Born in aristocratic Bengali kayastha family of Calcutta, Swami Vivekananda showed an inclination towards spirituality and God realization. His guru, Ramakrishna paramahamsa taught him advaita Vedanta (non-dualism or aham bramhasmi); that all religions are true and that service to man was the most effective worship of God. After the death of his guru, Vivekananda became a wandering monk, extensively touring the Indian subcontinent and acquiring first-hand knowledge of conditions in India. He later traveled to the United States and represented India as a delegate in the 1893 parliament of world regions. He conducted hundreds of public and private lectures and classes, disseminating tenets of Hindu philosophy in America, England and Europe. He established the Vedanta societies in America and England.
Some of his quotes:
- See for the highest, aim at that highest, and you shall reach the highest.
- “Comfort” is no test of truth; o the contrary, trust is often far from being “comfortable”.
- “The earth is enjoyed by heroes”-this is the unfailing truth. Be a hero. Always say, “I have no fear”.
- Purity, patience and perseverance are the three essentials to success, and above all, love.
- Strength is in goodness, in purity.
- Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached.
- To be good and to do well-that is the whole of religion.
- Great undertakings are always fought with many obstacles.
