Swami Vivekananda

 T.Y.B.Com Sem 5

Swami Vivekananda - Addresses

Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk from India, became famous worldwide after speaking at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. Born in 1863 in a well-educated Bengali family, he had a deep understanding of philosophy, history, and logic.

The World's Parliament of Religions was the first formal gathering of representatives from both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Swami Vivekananda represented Hinduism and India at this global event, where he introduced the world to the teachings of Hinduism, particularly the ideas of tolerance and universal harmony. His speeches at the Parliament received a lot of attention and gave him international recognition.

It is through him that west learnt of the true meaning of the Vedas. He preached and spread the teachings of Hindu philosophy, especially Yoga and Vedanta. He aimed to build awareness about different faiths and promote the idea that all religions are paths to the same truth.

In his first speech at the Parliament on September 11, 1893, Vivekananda began by addressing the audience as "Sisters and Brothers of America," which immediately won him a standing ovation. He expressed his deep gratitude for the warm welcome he received and thanked the people in the name of Hinduism, which he described as the oldest order of monks and the mother of religions.

He proudly stated that Hinduism has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. He explained that Hindus not only believe in tolerating all religions but also in accepting them as true.

Vivekananda then quoted a Hindu hymn to express the idea that just as different rivers flow from different sources but ultimately merge into the sea, all religions, though they may seem different, lead to the same divine truth.

He warned against sectarianism, intolerance, and fanaticism, which he said have caused great harm to humanity. These negative forces have led to violence and destruction of entire civilizations. However, he expressed hope that the Parliament would mark the end of such harmful divisions and bring about a new era of religious tolerance and understanding.

On September 15, 1893, in another speech titled "Why We Disagree," Vivekananda told a simple story to explain why people often misunderstand each other’s religions. He told the story of a frog who lived in a well. Vivekananda used this story to show how people often think their religion is the only truth and cannot understand other religions. He said that just like the well frog, people often live in a small world of their own beliefs and fail to see the larger truth.

In his final speech on September 27, 1893, Vivekananda reflected on the success of the Parliament of Religions. He expressed deep gratitude to those who had worked hard to make the Parliament a reality and praised the spirit of unity and harmony.

While talking about unity, he also said that one should not think of his own religious faith dominating over others. He believed that each religion should grow and develop in its own way while learning from others. Vivekananda stressed that no religion should try to destroy or overpower others.

He hoped that the message of the Parliament would be that all religions should help each other, not fight, and that they should work together in harmony and peace, not in conflict.

In summary, Swami Vivekananda's speeches at the World's Parliament of Religions were powerful messages about religious tolerance, unity, and the shared spiritual heritage of all humanity. He emphasized that all religions lead to the same truth and that understanding and respecting each other’s beliefs is the key to global harmony. His words continue to inspire people around the world to this day.