Bard: Here is a half-page biography of Swami Vivekananda:
Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was a Hindu monk, philosopher, and social reformer. He was born Narendranath Datta in Calcutta, India, into a wealthy Bengali family. He was a brilliant student and attended the Presidency College in Calcutta, where he studied Western philosophy and religion.
In 1881, Narendranath met Ramakrishna, a Hindu mystic who became his guru. Ramakrishna taught Narendranath that all religions are paths to the same goal, and that the highest goal of human life is to realize one's true nature, which is divine.
Under Ramakrishna's guidance, Narendranath became a monk and took the name Vivekananda. In 1893, Vivekananda traveled to the United States to attend the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago. His speeches at the Parliament were a sensation, and he quickly became one of the most popular figures at the event.
After the Parliament, Vivekananda traveled throughout the United States and Europe, lecturing on Hinduism and Vedanta. He also founded the Ramakrishna Mission, a non-sectarian organization dedicated to spreading the message of Vedanta and social reform.
Vivekananda returned to India in 1897 and devoted the rest of his life to spreading the message of Vedanta and social reform. He founded several educational institutions, including the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Belur Math, and he also worked to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized.
Vivekananda died in 1902 at the age of 39. He is considered one of the most important figures in the history of modern India, and his teachings continue to inspire people around the world.
Here are some of Swami Vivekananda's most famous quotes:
- "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached."
- "The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong."
- "The only way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."
- "Strength is life. Weakness is death."
- "The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature."
Swami Vivekananda's teachings are a powerful source of inspiration for people all over the world. His message of self-realization, social reform, and universal brotherhood is as relevant today as it was when he first spoke it.
Bard: here is a very detailed volume-by-volume introduction to Swami Vivekananda and his Complete Works:
Volume 1: The Life of Swami Vivekananda
This volume contains a biography of Swami Vivekananda, written by his disciple Sister Nivedita. It covers his early life, his spiritual awakening, his travels to the West, and his work to spread the message of Vedanta.
Volume 2: The Teachings of Swami Vivekananda
This volume contains a collection of Swami Vivekananda's lectures and essays on a wide range of topics, including religion, philosophy, ethics, and social reform.
Volume 3: Raja Yoga
This volume is Swami Vivekananda's classic work on the yoga of meditation. It provides a systematic introduction to the practice of Raja Yoga, and it includes a number of helpful exercises and meditation techniques.
Volume 4: Karma Yoga
This volume is Swami Vivekananda's classic work on the yoga of action. It explores the relationship between action and spirituality, and it provides a practical guide to living a life of selfless service.
Volume 5: Bhakti Yoga
This volume is Swami Vivekananda's classic work on the yoga of devotion. It explores the nature of love and devotion, and it provides a practical guide to cultivating a devotional attitude.
Volume 6: Jnana Yoga
This volume is Swami Vivekananda's classic work on the yoga of knowledge. It explores the nature of reality and the path to liberation, and it provides a practical guide to cultivating a philosophical understanding of life.
Volume 7: Lectures and Discourses
This volume contains a collection of Swami Vivekananda's lectures and discourses on a wide range of topics. It includes talks on religion, philosophy, ethics, social reform, and spirituality.
Volume 8: Miscellaneous Writings
This volume contains a collection of Swami Vivekananda's miscellaneous writings, including letters, poems, and essays. It also includes a glossary of terms used in the Complete Works.
Volume 9: Index
This volume is an index to the Complete Works. It includes an index of topics, an index of people, and an index of places.
The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda is a vast and complex collection of writings, but it is also a deeply rewarding one. It is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration, and it can be a valuable guide to anyone who is interested in learning more about Vedanta, yoga, and the spiritual path.
In addition to the nine volumes of the Complete Works, there are also a number of other important works by Swami Vivekananda. These include:
- Raja Yoga (1896)
- Karma Yoga: The Yoga of Action (1896)
- Meditation and Its Methods (1896)
- Jnana-Yoga (1899)
- The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda: Volume 9 (1997)
These works are all available in print and online, and they offer a wealth of insights into Swami Vivekananda's teachings.
I hope this introduction has given you a better understanding of Swami Vivekananda and his Complete Works. If you are interested in learning more about these works, I encourage you to check them out. They are a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in exploring the spiritual path.