Swami Vivekananda, a renowned spiritual leader and philosopher. He influenced the whole world with his deep knowledge of life and religion. His teachings inspired millions. He also guide them to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Swami Vivekananda’s Definition of Religion:
Swami Vivekananda defined religion as a way of life. Which helps people understand their inner divinity and perceive the divine element in all. It is beyond rituals or beliefs. He emphasized that religion crosses boundaries, including love, compassion, and service.
Harmony Among Religions:
Swami Vivekananda highlighted that there should be harmony and understanding among different religions. He believe that all religions lead to the same truth and encouraged people to unity.
Universal Brotherhood and Tolerance:
Swami Vivekananda advocated the concept of universal brotherhood. All people are connected regardless of race or nationality. He thought that real religion encourages tolerance, acceptance, and respect for every body. It help people to overcome their narrow-mindedness and accept a larger view for the society.
Religion as a Path to Self-Realization:
Swami Vivekananda believes that religion provides a path to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. He advocated the need of meditation, and self-discipline. Which help to understand true essence of the divine.
Social Responsibility and Service
According to Swami Vivekananda, spirituality is all about actively serving humanity rather than just engaging in solitary. He emphasized the value of selfless service to uplifting oppressed and downtrodden people.
Also Read: 10 Golden Words for Life
20-Quotes of Swami Vivekananda on Religion
“Serve man Serve god”
“There is salvation only for the brave.”
“The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves.”
“They alone live, who live for others.”
“The easiest way to make ourselves happy is to see that others are happy”
“You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.”
“Feel nothing, know nothing, do nothing, have nothing, give up all to God, and say utterly, ‘Thy will be done.’ We only dream of this bondage. Wake up and let it go.”
“The fire that warms us can also consume us; it is not the fault of the fire.”
“All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark.”
“Where can we go to find God if we cannot see Him in our own hearts and in every living being.”
“You must worship the Self in Krishna, not Krishna as Krishna.”
“Devotion to duty is the highest form of worship of God.”
“Bless people when they revile you. Think how much good they are doing by helping to stamp out the false ego.”
“God did not give me everything that I wanted. But, He gave me everything that I needed!”
“Do good because it is good to do good. Ask no more.”
“Stand up and be strong! No fear. No superstition. Face the truth as it is!”
“There is only one sin. That is weakness.”
“Be Grateful to the man you help, think of Him as God. Is it not a great privilege to be allowed to worship God by helping our fellow men?”
“The mind is in its own nature when it is calm. The moment you can calm it, that [very] moment you will know the truth.”
“The more we grow in Love, Virtue, and Holiness, the more we see Love, Virtue, and Holiness outside.”
Swami Vivekananda
Date of Birth: January 12, 1863
Place of Birth: Calcutta, Bengal Presidency (Now Kolkata in West Bengal, India)
Father: Vishwanath Dutta
Mother: Bhuvaneshwari Devi
Education: Calcutta Metropolitan School; Presidency College, Calcutta, India
Institutions: Ramakrishna Math; Ramakrishna Mission; Vedanta Society of New York
Religious Views: Hinduism
Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta (अद्वैत वेदान्त)
Publications: Karma Yoga (1896); Raja Yoga (1896); Lectures from Colombo to Almora (1897); My Master (1901)
Death: July 4, 1902
Place of Death: Belur Math, Belur, Bengal
Memorial: Belur Math, Belur, West Bengal
Conclusion
In short, Swami Vivekananda’s religious teachings are still relevant and vital in the modern world. His teachings on global love, tolerance, and self-realization serve as a beacon of light for individuals seeking a greater knowledge of their spiritual path and more peaceful interaction with others. As we reflect on his timeless wisdom, let us try to exemplify unity, compassion, and service in our own lives, so honoring his lasting legacy for future generations.
