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Chicago Addresses
At the World's Parliament of Religions on September 11, 1893, the now legendary Swami Vivekananda gave his first speech in America that electrified the audience and sent him throughout the United States to explain the teachings of Vedanta. In doing so, he sowed the seed for Vedanta in the West. His talk was on the validity of all religions and the methodical intelligent approach of the practices. Also
The World Parliament of Religions, 1893 , by Lakshmi Niwas Jhunjhunwala - 8175053399
Swami Vivekananda in Chicago , by Asim Chaudhuri - 8175052112
The World Parliament of Religions, 1893 , by Lakshmi Niwas Jhunjhunwala - 8175053399
Swami Vivekananda in Chicago , by Asim Chaudhuri - 8175052112
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First published August 1, 2007
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About the author
Vivekananda
1,657 books1,581 followers"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)
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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August 16, 2016
4 stars!
This one was a first of its kind. I've never much delved into philosophy, so I don't really know how to rate it.
Chicago Addresses is the compilation of Vivekananda's talks at the Parliament of Religions, 1893. He aimed at spreading his ideas to inspire mankind and guide them on the spiritual road, in the right direction.
A friend of mine, once while we were talking on how vast and varied Hinduism was, quoted Swami Vivekananda saying, "Vedas are without beginning and without end." That seems incredulous because you find no writing without a definite start and an end. It was in this speech, his paper on Hinduism,where he emphasised on this matter. The analogy of laws of gravitation to state that they existed even before they came to notice is apt. That is what distinguishes a discovery from an invention. In his words, The Vedas actually mean "the accumulated treasury of spiritual laws discovered by different persons in different times".
I would cite a few more things that enlightened me in this book.
Vivekananda explains the reason behind such variations in God's creations in making one happy and the other unhappy. In this, he describes, in accordance with science, how the fate of the man in this lifetime rests upon his past actions in the previous lifetime, as the soul passes from one vessel to the next. He reflects on how pitiful this simple law of nature renders his entire existence.
"Is man a tiny boat in a tempest, raised one moment on the foamy crest of a billow and dashed down into a yawning chasm the next, rolling to and fro at the mercy of good and bad actions- a powerless, helplesswreck in an ever-raging, ever-rushing, uncompromising current of cause and effect, a little moth placed under the wheel of causation, which rolls on crushing everything in its way and waits not for the widow's tears or the orphan's cry?"
As an answer to this, he preaches worshipping the Almighty. Not out of selfish interests, but loving Him for love's sake. This, in my view, in a very powerful reasoning.
He says Buddhism is agnostic and Jainism is atheistic. Quite an irony, right? According to him,
The Buddhists or the Jains do not depend upon God; but the whole force of their religion is directed to the great central truth in every religion, to evolve a God out of man. They have not seen the Father, but they have seen tge Son. And he that hath seen the Son hath seen the Father also.
Being the utter novice in these matters that I am, I don't know whether to justify or oppose. All that I can say is that it is an interesting observation.
About what he said with regard to Christians sending missionaries to India seemed to have a powerful impact on the audience, as some of the reviews I noted at the back of the book. He says that despite the many churches being erected in India, none of them came to the aid of the thousands who suffered immensely during famines or the like, at that time. The dexterity of his oration was such that even after criticizing a religion in front an audience, the clear majority of which were indeed Christians, didn't trigger violent opposition. In fact, people left the place moved, deep within their hearts.
I never thought I would read this, but curiosity makes you do strange things. Won't say I regretted it one bit. A nice insight into his theories, for a beginner like me.
4 stars.
This one was a first of its kind. I've never much delved into philosophy, so I don't really know how to rate it.
Chicago Addresses is the compilation of Vivekananda's talks at the Parliament of Religions, 1893. He aimed at spreading his ideas to inspire mankind and guide them on the spiritual road, in the right direction.
A friend of mine, once while we were talking on how vast and varied Hinduism was, quoted Swami Vivekananda saying, "Vedas are without beginning and without end." That seems incredulous because you find no writing without a definite start and an end. It was in this speech, his paper on Hinduism,where he emphasised on this matter. The analogy of laws of gravitation to state that they existed even before they came to notice is apt. That is what distinguishes a discovery from an invention. In his words, The Vedas actually mean "the accumulated treasury of spiritual laws discovered by different persons in different times".
I would cite a few more things that enlightened me in this book.
Vivekananda explains the reason behind such variations in God's creations in making one happy and the other unhappy. In this, he describes, in accordance with science, how the fate of the man in this lifetime rests upon his past actions in the previous lifetime, as the soul passes from one vessel to the next. He reflects on how pitiful this simple law of nature renders his entire existence.
"Is man a tiny boat in a tempest, raised one moment on the foamy crest of a billow and dashed down into a yawning chasm the next, rolling to and fro at the mercy of good and bad actions- a powerless, helplesswreck in an ever-raging, ever-rushing, uncompromising current of cause and effect, a little moth placed under the wheel of causation, which rolls on crushing everything in its way and waits not for the widow's tears or the orphan's cry?"
As an answer to this, he preaches worshipping the Almighty. Not out of selfish interests, but loving Him for love's sake. This, in my view, in a very powerful reasoning.
He says Buddhism is agnostic and Jainism is atheistic. Quite an irony, right? According to him,
The Buddhists or the Jains do not depend upon God; but the whole force of their religion is directed to the great central truth in every religion, to evolve a God out of man. They have not seen the Father, but they have seen tge Son. And he that hath seen the Son hath seen the Father also.
Being the utter novice in these matters that I am, I don't know whether to justify or oppose. All that I can say is that it is an interesting observation.
About what he said with regard to Christians sending missionaries to India seemed to have a powerful impact on the audience, as some of the reviews I noted at the back of the book. He says that despite the many churches being erected in India, none of them came to the aid of the thousands who suffered immensely during famines or the like, at that time. The dexterity of his oration was such that even after criticizing a religion in front an audience, the clear majority of which were indeed Christians, didn't trigger violent opposition. In fact, people left the place moved, deep within their hearts.
I never thought I would read this, but curiosity makes you do strange things. Won't say I regretted it one bit. A nice insight into his theories, for a beginner like me.
4 stars.
August 14, 2020
WONDERFUL ! ! !
May 9, 2020
A monk named Swami Vivekananda who used to wander in India goes to an unknown country named America, only with the vision to spread the message about the greatness of his country. Without any proper food or shelter he traveled in the country with the faith that god will help him in fulfilling his dreams. And after few months the outcome was different. The country which he was unknown, used to have his messages printed everywhere in the country. This book consists of the great speech delivered by Swami Vivekananda in the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago on September 1893. There are many great elements and instances in the book such as addressing the people of america,the philosophy of body and soul, his thoughts about other religion, his respect to his motherland India.
The best moment was when Vivekananda starts his speech by saying "Sisters and Brothers of America". After listening this sentence, the whole auditorium applauds him for minutes. I would recommend you this small 72 pages book if you want to know briefly about the great speech of Swami Vivekananda that is recognized and admired till now in the world.
Rating:5/5
The best moment was when Vivekananda starts his speech by saying "Sisters and Brothers of America". After listening this sentence, the whole auditorium applauds him for minutes. I would recommend you this small 72 pages book if you want to know briefly about the great speech of Swami Vivekananda that is recognized and admired till now in the world.
Rating:5/5
February 10, 2025
"Indeed, it aroused something deeply inspiring."
March 20, 2019
A good handout of what Vivekananda had told while in Chicago. Nice and compact
July 2, 2021
4.5 stars. Nicely argued.
February 12, 2023
Chicago Addresses by Swami Vivekananda is a collection of speeches and lectures given by the famous Indian spiritual leader and philosopher at the 1893 Parliament of Religions in Chicago. The book is a testament to the wisdom and insight of Swami Vivekananda and provides a glimpse into his philosophy and teachings!
One of the strengths of the book is the clarity and simplicity of Swami Vivekananda's messages. He speaks directly to the reader, in a style that is both accessible and profound. His words are filled with wisdom and insight, and they address the deep questions of life and spirituality that are relevant to people of all cultures and backgrounds.
Another strength of the book is its focus on unity and the importance of religious tolerance. Swami Vivekananda was a strong advocate for religious harmony and believed that all religions have a role to play in promoting peace and understanding in the world. His speeches and lectures emphasize the need for respect and tolerance for all religions and the importance of recognizing the similarities and common values that exist across different beliefs.
The book is also a testament to the power of the human spirit. Swami Vivekananda's own life story is a remarkable one, and his speeches and lectures reflect his own experiences and struggles. He inspires and encourages readers to strive for self-realization and to seek their own path to inner peace and happiness!
For those interested in spirituality, philosophy, or religion, Chicago Addresses is a must-read. The book provides a window into the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and his vision for a more peaceful and harmonious world. It is a source of inspiration and guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the world and their place within it.
In conclusion, Chicago Addresses by Swami Vivekananda is a collection of speeches and lectures that offer a powerful and inspiring message of unity, tolerance, and self-realization. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in spirituality, philosophy, or religion, and provides a glimpse into the wisdom and insight of one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all time!
One of the strengths of the book is the clarity and simplicity of Swami Vivekananda's messages. He speaks directly to the reader, in a style that is both accessible and profound. His words are filled with wisdom and insight, and they address the deep questions of life and spirituality that are relevant to people of all cultures and backgrounds.
Another strength of the book is its focus on unity and the importance of religious tolerance. Swami Vivekananda was a strong advocate for religious harmony and believed that all religions have a role to play in promoting peace and understanding in the world. His speeches and lectures emphasize the need for respect and tolerance for all religions and the importance of recognizing the similarities and common values that exist across different beliefs.
The book is also a testament to the power of the human spirit. Swami Vivekananda's own life story is a remarkable one, and his speeches and lectures reflect his own experiences and struggles. He inspires and encourages readers to strive for self-realization and to seek their own path to inner peace and happiness!
For those interested in spirituality, philosophy, or religion, Chicago Addresses is a must-read. The book provides a window into the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and his vision for a more peaceful and harmonious world. It is a source of inspiration and guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the world and their place within it.
In conclusion, Chicago Addresses by Swami Vivekananda is a collection of speeches and lectures that offer a powerful and inspiring message of unity, tolerance, and self-realization. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in spirituality, philosophy, or religion, and provides a glimpse into the wisdom and insight of one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all time!
March 18, 2016
Best. Speech. Ever.
December 26, 2020
Inspiring read and since listened to the audiobook. Now I just want to read it in the form of a paperback. Swami Vivekanand's ideas are extremely inspiring and he had a unique way of putting his thoughts into words.
I really enjoyed this book and would love to recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book and would love to recommend it.
December 18, 2015
In his deep voice, he began, `Sisters and Brothers of America' --and the entire audience, many hundred people, clapped and cheered wildly for two whole minutes. . . . No doubt the vast majority of those present hardly knew why they had been so powerfully moved. The appearance, even the voice, of Vivekananda cannot fully explain it.
A large gathering has its own strange kind of subconscious telepathy, and this one must have been somehow aware that it was in the presence of that most unusual of beings, a man whose words express exactly what he is. When Vivekananda said, `Sisters and Brothers' he actually meant that he regarded the American women and men before him as sisters and brothers; the well known orational phrase -became simple truth.
--by Christopher Isherwood in
What Religion Is in the words of Swami Vivekananda.
A large gathering has its own strange kind of subconscious telepathy, and this one must have been somehow aware that it was in the presence of that most unusual of beings, a man whose words express exactly what he is. When Vivekananda said, `Sisters and Brothers' he actually meant that he regarded the American women and men before him as sisters and brothers; the well known orational phrase -became simple truth.
--by Christopher Isherwood in
What Religion Is in the words of Swami Vivekananda.
May 18, 2022
Philosophical, spiritual and inspirational
Recommend
Recommend
August 26, 2021
Nothing to say about the book. A very small being, to express such high thoughts.
To know the real India none can be a better guide than Swamiji. Special mention to be made of ‘THE BACKGROUND STORY' which was added later as I had an old edition too that didn't contain it. As I read, I felt like a fire was burning inside me!
To know the real India none can be a better guide than Swamiji. Special mention to be made of ‘THE BACKGROUND STORY' which was added later as I had an old edition too that didn't contain it. As I read, I felt like a fire was burning inside me!
January 13, 2026
I wonder, if this one book can hold such a great knowledge, what Swamy Vivekananda, can have taught the world through his speeches at the Parliament of Religions, what's the aura he carried throughout his life.
It takes more then one read to understand his teachings for me but it is all worth to spend time with him to develop as a human, the Universal being.
It takes more then one read to understand his teachings for me but it is all worth to spend time with him to develop as a human, the Universal being.
June 21, 2020
The clarity in thought of Swam Vivekananda is impeccable. It's a truly inspiring speech from way back in 1893. The message of unity amongst everyone is delivered with such eloquence! It's smart, moving and thoroughly engaging speech.
July 20, 2017
I can't believe I had never heard of this man before! Really enjoyed reading his speeches. I'm sure it was quite an experience to listen to them in Chicago during the nineteenth-century.
May 4, 2018
its great book
especially when you are thinking of the religion and for one who wants to change his/her religion
especially when you are thinking of the religion and for one who wants to change his/her religion
July 17, 2018
His great knowledge of the Indian ethos, scientific temper coupled with the wisdom of the Vedanta have their perfect reflection in the Chicago Address.
October 9, 2019
Beautiful.
September 6, 2020
Everyone should read this book.
January 17, 2020
Swami Vivekananda was undoubtedly a learned man and a pure spirit. This book and his words will guide the generations to come. I'm so glad that I actually read it after the recommendation from a friend.
February 4, 2014
Swami Vivekananda and the beginnings of Vedanta Society
Swami Vivekananda was the chief architect of establishing the Vedic culture and Vedanta Society in the West. His lectures at the world's parliament of religions in Chicago in 1893 were revolutionary and the turning point in the Western inertest in Hindu philosophy. This is a very short book that narrates the odyssey of Swami Vivekananda after his arrival at the Chicago conference and his soul searching renderings of his wisdom.
He addressed the gatherings as "sisters and brothers of America" and his lectures touched the deepest chord of their heart by stressing the kinship and human understanding at the spiritual level. He championed the idea of understanding, respect and coexistence of all faiths in peace and harmony. He asked everyone to accept all religions are true and believe in universal toleration. His delivery of Hindu wisdom through the Vedanta philosophy touched every soul at the conference. His principal message was that an individual is only a mortal body but made of a divine soul, a spirit, pure, immortal and the master of matter and mind. The goal of a human is to find his inner soul and become one with it by manifesting the inner divinity thorough thought and action.
He pointed out that from the spiritual flights of the Vedanta philosophy which are echoed by the current understanding of laws of physics to the ideas of deity worship with its multifarious mythology, the agnosticism of the Buddhism and the atheism of Jainism all have a place in Hinduism. There is no polytheism in India; the worshippers apply their attributes of God to the images. It is worshipped in different names, different deities and different images but there is only one God. Hindus use an external symbol when they pray and worship so that they can focus on it mentally.
During famine in India, thousands died but Christian missionaries started erecting churches giving them false hopes that Christianism helps them find salvation. How does that please God? Anyone who hopes that the unity will come by the triumph of one religion over the others; to him I say, "Do I wish that the Christian would become a Hindu? God forbid. Do I wish that the Hindu or Buddhist would be come a Christian? God forbid." He continued; the question is not one's conversion, but one must assimilate the spirit of the others and preserve his individuality. If anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of his own religion and the destruction of the others, then I pity him from the bottom of my heart.
The day after his lecture newspapers said of him as the greatest figure and the best speaker of the parliament. Harvard University professor J.H. Wright once told Swami Vivekananda (referring to Vivekananda's lack of registration for the conference) that "to ask you, Swami, for credentials is like asking the sun to state the right to shine." Professor Wright once wrote to chairman of the selection committee "here is a man who is more learned than all our professors put together."
Swami Vivekananda was the chief architect of establishing the Vedic culture and Vedanta Society in the West. His lectures at the world's parliament of religions in Chicago in 1893 were revolutionary and the turning point in the Western inertest in Hindu philosophy. This is a very short book that narrates the odyssey of Swami Vivekananda after his arrival at the Chicago conference and his soul searching renderings of his wisdom.
He addressed the gatherings as "sisters and brothers of America" and his lectures touched the deepest chord of their heart by stressing the kinship and human understanding at the spiritual level. He championed the idea of understanding, respect and coexistence of all faiths in peace and harmony. He asked everyone to accept all religions are true and believe in universal toleration. His delivery of Hindu wisdom through the Vedanta philosophy touched every soul at the conference. His principal message was that an individual is only a mortal body but made of a divine soul, a spirit, pure, immortal and the master of matter and mind. The goal of a human is to find his inner soul and become one with it by manifesting the inner divinity thorough thought and action.
He pointed out that from the spiritual flights of the Vedanta philosophy which are echoed by the current understanding of laws of physics to the ideas of deity worship with its multifarious mythology, the agnosticism of the Buddhism and the atheism of Jainism all have a place in Hinduism. There is no polytheism in India; the worshippers apply their attributes of God to the images. It is worshipped in different names, different deities and different images but there is only one God. Hindus use an external symbol when they pray and worship so that they can focus on it mentally.
During famine in India, thousands died but Christian missionaries started erecting churches giving them false hopes that Christianism helps them find salvation. How does that please God? Anyone who hopes that the unity will come by the triumph of one religion over the others; to him I say, "Do I wish that the Christian would become a Hindu? God forbid. Do I wish that the Hindu or Buddhist would be come a Christian? God forbid." He continued; the question is not one's conversion, but one must assimilate the spirit of the others and preserve his individuality. If anybody dreams of the exclusive survival of his own religion and the destruction of the others, then I pity him from the bottom of my heart.
The day after his lecture newspapers said of him as the greatest figure and the best speaker of the parliament. Harvard University professor J.H. Wright once told Swami Vivekananda (referring to Vivekananda's lack of registration for the conference) that "to ask you, Swami, for credentials is like asking the sun to state the right to shine." Professor Wright once wrote to chairman of the selection committee "here is a man who is more learned than all our professors put together."
October 26, 2022
- Book Review: "Chicago Addresses" by Swami Vivekananda - 📚🕉
At just 30 years of age, Swami Vivekananda achieved worldwide fame and recognition at the 1893 "Parliament of World Religions" in Chicago, where his powers of oratory were in full force.
This book contains all his speeches from that conference, providing an insight into his thoughts and philosophies.
Given that India was still an exploited British colony at the time, the Swami does not mince his words when emphatically stating that "it is an insult to a starving people to offer them religion; it is an insult to a starving man to teach him metaphysics. In India a priest that preached for money would lose caste and be spat upon by the people."
The Swami always had the welfare of his people at the forefront of his thoughts and never missed an opportunity to take a jab at colonialism.
The book is a great read for anyone wanting to know more about him.
My rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At just 30 years of age, Swami Vivekananda achieved worldwide fame and recognition at the 1893 "Parliament of World Religions" in Chicago, where his powers of oratory were in full force.
This book contains all his speeches from that conference, providing an insight into his thoughts and philosophies.
Given that India was still an exploited British colony at the time, the Swami does not mince his words when emphatically stating that "it is an insult to a starving people to offer them religion; it is an insult to a starving man to teach him metaphysics. In India a priest that preached for money would lose caste and be spat upon by the people."
The Swami always had the welfare of his people at the forefront of his thoughts and never missed an opportunity to take a jab at colonialism.
The book is a great read for anyone wanting to know more about him.
My rating: 5/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 23, 2014
excellant address by a hindu master to an International audience which spread the hinduist ideology across the world especially among western and amerucan societies. thanks to swamiji. must read for every indian.
May 14, 2015
Inspirational, highly recommended.
August 18, 2015
One word - MUST-READ !!
P.S : As a matter of fact, keep one copy with you.
P.S : As a matter of fact, keep one copy with you.
September 9, 2016
One of the wonderful books I read at least for 20 times till now.
July 1, 2020
Every person Hindu or Non-Hindu who wants to know what Hinduism is, in brief, should read the book.
Most of the words are from old English please hold the dictionary with this book.
Most of the words are from old English please hold the dictionary with this book.
Read
January 27, 2016Not Only Indian but Every One Should Read It For Its Brillint And Excellenct Orration
Read
May 16, 2017An insight into one of the great minds India ever had.
Want to read
April 7, 2018The humility of the man is so well reflected in this collection of his speeches and teachings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews