Advaita Vedanta

by Vivekananda

Publisher's Note:
This is one of the most comprehensive lectures on the Advaita Vedanta delivered by Swami Vivekananda in India.

It is brought out in this booklet form for wider circulation.

64 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 1952

About the author

"Arise Awake and Stop not til the goal is reached"

Vivekananda left a body of philosophical works (see Vivekananda's complete works). His books (compiled from lectures given around the world) on the four Yogas (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga) are very influential and still seen as fundamental texts for anyone interested in the Hindu practice of Yoga. His letters are of great literary and spiritual value. He was also considered a very good singer and a poet.By the time of his death, He had composed many songs including his favorite Kali the Mother. He used humor for his teachings and was also an excellent cook. His language is very free flowing. His own Bengali writings stand testimony to the fact that he believed that words - spoken or written - should be for making things easier to understand rather than show off the speaker or writer's knowledge.

Swami Vivekananda [ স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ ] (1863 – 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion.

Born in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

Reviews

[eShaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5: It was amazing!

Caution: I think this book is not for everyone. Specially if you are not an Indian Hindu and you are a beginner in Vedantic Philosophies.

Though I am not in the position to review this book (it is greater than that), I am still writing one because there are very few reviews here.

It is one of the lectures of Swami Vivekananda published in booklet form.
I read this book with my brother discussing every tarka, every conclusion reached. It is completely based on logic and it has such depth that so many times we reread some portion again and again just to be in a position to discuss. The reasoning is sound and deep and scientific. It is wonderful to see how our ancient Vedic knowledge deals with the very fabric of cosmos and the definition of god!

I think I now understand the whole concept of Atma-Parmatma of Gita better. Though I would still not claim that I have understood the whole philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, but it is a new beginning.

“We read again: "यदिदं किंच जगत् सर्वं प्राण एजति निःसृतम्।--Everything in this universe has been projected, Prana vibrating." You must mark the word Ejati, because it comes from Eja, to vibrate; Nihsritam, projected;Yadidam Kincha, whatever in this universe.”
If you are a student of science, with some knowledge of atom, all the space inside it, energy, space etc., you may find it a bit more interesting.

This book is filled with unlimited pearls, it all comes down to Adhikara-bheda and me...

[Prabhat Gusain · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Even in this life they have conquered relative existence whose minds are firm fixed on the sameness of everything, for God is pure and the same to all; therefore, such are said to be living in God. This Self weapons cannot pierce, nor fire can burn, water cannot wet nor air can dry up. Changeless, all-pervading, unmoving, immovable, eternal is this self of man."

[Mahesh K Adewar · Rating 5 out of 5]

In short, here basic tenants of vedanta is very well covered. I loved this book. First time when I took it in my hand, I could not read more than 10 15 pages because I could not understand make sense in it. Today after 4 years I understood broadly though not fully, still miles to go! But I completed the book in one go, that to with understanding, that shows that I have moved up..!!!!!!



Very good small sweet book! Filled with Nectar!

[Anchal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

[Neel Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advaita Vedanta by Swami Vivekananda is a profound and enlightening book that delves into the ancient Indian philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. The book is a collection of speeches and writings by Swami Vivekananda, one of India's most influential spiritual leaders, and provides an in-depth look at his understanding and interpretation of Advaita Vedanta!

One of the most striking things about this book is the way it captures the essence of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. The author's writing is clear and concise, and he does an excellent job of conveying the core principles and teachings of Advaita Vedanta. The book is filled with wisdom and insights that are as relevant today as they were when the speeches were first delivered.

The book also provides a glimpse into the life and times of Swami Vivekananda, and how his understanding and interpretation of Advaita Vedanta were shaped by the events of his time and the spiritual traditions of India. The author does an excellent job of painting a picture of the historical context and making it relatable to the modern reader.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the way it explores the concept of non-duality and the unity of all things, which is the central idea of Advaita Vedanta. The author provides valuable insights and perspectives on how to understand and apply this concept in one's life, and how it can lead to spiritual realization and enlightenment. The book emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge, self-realization and the attainment of inner peace.

The book is also an excellent resource for those who are interested in learning more about Indian philosophy and spirituality. The author provides a comprehensive overview of the main ideas and concepts of Advaita Vedanta and how they are related to the teachings of other spiritual traditions of India.

In conclusion, Advaita Vedanta by Swami Vivekananda is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the ancient Indian philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. The book provides valuable insights and perspectives on how to understand and apply the concept of non-duality and unity of all things in one's life, and how it can lead to spiritual realization and enlightenment. The author's writing is clear and concise, and he does an excellent job of conveying the core principles and teachings of Advaita Vedanta. The book is filled with wisdom and insights that are as relevant today as they were when the speeches were first delivered. It is a profound and enlightening book that will leave a lasting impression on readers!

[mish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting exploration of Advaita Vedanta in a modern context - I especially enjoyed the scientific findings that corroborated the main points explored in this text.

However, in certain places the language was a little convoluted and the supporting ‘proof’ seemed more like an assertion - but it was also a challenging read so this might be due to my lack of understanding.

Definitely something to revisit in a decade or so.

[Priya sankar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a speech given by Swami Vivekananda in Lahore in 1897.

This book does a great job of simplifying a concept like Advaita or non-dualism. He is eloquent and has packed so much clarity in so few words. (The book is 64 pages). Worth reading. And reading it again.

His message on universal love, strength and belief in the universal possibility is powerful. Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.

[Ted Nealon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book - and an interesting attempt at unifying the universe - some strange comments about children but ultimately much that I would agree with- unity in particular and unity being a fundamental basis for morality