PM Pays Tribute to Swami Vivekananda on Nirvana Day
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Why in News
- The Prime Minister recently paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda on his Nirvana Day.
- He highlighted how Swami Vivekananda brought global recognition to India's cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and national consciousness.
About Swami Vivekananda
- Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendra Nath Datta on 12th January 1863.
- He was a monk and the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramhansa.
- In 1893, he took the name Vivekananda on the request of Maharaja Ajit Singh of Khetri State, replacing his earlier name Sachidananda.
Enlightenment at Kanyakumari
- In 1892, Swami Vivekananda swam from the shores of Kanyakumari to a rock in the Indian Ocean to meditate.
- He meditated at this site for 3 days and 3 nights, which led to his spiritual enlightenment.
- This rock was later named the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
Philosophical Contributions
- He introduced the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.
- He preached neo-Vedanta, which interpreted Hinduism through a Western lens while combining spirituality with material progress.
Spiritual Contributions
- His spiritual message drew from the Upanishads, the Gita, and the lives of Buddha and Jesus, emphasizing self-realization, compassion, and service.
- He advocated that serving jiva (living beings) is equivalent to worshipping Shiva.
- He outlined 4 pathways to achieve moksha (liberation) in his books: Raja-yoga, Karma-yoga, Jnana-yoga, and Bhakti-yoga.
Revivalism and Nationalism
- He emphasized character-building education for the regeneration of the nation.
- His nationalism was rooted in Humanism and Universalism, two core features of Indian spiritual culture.
- He connected nationalism with concern for the masses, equality, and Karma Yoga as a path to spiritual and political freedom.
Associated Organisations
- He founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to promote service, education, and spiritual upliftment.
- He established Belur Math in 1899, which became his permanent residence and headquarters.
International Address and Demise
- He represented Hinduism at the Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893.
- In July 1896, he delivered a speech at the London Hindu Association conference in London.
- He passed away on 4th July 1902 while meditating at Belur Math, and this death anniversary is observed as Nirvana Day.