The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda #2

by Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda was an Indian Hindu monk. He was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world and was credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion in the late 19th century. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India and contributed to the notion of nationalism in colonial India. He was the chief disciple of the 19th century saint Ramakrishna and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He is perhaps best known for his inspiring speech beginning with "Sisters and Brothers of America," through which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893.

Volume 2
WORK AND ITS SECRET

THE POWERS OF THE MIND

HINTS ON PRACTICAL SPIRITUALITY

BHAKTI OR DEVOTION

Jnana-Yoga

Practical Vedanta and other lectures

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Spirituality, Philosophy

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1947

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

[Santaraksita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books on Hindu philosophy, that I've ever read in my life. Despite more than a century passing since he gave his lectures, I doubt there is a better exposition of Hindu philosophy, religion and Indian customs and thought than what Swami Vivekananda said, in the English language. The language is very simple, with no high sounding words. The message is clear and concise, expressed in simple language, yet the thoughts are so deep, that they stay with you in dark times, and inspire to never accept defeat and stay true to your path and your true self, the Atman.
The exposition of Jnana Yoga was very interesting. I am indeed moved. Much more than a philosophy, it is a view of the world, and oneself, one that illuminates minds and souls, and by thinking which, even a simple man uplifts himself. Above all, it shows a way to live life, understanding the true nature of things. Advaita has a fine explanation of even the cosmos, facts about the nature and creation of the universe which even modern science haven't been able to grasp, and which hasn't been contradicted yet.
Much has been passed since the author wrote this book. I wonder how he would feel at the state of present India, given his immense love for the country. We have done much better materially and the majority of our countrymen are no longer starving and quite a many of them lead comfortable lives, far more than what was in the British Raj. We have regained political independence from foreign rule. But, a drastic change that has occurred is the loss of intellectual and cultural sovereignty at the mass level. Rampant moral degeneration fuelled by consumerism, advertisements and the media in general, have led to a sorry state of affairs for our youth, and the pride in one's culture and traditions have declined on mass level. I doubt Swami Vivekananda would have approved of this. However, one can take some solace in the fact that, science and modernism haven't led to decline of the Hindu religion, unlike in the West. I think Swami Vivekananda has a huge contribution to that, in that he clearly recognized that modern science wasn't so different from what was already written by our ancient philosophers, and showed the basic philosophical similarities. A large number of the youth owes its pride in the Hindu culture to the writings and life of Swami Vivekananda, and I am one of them.
I would recommend this book to whoever is even a little bit interested in Hindu philosophy. The other books aren't as good as this one. In the midst of personal opinions, personalities of certain self styled gurus, and a lot of jargon, the real Hinduism is somewhere hidden, and the ordinary Hindu as well as an outsider trying to understand the tradition is left confused.

[Deepak Imandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume of Complete Works gives us an in-depth understanding of some of the major philosophies of India and their inter-relevance. Some aspects of Bhagavat Gita are also touched in brief. The confidence that Vivekananda's words echo and the inspiration that his thoughts provide is speechless and beyond words.

[Devendra Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read

[Siddhartha Gaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest genius ever existed

[Nishant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even the thought I missed reading this in my youth, the direction of my life would have changed to something else then what I am today.

There was no dearth of books that have influenced my life and there are some Hindu sashtras in it. But this at the turn of the 19th century a thought of a person so young in age and his clarity on it makes me so proud of being born here in Bharat.

This outlook can happen only in this dharma. I do not agree with what all he says.. But any disagreement cannot foster any hatred.

I believe that this was karma that this book came into my hands when I am thinking of retiring from vyvasay.

Book #28 series Indic books

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had some strong moments, but there were many times while reading where it was notably dated, particularly regarding scientific concepts. I found the refutation of Schopenhauer's world as Will and Representation to oversimplify the premise of the work, but I suppose it is still an applicable argument. Overall, not nearly as illuminating as volume 1, but not as bad as I had feared it might be while reading the early chapters of this volume. I look forward to volume 3.

[Vijeesh P]

this book contains the detailing about human mind and rebirth!!! amazing book to read...