What are the quotes falsely attributed to Swami Vivekananda?
The authentic quotes of Swami Vivekananda are available @ https://publications.rkmm.org/quotes
Rumors about Swami Vivekananda regarding his marriage proposal during his visit to USA is prevalent online. Is there any truth to this?
Miss Cornelia Conger, the grand daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Lyon writes the following in her "Memoirs of Swami Vivekananda" that appeared in Prabuddha Bharata Magazine of May 1956. Swami Vivekananda stayed at Lyon's home during the sessions at 1893
A popular anecdote between Swami Vivekananda and Mother/Holy Mother with regards to the holding of a knife is circulated online. Could you let us know if it's a fact or myth?
The original incident happened between Swami Turiyananda (Brother Disciple of Vivekananda) and Sister Nivedita (Disciple of Vivekananda) on a ship during their trip to America. This incident is falsely attributed sometimes to Vivekananda and his Mother
A voice recording of Swami Vivekananda addressing "Sisters and Brothers of America" is popular in social media. Does such a voice recording really exist?
The following is an excerpt from the research article on "Swami Vivekananda's Voice Recording" that appeared in Vedanta Kesari Magazine: Research Article: https://issuu.com/srkmath/docs/the_vedanta_kesari_august_2010/s/11872762 The much-asked question
A video recording of Swami Vivekananda addressing "Sisters and Brothers of America" is popular in social media. Does such a video recording really exist?
NO such a video does not exist. According to Britannica Encyclopedia, the Kinetograph (Dickson's camera) capable of capturing motion pictures was not available in 1893 at World's Columbian Expo at Chicago where the first Parliament of Religions were held
What does the term Upanishad mean?
The term means knowledge received by the student ‘sitting close to’ the teacher. Education involving the student ‘sitting close to’ the teacher means the most intimate student-teacher communion. The higher the knowledge sought, greater is this communion
What do the Upanishads contain?
In the Upanishads, we get an intelligible body of verified and verifiable spiritual insights mixed with a mass of myths and legends and cosmological speculations relating to the nature and origin of the universe. While the former has universal validity,
What are the principal Upanishads and when were they composed?
The principal Upanishads are accepted by scholars to be those which Shankarayacharya (CE 788-820) chose to comment upon, they are ten in number and enumerated in the Indian tradition as follows: Isha, Kena, Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiiya,
If the Hindus really believe in one God, why do they worship a variety of gods like Shiva, Devi, Vishnu or Ganapati? Is it not tantamount to accepting many gods and goddesses?
Although Hinduism concedes the existence of several gods or deities, it accepts only one God, the Supreme. Out of these deities, Indra and others are actually ordinary souls like us, who rose to those positions in the cosmic scheme as a result of the
What steps have been taken by the Hindu reformers to eradicate untouchability?
There are no two opinions about the urgent need for eradication of untouchability which is universally considered as a blot on the Hindu society. Neither in the Vedas nor in the Dharmasastras do we find any sanction for this abominable practice. While
The caste system has taken roots firmly and deeply in the Hindu society. How did the caste system originate and what is its nature?
The early Vedic society seems to have been divided into two broad groups: the ‘Dvijas’ (‘twice-born’) who were capable of thinking and acting independently, and the Non-Dvijas, also called Sudras, who could not do so. In course of time, as the society
An atheist is often seen to lead a peaceful life without many hurdles, whereas a God-loving and spiritually inclined person is not placed in a similar position. Why?
The case cited is largely hypothetical, although we cannot deny that good fortune visits atheists and misfortune overtakes believers from time to time. But it cannot be shown that good fortune is the lifelong privilege of atheists and misfortune that
I know the worldly life is of no use. But there are desires hidden. How to get rid of these desires ?
[Answer for sincere aspirants] We must rouse a tremendous divine discontent, the discontent the mystics of all ages speak of. Unless we are able to rouse in the soul this divine discontent which can destroy all our attachments to worldly things and desires,
Sir, why are there so many different opinions about the nature of God?
A devotee thinks of God as he sees Him. In reality there is no confusion about God. God explains all this to the devotee if the devotee only realizes Him somehow. You haven't set your foot in that direction. How can you expect to know all about God?
I know the worldly life is of no use. But there are desires hidden. How to get rid of these desires ?
[Answer for common man] Those who have not yet come to the end of their enjoyments should not renounce the world. They should try to perform their duties in a detached way. Before you break the jack-fruit open, rub your hands with oil, so that the sticky
Is it possible to give in a brief statement the central theme of all the Upanishads?
The Isha Upanishad embodies in its very opening verse the central theme of all the Upanishads, namely, the spiritual unity and solidarity of all existence. ॐ ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । (Om Isavasyamidam sarvam yatkinca jagatyam jagat;)
How does one experience zest and joy throughout in life? What do the Upanishads say in this regard?
There are any number of passages in the Upanishads where you will find this atmosphere of zest and joy and vigour. The outlook of the Upanishads is characterized by joy and cheer, by what William James called ‘healthy-mindedness’. God’s name itself is
How does a man get real enjoyment in this world?
The Isa Upanishad, in its first verse, takes us at once to the secret depths of Truth: ॐ ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृध: कस्यस्विद्धनम् ।।१।। (Om Isavasyamidam sarvam yatkinca jagatyam jagat; Tena tyaktena bhunjithah
How do the Upanishads view the human body mind complex?
[In verses three to nine of the second chapter of the Katha Upanishad, chapter three], Yama proceeds to expound to Naciketa the nature of this heroic journey to the summit of character and vision through the field of life and action; in verses three and
Man just seeks pleasure, comfort and security. Is there a more glorious view of him?
The katha upanishad says, श्वोभावा मर्त्यस्य यदन्तकैतत् सर्वेंन्द्रियाणां जरयन्ति तेज: । अपि सर्वं जीवितमल्पमेव तवैव वाहास्तव नृत्यगीते ।।२६।। (Svobhava martyasya yadantakaitat sarvendriyanam jarayanti tejah; Api sarvam jīvitamalpameva tavaiva vahastava
Does there exist any beautiful poetic illustration of the spiritual journey of man?
The Mundaka Upanishad paints this spiritual journey of man from helplessness to fulfilment in a passage of surpassing poetic and spiritual charm (III. 1. 1-3) द्वा सुपर्णा सयुजा सखाया समानं वृक्षं परिषस्वजाते । तयोरन्य: पिप्पलं स्वाद्वत्त्य नश्नन्नन्यो
What is a healthy society?
A healthy society is one that brings the awareness of this divine nature to more and more of its young and old. There are two major problems plaguing modern civilization. One is the problem of old age, the other is the problem of leisure. Vedanta, with
How does the Bhagavad Gita help humanity at large? Any specific reason for its current worldwide interest?
It is a book that is meant to be a help to realize the eternal spiritual reality within all men and women, along with the humanistic objectives which we have in our Constitution and also those which humanity is seeking in the modern age. That is why this
Many Hindus have been reciting the Gita slokas each day as a tradition across generations. But, is there a way that we can put these Gita teachings to practice especially in a modern context?
So far as we are concerned, we have to approach this study in this modern period from a point of view different from our traditional way. In the past, people mostly read the Gita as a pious act, and for a little peace of mind. We never realized that this
Generally religious teachings are delivered in a calm location like a temple, a cave or a forest. Is there any significance of the Gita being delivered in a battlefield?
Today we need a philosophy to guide our footsteps, so that we can meet the challenges of developing the immense manhood and womanhood of India. It is that philosophy and spirituality that we get in the Gita. The message of the Gita was given on the tumultuous
How does Swami Vivekananda regard the Bhagavad Gita?
The Upanishads or the Vedanta expounded the science of human possibilities a thousand years earlier (than the Gita), and the Gita expounds the practical application of that science. Hence, Swami Vivekananda considered the Gita as "The best book of practical
Can you please elaborate on the influence of the Gita on Western thought? What is the reason for its tremendous appeal?
The Gita was first translated into English by Sir Charles Wilkins and published by the British East India Company with an Introduction by Warren Hastings, the first British Governor-general of India, in which we find the following prophetic sentence:
What is the significance of the combination of Sri Krishna and Arjuna ?
Man needs the combination, in his character, of yoga, or the transcendental vision of Krishna, and the Promethean fire of Arjuna. In the Mahabharata war, Krishna did not do any fighting, he was only the unarmed charioteer of Arjuna. Arjuna was the fighter,
The Gita seems to be a part of the longest epic poem in the world, namely the Mahabharata. How did it become the most renowned Hindu scripture by itself?
For the first time, in the 8th century AD, this book was taken out of that mighty epic, The Mahabharata, by Shankaracharya, who wrote a great commentary in Sanskrit on it and placed it before the people. Till then it had been lost in the Bhishma Parva
Who first translated the Bhagavad Gita into English and what was its impact on the western world?
The Gita was first translated into English by Sir Charles Wilkins and published by the British East India Company with an Introduction by Warren Hastings, the first British Governor-general of India, in which we find the following prophetic sentence:
It seems to me that Arjuna was better than Sri Krishna in the Gita. He wants to have peace, he does not want war. Sri Krishna is egging him on to war. How can we accept this situation?
Arjuna is speaking of peace, non-violence, compassion, and Sri Kṛishna is asking Arjuna to give up these values and fight. But, what does that mean? What is the state of Arjuna’s mind? Is there any virtue in Arjuna’s state of mind? Is virtue weakness?
Why are we born in this world? What is the purpose of creation?
Very difficult questions indeed! They will put even the wise man into confusion. Obviously we did not arrive here out of our choice but in spite of it we are all very reluctant to depart from here. Three possible answers are given to the first question:
I am preoccupied with tremendous work at my workplace and so have little time left to sit for spiritual practices like meditation. In that case is spiritual life practical for me?
That is the development of thought in the Gita, that, by a certain spiritual technique, you convert action into inaction: you get the fruit of inaction through action itself. There is such a state of mind, calm and steady, in which you do a lot of work,
Is it not enough to have a cheerful disposition and positive attitude towards human life?
A merely positivistic attitude to life may question the very necessity of religion; it may question the very validity of this search for the immortal and its technique of meditation. Modern positivism and humanism uphold the ideal of this-worldly excellence
Where is the need for pilgrimages? Are there set rules to be observed while undertaking them?
A routine daily life in this humdrum world generates boredom very soon. Undertaking pilgrimages on such occasions will reinvigorate the mind, in the same way as recharging a battery that is rundown. How can a place of pilgrimage contribute to this? No
Some modern psychologists promote the theory of free expression and advise us to avoid repression of instincts. Is that correct?
Modern psychologists have done a great service to humanity by their researches into the nature of the unconscious, dreams, motivation, complexes, repression, etc. But very many of them have in effect done an equal amount of harm by propagating the theory
What is the role of the Guru in a spiritual aspirant's life?
Satchidananda Himself is the Guru. [...] when the vision of the Ishta is about to take place, the guru appears before the aspirant and says to him, 'Behold! There is your Ishta.' Saying this, the guru merges in the Ishta. He who is the guru is also the
How does idol worship help?
As you recall your father by his photograph, so likewise the worship of the image reveals in a flash the nature of Reality. Do you know what God with form is like? Like bubbles rising on an expanse of water, various divine forms are seen to rise out of
What happens to a person after God-Realization?
[...] He has only the semblance of lust, anger, and the like. If, after attaining God, he looks on himself as the servant or the devotee of God, then he cannot injure anyone. By touching the philosopher's stone a sword is turned into gold. It keeps the
What is the attitude of an Enlightened person towards women?
He who has realized God does not look upon a woman with the eye of lust; so he is not afraid of her. He perceives clearly that women are but so many aspects of the Divine Mother. He worships them all as the Mother Herself. Reference: The Gospel of Sri
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