"Sisters and Brothers of America"; It happened probably for the first time that someone received applauds and a standing ovation for just his greetings. This line and the following speeches by Swami Vivekananda in Chicago in 1893 helped gain Hinduism, for the first time, an important position among major world religions. In an era where countries like India, considered as the third world nations, had yet to break the shackles of slavery and atrocity of the British tyranny, these words made the world realize the potential of India and its people. It made them aware that India is not a land of uncultured and uncivilized people but one of the most ancient civilizations of the world.
Through his speech, Swami explained the importance of Spirituality in a person’s life and the role it plays in shaping a person’s overall persona. After this introductory address, he gave a number of speeches on various topics such as Yoga, Spirituality, and Buddhism. His vast knowledge and the articulation of his thoughts instantly put an everlasting impression on everyone’s mind. Not only did it acquaint the westerners with the new knowledge about spirituality, but also reminded Indians how important asset it was for them.
Not many speeches in the history have been so strong as to touch so many hearts and influence so many souls. The reason for this is the eloquence and honesty it had which was the direct reflection of Swami Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda, in many places of his speech, related various spiritual concepts with their scientific counterparts. He explained how the laws written in the form of vedas were similar to the law of gravity which existed from time immortal but only realized after it was discovered. The scientific minds of the westerners were instantly influenced by this and it made them believe in his ideology.
After coming back to India, he founded a social organization called Ramakrishna Mission, an organization whose ideals were based on Karma Yoga. Swami Vivekananda believed that the supreme power of a country vests in its people, and particularly the youth. He wanted “to set in motion, machinery which will bring noblest ideas to the doorstep of even the poorest and the meanest. His teachings are still taught and practised in his founded institutions.
On the eve of Swami Vivekananda’s 50th birth anniversary, let us celebrate his intellectual genius by learning as much from his personality as we can. I would like to end this post with Swami’s message to the country’s youth
"Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. That is way great spiritual giants are produced."
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