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Talks with Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda perhaps revealed himself with even greater appeal in his intimate and informal conversations with his disciples than in his public preaching. In these talks, taken from the diary of a close disciple, Swami Vivekananda gives directions about spiritual practice and meditation, talks of high philosophy, and in the next breath discusses the problems of national regeneration, social reform, educational ideals, and other diverse topics. Translated from the Bengali.
- GenresSpiritualityNonfiction
500 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 27, 2016
Against the backdrop of colonial India, this book is a conversation between a householder disciple and Swami Vivekananda on Hinduism, spirituality, awakening the Indian people, reforming the country, and much more. I found this book fascinating because it is very contextual to the history of the time, child marriages and girls being married at the age of 10, and the British empire, being some of what was going on in that time period. This book has inspired me to study more of this historical context and the changing attitude of the people with regards to religion. It also became a little more clear why up until recently, and maybe even now, Buddhism hasn't had respect in India. After reading this book, it seems from Swami Vivekananda's words, that Buddhism brought about the deterioration of Vedic ideas and philosophies. Also, something that struck me was Swami Vivekananda's praise of how the British contributed to the growth of India (railway, as one example), and makes it a point to ask, how have the people of India contributed their knowledge in return, simply by begging and whining, instead of sharing our rich religion and culture. So amazing. This book also helped me to view swamis, sannyasins differently. Swami Vivekananda smoke tobacco, he would express himself completely without holding back. Our image today of what an ascetic looks like is much different. I am glad to have more of a realistic view of what it really means to be spiritual. I thank my dad for giving me this book to read. I will be coming back to this again and again.
November 25, 2018
An interesting read consisting of anecdotes from various discussions Swami Vivekananda had with his friends and disciples. The clarity of his explanation of the principles of Vedanta ( focused on non-dualism ) is exceptional. But what interested me most was his take on what it implies for the contemporary society. His ideas about various issues such as gender equality, poverty and education are enlightening. Regardless of whether you buy the metaphysical argument, it is interesting as an exercise in logic and rhetoric to observe him derive his reformist stand on these issues from abstract non-dualist axioms.
September 1, 2020
This is something that should be read by all. If you have doubts and difficulties in your life, this book is likely to help you. The recurring theme in this book is to help others, as much as you can. There is no preaching of following religious beliefs, or discussions about any faith. This book is like a short introduction of vedantic philosophies and practices, which can be practiced by everyone.
July 25, 2018
Must read for people who's seeking real and practical motivational facts, and wants to know about Swami Vivekananda.
October 7, 2023
Excellent.
December 1, 2023
"Talks with Swami Vivekananda" by Saratchandra Chakravarti unveils a captivating dimension of the revered monk's persona, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into his informal and personal conversations with disciples. These dialogues, extracted from the diary of a close confidant, transcend the realm of mere spiritual instruction to encompass a diverse spectrum of subjects ranging from high philosophy to practical considerations of national rejuvenation and societal reform!
What distinguishes this compilation is its ability to present Swami Vivekananda not as an abstract spiritual luminary but as a relatable human being engaging in the complexities of everyday life. The book seamlessly weaves together discussions on spiritual practices and meditation with pragmatic deliberations on societal issues, educational ideals, and the broader landscape of national transformation.
The informal setting of these talks allows readers to witness the dynamic interplay between Swami Vivekananda's profound spiritual insights and his pragmatic approach to addressing the challenges of his time. The translation from Bengali retains the authenticity and flavor of the original conversations, preserving the essence of Vivekananda's eloquence and wisdom.
As readers delve into the pages of this book, they find themselves not merely spectators but participants in the dialogue. Swami Vivekananda's words resonate with a timeless relevance, transcending the temporal constraints of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His guidance on spiritual practices becomes a beacon for seekers, offering practical insights into the path of self-realization.
Moreover, the book serves as a historical and philosophical document, capturing the intellectual and spiritual ferment of an era marked by profound societal transformations. Swami Vivekananda's discussions on national regeneration and social reform reflect not only the concerns of his time but also echo into the contemporary landscape, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring relevance of his ideas.
In the tapestry of these talks, Saratchandra Chakravarti skillfully navigates the nuances of translation, preserving the nuances and cadence of Swami Vivekananda's expressions. The result is a literary work that not only informs but also evokes an emotional and intellectual connection with the iconic spiritual leader.
"Talks with Swami Vivekananda" stands as a testament to the multifaceted nature of Vivekananda's philosophy, which seamlessly integrates spirituality with a deep sense of social responsibility. It invites readers to explore the intersections of the inner and outer realms, recognizing the indivisibility of individual spiritual growth and collective societal progress.
In conclusion, this book is a valuable addition to the corpus of literature on Swami Vivekananda. It goes beyond the conventional narratives of his public speeches, offering an unfiltered portrayal of the monk engaged in candid conversations. As readers navigate through these talks, they not only gain insights into the mind of a spiritual luminary but also find inspiration to navigate their own spiritual and societal journey. "Talks with Swami Vivekananda" is an invitation to partake in the living wisdom of a visionary, resonating across the tapestry of time!
What distinguishes this compilation is its ability to present Swami Vivekananda not as an abstract spiritual luminary but as a relatable human being engaging in the complexities of everyday life. The book seamlessly weaves together discussions on spiritual practices and meditation with pragmatic deliberations on societal issues, educational ideals, and the broader landscape of national transformation.
The informal setting of these talks allows readers to witness the dynamic interplay between Swami Vivekananda's profound spiritual insights and his pragmatic approach to addressing the challenges of his time. The translation from Bengali retains the authenticity and flavor of the original conversations, preserving the essence of Vivekananda's eloquence and wisdom.
As readers delve into the pages of this book, they find themselves not merely spectators but participants in the dialogue. Swami Vivekananda's words resonate with a timeless relevance, transcending the temporal constraints of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His guidance on spiritual practices becomes a beacon for seekers, offering practical insights into the path of self-realization.
Moreover, the book serves as a historical and philosophical document, capturing the intellectual and spiritual ferment of an era marked by profound societal transformations. Swami Vivekananda's discussions on national regeneration and social reform reflect not only the concerns of his time but also echo into the contemporary landscape, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring relevance of his ideas.
In the tapestry of these talks, Saratchandra Chakravarti skillfully navigates the nuances of translation, preserving the nuances and cadence of Swami Vivekananda's expressions. The result is a literary work that not only informs but also evokes an emotional and intellectual connection with the iconic spiritual leader.
"Talks with Swami Vivekananda" stands as a testament to the multifaceted nature of Vivekananda's philosophy, which seamlessly integrates spirituality with a deep sense of social responsibility. It invites readers to explore the intersections of the inner and outer realms, recognizing the indivisibility of individual spiritual growth and collective societal progress.
In conclusion, this book is a valuable addition to the corpus of literature on Swami Vivekananda. It goes beyond the conventional narratives of his public speeches, offering an unfiltered portrayal of the monk engaged in candid conversations. As readers navigate through these talks, they not only gain insights into the mind of a spiritual luminary but also find inspiration to navigate their own spiritual and societal journey. "Talks with Swami Vivekananda" is an invitation to partake in the living wisdom of a visionary, resonating across the tapestry of time!
February 25, 2016
this man is not usual, this book is very useful to those who wish know about how a single person can rejuvenate many souls. no race will die if that race consists of persons like swamy vivekananda. 1 star less because he deliberately not disclosed some secrets about him when his students asked to share
March 1, 2012
Waaw! simply the best. Swami ji is the healer of soul.
February 22, 2016
Talks with Swamiji which are relevant to present times
March 30, 2016
my all time fav... read it twice...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews