Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was an Indian monk and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna who became a major modern interpreter of Vedanta and yoga and founded the Ramakrishna Mission.

Who was Swami Vivekananda?

Born Narendranath Datta in 1863, he became a disciple of Ramakrishna and later travelled widely in India before representing Hinduism at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. He established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.

Teachings and spiritual significance

His lectures presented Vedanta, yoga, service and spiritual development in language intended for modern audiences. He emphasized the dignity of the individual, practical spirituality and service to humanity.

Major works and primary material

Raja Yoga; Jnana Yoga; Karma Yoga; Bhakti Yoga; Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda.

How should Swami Vivekananda be understood?

Love of God distinguishes a teacher's own teachings from editorial explanation. Tradition-specific theological statements are identified as belonging to the relevant tradition rather than being presented automatically as universally accepted historical facts. Where historical evidence is uncertain or traditions differ, the distinction should be made explicit.

Questions readers commonly ask

What tradition is Swami Vivekananda associated with?

Vedanta / Ramakrishna tradition.

What are the main subjects associated with Swami Vivekananda?

His lectures presented Vedanta, yoga, service and spiritual development in language intended for modern audiences. He emphasized the dignity of the individual, practical spirituality and service to humanity.

Where should I start reading?

Begin with the teacher's own published works or recorded teachings, then consult recognized institutional biographies and scholarly or historical sources where appropriate.