual leaders of India, he sought to
promote the philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga. Swami Vivekananda was the first
spiritual leader of India who introduced Hinduism, Yoga and Vedanta at the
World's Parliament of Religions. Read this biography further to know more about
Swami Vivekananda, his teachings and his life history.
Early Life
Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Dutta in Calcutta (now Kolkata), in
the year 1863. Even as a child, Narendra showed a high level of intelligence and
a deep inclination towards meditation. He joined Presidency College of Calcutta
in 1879 for one year and then entered Scottish Church College to study
philosophy. By this time, Narendra started questioning God and His presence. He
also became a part of the Brahmo Samaj, a religious movement. Unsatisfied with
only congregational prayers and devotional songs, he started looking elsewhere
to find answers to his questions.
Meeting Ramakrishna and Renunciation
His search led Narendra towards Ramakrishna, whom he met in November 1881. After
testing Ramakrishna to his maximum limit, Narendra accepted him wholeheartedly
as his Guru. He remained with Ramakrishna for a period of five years. After the
death of his Guru, Narendra took his vows as a monk, renounced the world and
became Swami Vivekananda. In July 1890, Narendra started his journey as a
wanderer, roaming around the country promoting the teachings of his Guru.
Ramakrishna Mission
Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission to spread the teachings of
his Guru, Ramakrishna, far and wide. He left for the holy abode in 1902, at the
Belur Math, near Calcutta.
Swami Vivekananda Teachings
Each individual is himself responsible for making or breaking his life. He
should concentrate on his goal and should not rest until it is achieved.
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God in Nirankar (formless), with attributes.
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God is one and different religions serve as a path towards the same God.
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God is present in every living being and he, who serves others, serves God.
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Human being should strive towards truth, purity, sincerity, morals and
unselfishness.
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The quintessence of every religion is to make people realize the highest
spiritual truth.
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To be good and to do good is the main aim of every individual.
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