Remembering Swami Vivekananda on His Death Anniversary
Every year on July 4, India commemorates the death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, one of the nation’s most revered spiritual leaders and intellectuals. Born as Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, Vivekananda was the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna and played a pivotal role in introducing yoga and Vedanta to the Western world.
Vivekananda’s contributions to India and the world are immense. He is often called the father of modern Indian nationalism and is credited with raising interfaith awareness and elevating Hinduism to a major world religion in the late nineteenth century. His profound speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893, where he began with “Sisters and Brothers of America,” brought global recognition to Hinduism and his teachings.
Vivekananda’s spiritual journey began at a young age. He meditated before Hindu deities and showed a deep interest in all things religious and spiritual. He received the name Vivekananda from Maharaja Ajit Singh, the ruler of Khetri in Rajasthan.
Swami Vivekananda passed away on July 4, 1902, while meditating. His disciples believe he attained Mahasamadhi, a state of conscious exit from the body. Reports suggest a rupture of blood vessels in his brain as a possible cause of death. Remarkably, Vivekananda had predicted he would not live beyond forty years. He was cremated on the banks of the Ganga river in Belur, opposite the site where his guru, Ramakrishna, was cremated sixteen years earlier.
Tributes to Swami Vivekananda
On his death anniversary, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Vivekananda, stating, “I pay homage to Swami Vivekananda on his Punya Tithi. His teachings give strength to millions. His profound wisdom and relentless pursuit of knowledge are also very motivating. We reiterate our commitment to fulfill his dream of a prosperous and progressive society.”
West Bengal Chief Minister also honored Vivekananda, writing, “Remembering Swami Vivekananda on the solemn occasion of his death anniversary today. My tributes to the great monk-patriot, who taught us to love our religion and country without being sectarian or divisive.”
Top 10 Quotes by Swami Vivekananda
- “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”
- “Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead. If you lose, you can guide.”
- “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, and none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
- “The greatest sin is to think yourself weak.”
- “In a day, when you don’t come across any problems, you can be sure that you are traveling on the wrong path.”
- “The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.”
- “All power is within you; you can do anything and everything.”
- “You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.”
- “Believe in yourself, and the world will be at your feet.”
- “Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.”
Swami Vivekananda’s teachings continue to inspire millions around the world, urging them to realize their inner strength and strive for greatness. His legacy lives on through his words and the impact he made on the world.
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