Swami Vivekananda – The legend inspiring generations

• A patriot, Yogi and a saint combined in him, Swami Vivekananda is one of the most influential spiritual leaders of all times.
  
  
• Swami Vivekananda achieved in 39 years what millions cannot achieve in their lifetime.
  
  
• On his birthday celebrated as the National Youth Day, the World pays tribute to him thanking him for igniting the spiritual quest in generations of seekers.

Born on 12 January 1863 and shedding his mortal coil on 4 July 1902, Swami Vivekananda treaded this holy land in flesh and blood only for 39 years. However, his life and message continue to inspire generations. His birth anniversary of 12 January is aptly named as The National Youth Day in India reflecting on the fact that youth of all times can infinitely draw from his example and teaching. Here we discuss some points why his life is an inspiration to millions.

Reflections on Vivekananda’s teachings

While he moved among the people in flesh and blood, he was just a fire that could ignite the minds with spirit, energy, courage and motivation. Romain Rolland once wrote about Swami Vivekananda, “His words are great music, phrases in the style of Beethoven, stirring rhythms like the march of Handel choruses. I cannot touch these sayings of his, scattered as they are through the pages of books, at thirty years’ distance, without receiving a thrill through my body like an electric shock. And what shocks, what transports, must have been produced when in burning words they issued from the lips of the hero!”

The personality he was

Vivekananda was a true patriot, Yogi and a saint combined into one. In the first place, he urged people to question. He spoke with a revolutionary spirit. He travelled all over the country igniting minds with the quest for wisdom. He often said his principal mission as to awaken every Indian and make them aware of their true potential. Even after a hundred years and a few decades have passed away after left this world, his words remain here immortal. Generations of youth and aged alike consider him their role model and hero for the personality he was, the kind of life he lived and the ideas and ideals he taught.

The making of Swami Vivekananda

Vivekananda met Swami Ramakrishna Paramhamsa as a zealous youth full of spiritual queries. After a long search in the world, finally it occurred to Vivekananda that Ramakrishna Paramhamsa was the right, capable and accomplished Guru who could resolve his doubts and shed light on this path. Ramakrishna Paramhamsa was one of the greatest spiritual masters of all times and he nurtured and mentored Vivekananda so lovingly and enthusiastically. Ramakrishna always enjoined his disciple not to abandon reason and question things and people until a fulfilling answer is found. Further Vivekananda toured the whole of India for about five years to deepen his understanding of the vibrant and ancient Indian culture, religion and society.

One of the most inspiring spiritual leaders

Swami Vivekananda rose to fame when he addressed the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. Before he started travelling to the USA, he assumed the name Vivekananda, which was suggested by the Maharaja of Khetri in Rajasthan. His talk delivered at the conference was centered on the universality of religions and religious tolerance. He received a standing ovation for a scholarly but simple speech that could move masses and convince every soul. Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Math in Kolkata on 1 May 1897 to promote the Ramakrishna Mission which he described as a forum of social service. The government of India honored Swami Vivekananda by constructing a memorial for him on a huge rock in the Indian Ocean in Kanyakumari. In 1985, his birthday was declared as the National Youth Day.