BIOGRAPHY OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Narendranath

INTRODUCTION

Swami Vivekananda is a child of a middle-class family in India who gained fame for various deeds during his short life. His knowledge and comments are equally famous not only in India but also abroad.

Swami Vivekananda did a lot for the spiritual upliftment of India. He set up the Ramakrishna Mission to help the poor miserable people.

In a word, Swami Vivekananda was a sage or a saint and, as long as he was alive, he passed on to us all his knowledge, teachings, experience and spiritual thinking.

BIRTH

Swami Vivekananda was born on 12th January 1863 (29th Poush 1269 Bangabdo) on the day of Poush Sankranti at 6:33:30 seconds. His mother believed that her son was born by the grace of Shiva, the god of Kashi. That is why he named his son 'Bireshwar'.

Family identity

Swami Vivekananda's ancestral home was in the village of Deretona in Kalna subdivision of Burdwan district. At the beginning of the British period, they moved to Calcutta - first to Garh Gobindpur, then to Shimla in North Calcutta.

The house in the village where Swami Vivekananda was born was built by his great-grandfather Rammohun Dutt.

Rammohun's eldest son Durga Prasad left home at the age of twenty-two and became a monk. Son Bishwanath was a child then. He grew up on his own and took up the profession of attorney. Bishwanath was married to Bhubaneswari Devi, the only daughter of Nandalal Basu of Shimla. Their sixth child Narendranath Dutta later became known as Swami Vivekananda.

Bishwanath Dutt was a very generous man. He was fond of Hindu-Muslim mixed culture in food, dress and manners and followed the English in his work. Made a lot of money, but was not interested in saving. He used to take care of many relatives and the poor.

Bishwanath Dutt was proficient in seven languages. History and music were his favourite subjects.

Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda's mother's name was Bhubaneswari Devi. Bhubaneswari Devi was in every sense a worthy consort of Bishwanath. Her every step revealed personality and aristocracy.

The poor never return empty-handed from him. She looked after all the household chores herself and regularly did puja lessons, scripture lessons and sewing. Narendranath first learned English from his mother.

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA’S CHILDHOOD

From an early age, Bille was known for his extraordinary talent, vigour, courage, independent attitude, kindness, friendliness and attraction towards sports. With that, there was a strong spiritual thirst. Playing ‘Dhyana Dhyana’ would lead to really deep meditation. 

He worshipped Ram-Sita and Shiva. Whenever he saw a saint, he would run away with an unknown attraction.

Before going to bed, Jyoti-Darshan was his daily experience. As he grew older, Narendranath became the centrepiece of school debates and discussions, a leader in sports, a first-class singer in classical music and hymns, a skilled actor in dramas, and a profound thinker at a young age.

Swami Vivekananda

The attraction to the life of monks was growing, but he was not cruel to the world, he was deeply compassionate. He always went ahead in the danger of human beings.

EDUCATION

After passing the entrance examination in the first class from the Metropolitan School in 1879 AD, Narendranath was first admitted to the Presidency College. But suffering from malaria, he had to leave the college, and be admitted to the General Assemblies Institution (now Scottish Church College). From there, he passéd F.A. in 1881, and BA in 1884 AD.

Although he did not add much importance to school and college examinations, Narendranath was very fond of learning, and the scope of his studies was very wide.

While still a student, he wrote to the philosopher Herbert Spencer criticizing one of his doctrines and Spencer wrote praising Narendranath enough that in the next edition of the book he would change something according to that critique.

Even the principal of the college, William Hasty, was impressed by his talent and said, “Narendranath is truly a genius. I have visited many places, but I have never seen such intelligence and versatility.”

RAMAKRISHNA AND SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Swami Vivekananda

He first met Ramkrishna in November 1881 (probably November 6) at Suren Mitra's house in Calcutta. The second visit is to Dakshineswar. Narendranath directly asked Sri Ramakrishna that day, which he had done many times before:

Narendranath - Have you seen God?

Ramakrishna - Yes, I see him, I see him more clearly than I see you. If you want to see, I can show you too.

Narendranath was stunned. This was the first time he saw a man who had seen God; not only this, could also show others. But Narendranath did not accept him easily. Only when he repeatedly examined his sacrifice, his holiness, and his spirituality did he accept him as a guide.

His tendency to verify this pleased Sri Ramakrishna, who understood from the outset that Narendranath would one day establish Indian civilization and culture as great in the world.

Narendranath had a close association with Sri Ramakrishna for about four years. During these four years, he has had various spiritual experiences in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and his own merits.

Narendranath's father Bishwanath Dutta died on 25 February 1884 AD. Narendranath was in dire financial straits. But his conscience did not diminish at all.

DEATH OF SHRI RAMAKRISHNA

In 1885 AD, Ramakrishna was diagnosed with cancer. He was first brought to Shyampukur for treatment, then to a rented house in Kashipur. Coming to this house, Narendranath was immersed in the service and intense spirituality of Sri Ramakrishna.

One day, he told Sri Ramakrishna that he wanted to be immersed in Nirvikalpa Samadhi day and night like Shukadev. But Sri Ramakrishna said: He must not only seek his liberation, but he must also be like a huge banyan tree, under whose shade the people of the world will find peace.

It was by his grace that Narendranath one day attained the highest realization of religious life Kashipur.

One day in Kashipur, Sri Ramakrishna wrote on a piece of paper: "Naren will teach." In other words, the eternal spiritual ideal of India that he had embodied in his life, Narendranath would propagate it to the world.

One day while discussing Vaishnava religion with Narendranath, Sri Ramakrishna said: "It is not kindness in life, it is service to life in Shiva knowledge."

Narendranath was fascinated and said, “What a strange light I got from Thakur today. If God ever gives me a day, I will spread this strange truth all over the world from what I have heard today. ”

This incident is the source of the fact that Swamiji later spoke so much about the worship of God through the service of human beings. Sri Ramakrishna directed Swami Vivekananda for every action. Sri Ramakrishna was the source, Swamiji was his commentary.

Sri Ramakrishna also instructed Narendra to form an association with the Sannyasi Guru brothers. The result is today's Ramakrishna Mission. Sri Ramakrishna passed away on 16th August 1886 AD.

ESTABLISHMENT OF RAMAKRISHNA MATH

Shortly after the death of Sri Ramakrishna, Narendranath, along with some of his guru brothers established the first Sri Ramakrishna Math in an old dilapidated house in Baranagar. Extreme poverty, hunger and starvation were their constant companions. They spent their days in intense austerities, chanting and discussing scriptures.

ASCETICISM

In January 1887, Narendranath and his ten guru brothers took sannyasa. Narendranath's new name was Swami Bibidisananda.

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA’S DIFFERENT NAMES

Swamiji used to go by different names Such as - Bibidisananda, Sachchidananda, Vivekananda. He appeared as 'Vivekananda' at the Chicago General Assembly.

TRAVELLER VIVEKANANDA

After taking sannyasa, Swami Vivekananda and his sannyasi guru brothers would occasionally go out as pilgrims. Sometimes alone, sometimes a few together. 

TRAVELLING INDIA

In this way, Swamiji travelled almost all over India on foot. He got acquainted with people from all walks of life like educated-uneducated, rich-poor, Raja-Maharaja, Brahmin, Chandal etc.

Everyone was fascinated by his talent, his radiant charm and his spiritual influence. During his travels, he also realized the true nature of India.

 

TRAVELLING ABROAD

The journey he started on August 3, 1890, was the longest. During this trip, many were impressed by his talent and asked him to attend the Parliament of the World's Religions.

Vivekananda did not bother about this at first. He later decided to go to America at the behest of the people of Madras and by divine instruction of his Guru Sri Ramakrishna. (Sri Ramakrishna instructed him in the subtle body, and Srima Sarada Devi also allowed him in reply to his letter).

JOURNEY TO AMERICA

Swami Vivekananda went to America as a representative of the common people of India with their financial help. He said: “If it is my mother's wish that I should go to America, then I will go with the help of ordinary people.”

On May 31, 1893, Swami Vivekananda sailed from Bombay to America and arrived in Vancouver on 25 July. He arrived in Chicago on the evening of July 30 by train from there. Knowing that the Dharma Mahasabha was late, Swamiji moved to Boston to stay at low cost.

In Boston, he came in contact with various scholars and professors. The most notable of these is Professor Wright of Harvard University. Knowing that there was no identity card in Swamiji's name, Professor Wright wrote a letter to Dr Barrows, Chairman of the Dharma Mahasabha Committee: "If we combine all our professors, this monk will be a greater scholar than all of them."

CHICAGO LECTURE

The Dharma Mahasabha started on September 11. Swami Vivekananda gave a speech in the afternoon. He addressed the gathering 'the Brothers and Sisters of America' and was greeted by seven thousand listeners.

Swamiji then gave a short speech. The audience was fascinated by the wonderful expression of his generous and affectionate attitude towards all religions. Swamiji became famous overnight. The Dharma Mahasabha lasted till September 27.

He had to give lectures almost every day. For his liberal rational thought, everyone recognized him as the best speaker of the Dharma Mahasabha. Swami Vivekananda's picture was put up on the streets of Chicago.

RELIGIOUS PREACHING

IN AMERICA

After that, Swamiji started preaching in big cities of America. The American people, especially the educated community, became more and more his fans.

Some narrow-minded people from the Indian and Christian communities became jealous and started lying against him. Though temporarily endangered, Swamiji overcame all the storms in his character.

IN ENGLAND

Two years later, in August 1895, he went to Europe. After preaching in Paris and London, he returned to America in December. He left America on 15 April 1896 and returned to London.

Bipin Chandra Pal writes in a letter about the influence of Swamiji in England: “In many parts of England, I have come across many people who have deep respect and devotion for Swami Vivekananda. It is true that I do not belong to his community and there are differences with him in some respects, but I must admit that Vivekananda's influence is opening the eyes of many here in England. As a result of his teachings, most of the people here today believe that there are wonderful spiritual theories embedded in the ancient Hindu scriptures. ”

RETURN TO CALCUTTA

His unimaginable success in the West instilled confidence and self-respect in the minds of the people, and their long-cherished inferiority complex vanished in an instant.

Indians have raised their heads and discovered: their contribution to the world's treasures of civilization is not less than that of the West, but more.

The whole country trembled with eager interest to welcome the man like that magician. So when Swamiji arrived in Colombo, he saw that gratitude had taken the form of an unprecedented congratulation in the whole country. That wave of congratulations waved and flowed everywhere from Ramnad, Madras, and from Madras to Calcutta. Swamiji reached Calcutta on 19 February. Congratulations after congratulations - Kolkata got excited with her world-winning son.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ASSOCIATIONS IN DIFFERENT PLACES OF THE COUNTRY AND ABROAD

Swami Vivekananda's body was shattered as a result of endless speeches and travels in the West. But in the midst of it, he tried to make the Sannyasi Sangha stand on a permanent basis in a preached way of Ramakrishna.

·   Swami sent Ramakrishnananda to Madras to build a branch centre.

· Swami Akhandananda established a permanent Sebashram at Sargachhi in Murshidabad.

·  He also gave specific responsibilities to other monk brothers.

·  Swami Sardananda and Swami Abhedananda were given charge of America and England respectively.

ESTABLISHMENT OF RAMAKRISHNA MISSION

On May 1, 1897, Swamiji formally established the Ramakrishna Mission. His idea from abroad was to buy permanent land on the banks of the Ganges for the Math. That dream came true in 1898.

On December 9, 1898, Sri Ramakrishna Math was established in Belur.

TRAVELLING ABROAD AGAIN

On June 20, 1899, Swami Vivekananda left for the West for the third time and arrived in America from England, where he stayed for two weeks, in August.

He was in America for about a year and gave more than 90 lectures. The main purpose of Swamiji's western trip this time was to see how his established work was going on in those countries and to strengthen its foundation.

Swamiji returned to Belur Math on 9 December (1900) via Paris, Vienna, Constantinople, Athens and Egypt.

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA ON THE WAY TO MAHASAMADHI

Returning to the country, Swamiji left for Mayawati on 27th December. Returned from there on 24 January (1901). The trust deed was registered on 6 February. On 10 February, with the approval of the trustees of the monastery, Swami Brahmananda Ramakrishna became the president of the monastery and mission and Swami Sardananda the secretary. Thus removing himself from the responsibility of conducting all the affairs of the Sangh, Swamiji continued to prepare for the Mahasamadhi for the last two years. He did not want to give any advice to the gurus or disciples. He told them to act wisely so that in his absence they could decide for themselves the management of the association.

DEATH OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

Swamiji left the body on July 4, 1972. In the evening he meditated in his room at Belur Math. At 9:10 P.M., that meditation turned into a mahasamadhi.

At the time of his death, Swamiji was 39 years 5 months and 24 days old. But despite the destruction of the gross body, the energy that manifested itself in the form of Vivekananda is still working.

Swamiji himself has made a promise to the people of the world: “It may be that I would rather throw away this body like an old cloth and walk out of it. But I will never stop working. I will continue to inspire people everywhere until everyone learns that he is God.”