Swami Vivekananda

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(1863- 1902)

Prayer to Swami Vivekananda
by Swami Ramakrishnananda (Monastic disciple of Sri Ramakrishna)

Namah srî yati râjâya vivekânanda sûraye
Saccit sukha swarûpâya swâmine tâpahârine

"Salutation to that king of renouncers and controller of passions, the sage Vivekananda, who is Satcitananda (Existence, Knowledge and Bliss Absolute) Itself, the spiritual preceptor and the remover of distress."

From an early age, Swami Vivekananda displayed a keen intellect, great power of leadership and was adept in meditation. He graduated from the University of Kolkata and was exposed to the Western scientific approach to life. In a state of restless inquiry and fearless spirit he met Sri Ramakrishna and was duly mystified yet intrigued by the Master's personality. Swami Vivekananda became a frequent visitor to Dakshineswar where Sri Ramakrishna lived in the Kali temple. Through constant association with Sri Ramakrishna, he passed from a stage of doubt and hesitation and finally reached a stage of complete surrender, becoming the Master's foremost disciple.

Sri Ramakrishna had indicated that Swami Vivekananda was destined for a mission to teach the world. After the Master's passing away, Swami Vivekananda gathered the fifteen other young disciples and they took the formal monastic vows. Swami Vivekananda then journeyed all through India, visiting temples and places of pilgrimage, preaching and passing months in solitary meditation. These experiences made him aware of India's hunger and poverty as well as her nobility and spiritual wisdom. He saw that India had a mission in the modern world as a source of spiritual inspiration, but also realised that the prevailing social conditions had to be improved first. It was for these reasons that he went to the United States to seek material help. The Parliament of World's Religions of 1893 in Chigaco provided the opportunity to go to the West. Of all the representatives of the major religions present there, Swamiji made the most powerful impact at the Parliament. What he was working for was the exchange of values - the energy, initiative and courage of the West and the great spirituality of the East. This laid the groundwork for establishing Vedanta in the West.

On returning to India, Swamiji formed the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission for the purpose of integrating religious, educational and philanthropic activities. In dedicating his life to spreading his Master's message, Swamiji's legacy continues to inspire people around the world up to the present day.

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