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My Master
"My Master" by Swami Vivekananda is an English book combined from two lectures delivered by Swami Vivekananda in New York and England in 1901. In the lecture Vivekananda clearly told, if there was even a single word of truth, a single word of spirituality in his lectures he owed it to his Master — Ramakrishna, only the mistakes were his own.
Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born Narendra Nath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk and chief disciple of the 19th-century saint Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India. Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He is perhaps best known for his speech which began, "Sisters and brothers of America ...," in which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. Born into an aristocratic Bengali family of Calcutta, Vivekananda was inclined towards spirituality. He was influenced by his guru, Ramakrishna, from whom he learnt that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self; therefore, service to God could be rendered by service to mankind. After Ramakrishna's death, Vivekananda toured the Indian subcontinent extensively and acquired first-hand knowledge of the conditions prevailing in British India. He later travelled to the United States, representing India at the 1893 Parliament of the World Religions. Vivekananda conducted hundreds of public and private lectures and classes, disseminating tenets of Hindu philosophy in the United States, England and Europe. In India, Vivekananda is regarded as a patriotic saint and his birthday is celebrated there as National Youth Day.
Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born Narendra Nath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk and chief disciple of the 19th-century saint Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the late 19th century. He was a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India, and contributed to the concept of nationalism in colonial India. Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission. He is perhaps best known for his speech which began, "Sisters and brothers of America ...," in which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. Born into an aristocratic Bengali family of Calcutta, Vivekananda was inclined towards spirituality. He was influenced by his guru, Ramakrishna, from whom he learnt that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self; therefore, service to God could be rendered by service to mankind. After Ramakrishna's death, Vivekananda toured the Indian subcontinent extensively and acquired first-hand knowledge of the conditions prevailing in British India. He later travelled to the United States, representing India at the 1893 Parliament of the World Religions. Vivekananda conducted hundreds of public and private lectures and classes, disseminating tenets of Hindu philosophy in the United States, England and Europe. In India, Vivekananda is regarded as a patriotic saint and his birthday is celebrated there as National Youth Day.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2012
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Vivekananda
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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)
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)
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September 6, 2022
ಆದ್ಯಾತ್ಮಕ್ಕೂ ಧರ್ಮಕ್ಕೂ ತೆಳು ಪದರವೊಂದಿದೆ. ಎರಡಕ್ಕೂ ವ್ಯತ್ಯಾಸ ತಿಳಿಸಿಕೊಡುವವನೇ ನಿಜವಾದ ಗುರುವರ್ಯ. ಇದನ್ನು ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಳ್ಳುವವನು ತನ್ನ ಜೀವನವನ್ನು ಸಾಕ್ಷಾತ್ಕಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂತ್ಯಗೊಳ್ಳಿಸುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಈ ಸಾಕ್ಷಾತ್ಕಾರವನ್ನು ವಿವೇಕಾನಂದರು ತಮ್ಮ ಗುರುವಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣುತ್ತಾರೆ. ತಾವು ಆದ್ಯಾತ್ಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಏನೇ ಸಾಧನೆ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದರೂ ಅದು ತಮ್ಮ ಗುರುಗಳಿಂದಲೇ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ವಿವೇಕಾನಂದರ ಅಭಿಮತ, ತಪ್ಪುಗಳಿದ್ದರೇ ಅದು ತಮ್ಮ ತಪ್ಪು ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಾರೆ.
ಆದ್ಯಾತ್ಮ ಫಲದ ತಿರುಳನ್ನು ಹೇಳುವ ವಿವೇಕಾನಂದರು, ರಾಮಕೃಷ್ಣ ಪರಮಹಂಸರ ಜೀವನದ ಆಶಯ ಮತ್ತು ಜೀವನಶೈಲಿಯಲ್ಲೇ ಆ ಸಾಕ್ಷಾತ್ಕಾರವನ್ನು ಕಂಡಿದನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಪರಮಹಂಸರು ನಾನು ಬಹಳ ಗೌರವಿಸುವ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಮುಖರು. ಇವರ ಜೀವನವನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಭಾರತೀಯನೂ ಓದಿ ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲೇ ಬೇಕು. ಅಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮ ವೃಕ್ಷದ ಬೇರು ಇವರ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲೇ ಅಡಗಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ಅವರ ಪರಮಪ್ರಿಯ ಶಿಷ್ಯರ ವಾಣಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಓದುವುದು ಅನರ್ಘ್ಯ ಸುಖ. ನಿಮಗೂ ಅದು ಪ್ರಾಪ್ತಿಯಾಗಲಿ, ಓದಿ.
ಆದ್ಯಾತ್ಮ ಫಲದ ತಿರುಳನ್ನು ಹೇಳುವ ವಿವೇಕಾನಂದರು, ರಾಮಕೃಷ್ಣ ಪರಮಹಂಸರ ಜೀವನದ ಆಶಯ ಮತ್ತು ಜೀವನಶೈಲಿಯಲ್ಲೇ ಆ ಸಾಕ್ಷಾತ್ಕಾರವನ್ನು ಕಂಡಿದನ್ನು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಹೇಳಿದ್ದಾರೆ.
ಪರಮಹಂಸರು ನಾನು ಬಹಳ ಗೌರವಿಸುವ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಮುಖರು. ಇವರ ಜೀವನವನ್ನು ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಬ್ಬ ಭಾರತೀಯನೂ ಓದಿ ತಿಳಿದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲೇ ಬೇಕು. ಅಧ್ಯಾತ್ಮ ವೃಕ್ಷದ ಬೇರು ಇವರ ಜೀವನದಲ್ಲೇ ಅಡಗಿದೆ. ಇದನ್ನು ಅವರ ಪರಮಪ್ರಿಯ ಶಿಷ್ಯರ ವಾಣಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಓದುವುದು ಅನರ್ಘ್ಯ ಸುಖ. ನಿಮಗೂ ಅದು ಪ್ರಾಪ್ತಿಯಾಗಲಿ, ಓದಿ.
August 26, 2020
In order to not go Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's teachings unheard, his disciple, Swami Vivekananda writes this book in a very short and detailed manner.
And if you're an Indian, at some point in your life you must have heard these 2 people's names.
It is about Sri Ramakrishna's childhood, his selfless character, zeal to help people irrespective of his health condition, and his views on India, Materialism, spirituality, religion, education, women, enlightenment, God.
few of my favorites are :
1. Temples are erected mostly by rich persons as a meritorious religious act. The man who goes to a temple is not considered thereby a better man than he never goes.
2. "When the lotus opens, the bees come of their own accord to seek the honey; so let the lotus of your character be full-blown and the results will follow'. Spirituality can be communicated just as real as I can give you a flower."
3. " the less of this little 'I' the more of God there is in him"
4. Religion is the relation between the soul and god. Religion is not about talk, doctrines, theories, sectarianism. Religion cannot live in insects and societies. Religion is a mere realization.
In the end of the book, Swami Vivekananda gives all the credit to his dear master, " and if there has ever been a word of truth, a word of spirituality, that I have spoken anywhere in this world, I owe it to my Master, only the mistakes are mine."
.
And if you're an Indian, at some point in your life you must have heard these 2 people's names.
It is about Sri Ramakrishna's childhood, his selfless character, zeal to help people irrespective of his health condition, and his views on India, Materialism, spirituality, religion, education, women, enlightenment, God.
few of my favorites are :
1. Temples are erected mostly by rich persons as a meritorious religious act. The man who goes to a temple is not considered thereby a better man than he never goes.
2. "When the lotus opens, the bees come of their own accord to seek the honey; so let the lotus of your character be full-blown and the results will follow'. Spirituality can be communicated just as real as I can give you a flower."
3. " the less of this little 'I' the more of God there is in him"
4. Religion is the relation between the soul and god. Religion is not about talk, doctrines, theories, sectarianism. Religion cannot live in insects and societies. Religion is a mere realization.
In the end of the book, Swami Vivekananda gives all the credit to his dear master, " and if there has ever been a word of truth, a word of spirituality, that I have spoken anywhere in this world, I owe it to my Master, only the mistakes are mine."
.
May 25, 2020
Swami Vivekananda shares his experiences with his guru Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, in this short though insightful read. Vivekananda speaks about the glorious lineage of acharyas in India, and presents the spiritual superiority of India, to the West.
Wave after wave had flooded the land, breaking and crushing everything for hundreds of years; the sword had flashed, and "Victory unto Allah" had rent the skies of India, but these floods subsided, leaving the national ideals unchanged.Swami was a fearless Hindu monk, and a warrior monk indeed.
January 15, 2019
I have never felt such a bliss of reading a book in my life.. Few books made an impact in my life for me!
1. Man's search for meaning (Viktor E. Frankl)
2. Siddhartha (Hermann Hesse)
3. My Master (Swami Vivekananda)
Its an account of Vivekananda's experience with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
What a clarity. I like to share few points in short.
Two Planes: Man is acting on two planes. i) Oriental (Spiritualistic) ii) Occidental (Materialistic). The man alone who is the lord of his own mind can become happy and none else.
Temples: Temples are erected mostly by rich persons as a meritorious religious act. The man who goes to a temple is not considered thereby a better man than he never goes. In fact, the latter is considered the more religious in India.
Spirituality: A Man who seek god must not care for doctrines, dogma, sects, churches, temples. They count for little compared with the essence of existence in each man, which is spirituality. Be spiritual and realize truth for yourself. It is through this appreciation of spirituality in others that spirituality is produced. 'When the lotus opens, the bees come of their own accord ro seek the honey; so let the lotus of your character be full-blown and the results will follow'. Spirituality can be communicated just as really as I can give you a flower. The tremendous purity, the tremendous renunciation is the one secret of spirituality. Vedas say 'Neither through wealth, nor through progeny, but through renunciation alone is immortality to be reached.'
Religion: Religion is the relation between the soul and god. Religion is not about talk, doctrines, theories, sectarianism. Religion cannot live in sects and societies. How can it be made into a society. It would then degenerate into a business and whenever there are business and business and business principle in religion, spirituality dies. Religion doesn't consist in erecting temples or building churches or attending public worship. It is not to be found in books, words, lectures, organisations. As a fact, we all know that nothing will satisfy us until we know the truth for ourselves. One thing that satisfy us is our "OWN REALIZATION".
The first ideal of this attempt to realize religion is that of renunciation. as far as we can, we must give up. Darkness and light, enjoyment of the wold and enjoyment of god will never go together.
Renunciation is religion.
Note: I was totally awestruck when i read the part of Sri Ramakrishna's early life as temple priest, his marriage, his divine madness, his adventure, his enlightenment (Mother). Not but not least his love on everyone.
I bow to thee Sri Ramakrishna. :)
1. Man's search for meaning (Viktor E. Frankl)
2. Siddhartha (Hermann Hesse)
3. My Master (Swami Vivekananda)
Its an account of Vivekananda's experience with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
What a clarity. I like to share few points in short.
Two Planes: Man is acting on two planes. i) Oriental (Spiritualistic) ii) Occidental (Materialistic). The man alone who is the lord of his own mind can become happy and none else.
Temples: Temples are erected mostly by rich persons as a meritorious religious act. The man who goes to a temple is not considered thereby a better man than he never goes. In fact, the latter is considered the more religious in India.
Spirituality: A Man who seek god must not care for doctrines, dogma, sects, churches, temples. They count for little compared with the essence of existence in each man, which is spirituality. Be spiritual and realize truth for yourself. It is through this appreciation of spirituality in others that spirituality is produced. 'When the lotus opens, the bees come of their own accord ro seek the honey; so let the lotus of your character be full-blown and the results will follow'. Spirituality can be communicated just as really as I can give you a flower. The tremendous purity, the tremendous renunciation is the one secret of spirituality. Vedas say 'Neither through wealth, nor through progeny, but through renunciation alone is immortality to be reached.'
Religion: Religion is the relation between the soul and god. Religion is not about talk, doctrines, theories, sectarianism. Religion cannot live in sects and societies. How can it be made into a society. It would then degenerate into a business and whenever there are business and business and business principle in religion, spirituality dies. Religion doesn't consist in erecting temples or building churches or attending public worship. It is not to be found in books, words, lectures, organisations. As a fact, we all know that nothing will satisfy us until we know the truth for ourselves. One thing that satisfy us is our "OWN REALIZATION".
The first ideal of this attempt to realize religion is that of renunciation. as far as we can, we must give up. Darkness and light, enjoyment of the wold and enjoyment of god will never go together.
Renunciation is religion.
Note: I was totally awestruck when i read the part of Sri Ramakrishna's early life as temple priest, his marriage, his divine madness, his adventure, his enlightenment (Mother). Not but not least his love on everyone.
I bow to thee Sri Ramakrishna. :)
June 19, 2021
Very deep thoughts
Amazing articulating by the author . Talk about India in the 3 or 4 th page is fascinating . Amazing overall
Amazing articulating by the author . Talk about India in the 3 or 4 th page is fascinating . Amazing overall
November 18, 2016
This book although a short 1 hour read is a beautiful story about Shri Ramakrishna, teacher of Vivekananda written by the disciple himself. One could see where Vivekananda found his passion and grit towards the things he did in his short yet a very complete life. This book also shows how hard a life would have been for a Brahmin and what it really means to be one. However with time the gap between the sects changed which Vivekananda clearly spells out. And it is super and utter difficult to imagine to live a life of complete self sacrifice like Shri Ramakrishna did. No wonder people crowded over him. "if there has ever been a word of truth, a word of spirituality, that I have spoken anywhere in the world, I owe it to my Master; only the mistakes are mine." - Peak of Humility.
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January 19, 2020It's a great book.
February 24, 2023
Every moment I think of anything else is so much loss to me - even the marvels of earthly sciences; everything is vain if it takes me away from that thought. Life is but momentary, whether you have the knowledge of an angel or the ignorance of an animal. Life is but momentary, whether you have the poverty of the poorest man in rags or the wealth of the richest living person. Life is but momentary, whether you are a downtrodden man living in one of the big streets of the big cities of the West or a crowned Emperor ruling over millions. Life is but momentary, whether you have the best of health or worst. Life is but momentary, whether you have the most poetical temperament or the most cruel.
There is but one solution of life, says the Hindu, and that is what they call God and religion. If these be true, life becomes explained, life becomes bearable, becomes enjoyable. Otherwise, life is but a useless burden.
There is but one solution of life, says the Hindu, and that is what they call God and religion. If these be true, life becomes explained, life becomes bearable, becomes enjoyable. Otherwise, life is but a useless burden.
June 4, 2018
Oriental vs Occidental; Renunciation is the religion; Serving all; and seeing only good among others...is the book all about. The simple first hand of description of The Master about His Direct Disciple.
January 31, 2024
A short glimpse on Shri Ramkrishna's life , his spiritual journey and his greatest teachings. "Be spiritual and realize the truth for yourself ". A must read for all starting their spiritual journey .
October 1, 2022
I didn't find that this contained enough substance to stand on its own as a book. More of a summary than a book.
December 1, 2023
"My Master" by Swami Vivekananda serves as a poignant and deeply personal tribute to the spiritual luminary who profoundly influenced Vivekananda's life and philosophy — Sri Ramakrishna. This English book is a compilation of two lectures delivered by Swami Vivekananda in 1901, one in New York and the other in England. Within its pages, the essence of Swami Vivekananda's reverence, gratitude, and spiritual indebtedness to his Master, Sri Ramakrishna, is eloquently expressed.
At the heart of the book is the acknowledgment that any semblance of truth and spirituality found in Vivekananda's teachings is attributed entirely to the profound influence of Sri Ramakrishna. The lectures humbly concede that the wisdom imparted by Swami Vivekananda is a reflection of the spiritual legacy inherited from his Master, whereas any perceived errors are the sole responsibility of Vivekananda himself.
The book unfolds as a heartfelt narrative that transcends the conventional boundaries of a disciple-teacher relationship. It is a testament to the profound connection between a master and his devoted disciple, where the spiritual torch is passed from one luminary soul to another. Swami Vivekananda's candid acknowledgment of the impact of Sri Ramakrishna on his spiritual evolution adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative!
Throughout the book, Swami Vivekananda weaves a tapestry of reverence and devotion, portraying Sri Ramakrishna not merely as a historical figure but as a divine force that continues to shape his spiritual journey. The narrative is infused with an emotional depth that resonates with readers, offering a glimpse into the intimate and transformative nature of the guru-disciple relationship.
The language used by Swami Vivekananda in "My Master" is not just a means of conveying information but a medium through which he pours out his soul. The sincerity of his words and the simplicity of expression create a profound impact, inviting readers to connect with the essence of devotion and spiritual surrender.
The significance of this book extends beyond the realms of a conventional biography or discourse. It serves as a spiritual testament, an autobiographical expression of Swami Vivekananda's inner journey, and a tribute to the enduring influence of Sri Ramakrishna on his life and teachings.
In conclusion, "My Master" is a literary gem that transcends the boundaries of time and cultural contexts. It is an exploration of the profound spiritual connection between a master and disciple, articulated with authenticity and heartfelt sincerity. Swami Vivekananda's words echo the universal theme of reverence for the spiritual guide, making this book a timeless source of inspiration for those on the path of self-discovery and spiritual awakening!
At the heart of the book is the acknowledgment that any semblance of truth and spirituality found in Vivekananda's teachings is attributed entirely to the profound influence of Sri Ramakrishna. The lectures humbly concede that the wisdom imparted by Swami Vivekananda is a reflection of the spiritual legacy inherited from his Master, whereas any perceived errors are the sole responsibility of Vivekananda himself.
The book unfolds as a heartfelt narrative that transcends the conventional boundaries of a disciple-teacher relationship. It is a testament to the profound connection between a master and his devoted disciple, where the spiritual torch is passed from one luminary soul to another. Swami Vivekananda's candid acknowledgment of the impact of Sri Ramakrishna on his spiritual evolution adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative!
Throughout the book, Swami Vivekananda weaves a tapestry of reverence and devotion, portraying Sri Ramakrishna not merely as a historical figure but as a divine force that continues to shape his spiritual journey. The narrative is infused with an emotional depth that resonates with readers, offering a glimpse into the intimate and transformative nature of the guru-disciple relationship.
The language used by Swami Vivekananda in "My Master" is not just a means of conveying information but a medium through which he pours out his soul. The sincerity of his words and the simplicity of expression create a profound impact, inviting readers to connect with the essence of devotion and spiritual surrender.
The significance of this book extends beyond the realms of a conventional biography or discourse. It serves as a spiritual testament, an autobiographical expression of Swami Vivekananda's inner journey, and a tribute to the enduring influence of Sri Ramakrishna on his life and teachings.
In conclusion, "My Master" is a literary gem that transcends the boundaries of time and cultural contexts. It is an exploration of the profound spiritual connection between a master and disciple, articulated with authenticity and heartfelt sincerity. Swami Vivekananda's words echo the universal theme of reverence for the spiritual guide, making this book a timeless source of inspiration for those on the path of self-discovery and spiritual awakening!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews