Strength and fearlessness are the two prime virtues which are the markers of the health of a human being and society. Every crime and and antisocial and inhuman act is the outcome of lack of true strength and fearlessness. But what do we mean by strength, and what does fearlessness connote? In this booklet published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication branch of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, Swami Tathagatananda has presented Vivekananda’s views on this subject. We are sure the author's presentation will shed new light on our understanding of these eternal virtues and will urge our younger generation to imbibe and practice them.
“If you want to know how deep the quotes of Swami Vivekananda are, then definitely read this book.” “This book showed that the words of Swami Vivekananda are still applicable today.” “True success and goals and career, both are best chapters, quotes of Vivekanand are really deep.” - READER’S REVIEW The author was researching on Swami Vivekanand for 2 years, before writing this book, the Author gone through hundreds of quotes and lectures. After two years of complete research, he comes up with this final product. Viveka enlightens the whole world with his thoughts in every aspect of the life of a person. This book will cover every basic aspect of the life of a person. We will see every aspect with his perspectives like goals and career, finance, health, relation, true success, and God, with the help of his deep quotes and lectures.
Para Bhakti: Swami Vivekananda's Path to Supreme Devotion by Swami Vivekananda: This insightful book delves into the spiritual journey of Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in the Indian spiritual renaissance. The author explores Vivekananda's profound devotion and his teachings that continue to inspire and guide seekers on the path of self-realization. Key Aspects of the Book "Para Bhakti: Swami Vivekananda's Path to Supreme Devotion": Spiritual Evolution: The book traces Vivekananda's spiritual evolution, from his early life to his encounters with spiritual masters and his transformative experiences. Teachings and Philosophy: The author highlights Vivekananda's teachings on Vedanta, meditation, and the pursuit of knowledge as essential components of the path to supreme devotion. Legacy and Impact: The book examines how Vivekananda's teachings continue to resonate and influence individuals seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment. Swami Vivekananda is a dedicated researcher and writer with a focus on spiritual and philosophical subjects. With a deep appreciation for the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, the author has crafted a compelling narrative that sheds light on the spiritual path advocated by the revered sage. Para Bhakti: Swami Vivekananda's Path to Supreme Devotion serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the life and teachings of this iconic spiritual figure.
In the realm of spiritual exploration, Swami Vivekananda's profound insights into Bhakti-Yoga unveiled the celestial dance of devotion, revealing a path paved with love, surrender, and unbreakable bonds with the Divine. Through his eloquent addresses, he unraveled the essence of this ancient practice, igniting hearts with a fervor that transcended the boundaries of time. With the grace of a mystic poet, Swami Vivekananda painted a vibrant portrait of Bhakti-Yoga as a divine romance, a sacred union between the seeker and the Divine Beloved. He urged souls to abandon the shackles of formalities and embrace a pure, heartfelt connection, where every breath and every heartbeat became an offering of love. His words flowed like honeyed melodies, captivating listeners with tales of saints and devotees who danced with divinity, their hearts ablaze with fervent adoration. In the realm of Bhakti-Yoga, Swami Vivekananda's words become a luminous beacon, guiding seekers toward a profound and intimate communion with the Divine.
Excerpt: "Liberty is the first condition of growth. Just as man must have liberty to think and speak, so must he have liberty in food, dress, and marriage, and in every other thing as long as he does not injure others."
The Parliament of the World's Religions opened on 11 September 1893 at the Art Institute of Chicago as part of the World's Columbian Exposition. On this day, Vivekananda gave a brief speech representing India and Hinduism. He was initially nervous, bowed to Saraswati (the Hindu goddess of learning) and began his speech with "Sisters and brothers of America!". At these words, Vivekananda received a two-minute standing ovation from the crowd of seven thousand. According to Sailendra Nath Dhar, when silence was restored he began his address, greeting the youngest of the nations on behalf of "the most ancient order of monks in the world, the Vedic order of sannyasins, a religion which has taught the world both tolerance, of and universal acceptance". Vivekananda quoted two illustrative passages from the "Shiva mahimna stotram": "As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take, through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee!" and "Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths that in the end lead to Me." According to Sailendra Nath Dhar, "It was only a short speech, but it voiced the spirit of the Parliament." Parliament President John Henry Barrows said, "India, the Mother of religions was represented by Swami Vivekananda, the Orange-monk who exercised the most wonderful influence over his auditors". Vivekananda attracted widespread attention in the press, which called him the "cyclonic monk from India". The New York Critique wrote, "He is an orator by divine right, and his strong, intelligent face in its picturesque setting of yellow and orange was hardly less interesting than those earnest words, and the rich, rhythmical utterance he gave them". The New York Herald noted, "Vivekananda is undoubtedly the greatest figure in the Parliament of Religions. After hearing him we feel how foolish it is to send missionaries to this learned nation". American newspapers reported Vivekananda as "the greatest figure in the parliament of religions" and "the most popular and influential man in the parliament". The Boston Evening Transcript reported that Vivekananda was "a great favourite at the parliament... if he merely crosses the platform, he is applauded". He spoke several more times "at receptions, the scientific section, and private homes" on topics related to Hinduism, Buddhism and harmony among religions until the parliament ended on 27 September 1893. Vivekananda's speeches at the Parliament had the common theme of universality, emphasising religious tolerance. He soon became known as a "handsome oriental" and made a huge impression as an orator.
This book authored by Swami Tathagatananda, a senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order and the resident minister and spiritual leader of The Vedanta Society of New York, highlights the problems, criticisms and hardships faced by Swami Vivekananda during his lifetime, and how he eventually trumped over these adversities with strength and courage and fulfilled his mission. These glimpses of Swami Vivekananda’s heroic struggle will help readers find strength and courage when dealing with adverse situations in life.
The Vedanta was an inseparable part of Swami Vivekananda’s personality. He lived and breathed this philosophy while preaching it to India and the west. While Vivekananda’s landmark address at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 established him as modern India’s great spiritual leader, his popularity and appeal is attributed to his ability to integrate his human side with his profound spiritual side. In this beautifully written biography, Chaturvedi Badrinath liberates Vivekananda from the confines of the worship room and offers an unforgettable insight into the life of a man who was the very embodiment of the Vedanta that he preached.
This compilation by Advaita Ashrama, a publication centre of Ramakrishna Math, is a documentation of selected notes and utterances of Swami Vivekananda about himself and his work. These are arranged chronologically so as to form what may be called a near autobiography of the saint.
