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Reflections : Swami Vivekananda
“The grandest idea in the religion of the Vedanta is that we may reach the same goal by different paths; and these paths I have generalised into four, viz. those of work, love, psychology, and knowledge. But you must, at the same time, remember that these divisions are not very marked and quite exclusive of each other. Each blends into the other. But according to the type which prevails, we name the divisions. It is not that you can find men who have no other faculty than that of work, nor that you can find men who are no more than devoted worshippers only, nor that there are men who have no more than mere knowledge. These divisions are made in accordance with the type or the tendency that may be seen to prevail in a man. We have found that, in the end, all these four paths converge and become one. All religions and all methods of work and worship lead us to one and the same goal.”
655 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2017
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Vivekananda
1,849 books1,603 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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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 27, 2022
First comments on structure of the contents in the book, it’s not a sequential reading, one can pick any chapter anytime and read it. So unlike a biography, it’s really easy to read the book and yet get gist about thoughts and philosophy of Vivekananda.
The text is clear and easy to read. Sometimes it does become a difficult read as too much of vedantic terminology/ philosophy is used, but overall it’s an easy read.
Then about it’s contents, it really makes one understand the Vedantic principles, which is otherwise tedious to appreciate. The philosophy is explained in simple manner and it’s also applicability in real sense.
And overall I liked about it is that how Vivekananda has praised all the religions of the world and the message that irrespective of what paths we follow the goal for all human beings is the same. He has also cautioned to follow the religion by understanding its core and not get misguided by how different people have interpreted it to suit themselves.
The text is clear and easy to read. Sometimes it does become a difficult read as too much of vedantic terminology/ philosophy is used, but overall it’s an easy read.
Then about it’s contents, it really makes one understand the Vedantic principles, which is otherwise tedious to appreciate. The philosophy is explained in simple manner and it’s also applicability in real sense.
And overall I liked about it is that how Vivekananda has praised all the religions of the world and the message that irrespective of what paths we follow the goal for all human beings is the same. He has also cautioned to follow the religion by understanding its core and not get misguided by how different people have interpreted it to suit themselves.
January 13, 2019
Very few could explain the complex Vedantic concepts more lucidly than Swami Vivekananda, who did so using the simplest of language and providing most practical and relatable illustrations. Though most of his lectures were targeted towards Western audience of then teaching them the basics of Vedic religion and removing their doubts and apprehensions about Hindu rituals and customs, the uninitiated Hindu youth of today could use those in equal fervour to get an understanding of their own heritage and culture.
Having read most of Vivekananda's lectures on Advaita Philosophy before, from which I derived most of my understanding on Hindu religious past and present, this book that collects some of his important talks on Vedanta, Yoga, Philosophy etc, didn't add too much to my earlier knowledge. However, reading again those lectures and discourses, help me reflect again on that understanding, and hopefully it would take me closer to the coveted 'realization'.
Having read most of Vivekananda's lectures on Advaita Philosophy before, from which I derived most of my understanding on Hindu religious past and present, this book that collects some of his important talks on Vedanta, Yoga, Philosophy etc, didn't add too much to my earlier knowledge. However, reading again those lectures and discourses, help me reflect again on that understanding, and hopefully it would take me closer to the coveted 'realization'.
January 16, 2023
A very nice introduction to metaphysical concepts and the best part is that I got to think through the lens of Swami Vivekananda. A lot that has been portrayed about his thoughts in mainstream media is not accurate and this book which covers his writings allows one to think about the meaning of life and interpret it based on one's own common sense.
May 12, 2021
Reflections by Swami Vivekananda is a collection of his various speeches across America, his letters, his articles on Hinduism and India and his views on various political and philosophical topics. Prior to this book, I had only read a couple of books by Swami Vivekananda that were like a short summary of his views and had no idea of his writing whatsoever. Delving into this book, I expected that it might be atheistic in nature and would talk more about philosophy of life rather than philosophy of religion. I was both right and wrong.
Swami Vivekananda speaks about Hinduism but unlike how the modern “Hindus” and Hindu nationalists portray him, he is the complete opposite. He explains Hinduism, Vedas and Upanishads, the idea of God, the philosophy of Hinduism and fables but he never enforces Hinduism as a religion. In his opinion, Hinduism is not a religion. It is a way of life and living and hence it is called a Sanātana Dharma (eternal tradition) and the teachings of Hinduism are the philosophies of Vedas, not the words of Jesus or Prophet. Instead of a Personal God, Hinduism praises an Impersonal God. Because of this quality, throughout history Hinduism never became an organised religion like Christianity and Islam, and this is evident from the fact that Hindu nations never waged a war on any other nation to spread their ideology. This also helped Hindus to absorb qualities of other religions and other ideologies and change with the flow of time.
One can clearly observe the atheistic qualities of Hinduism in debates of atheists against theists. Listen to the debates of famous atheists like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens and they always debate against Christianity and Islam because there is a point of origination in them - Jesus and Prophet respectively. But you can never find their arguments against Hinduism because in true sense there is no person who started Hinduism. Philosophies started Hinduism. And all there is written in Vedas is how to connect with yourself, how to be more spiritual and how to be a good social player. The only arguments they have made against Hinduism are in the context of a person or the organisation of Hinduism - like Hindu saints who turned out to be rapists, cow vigilantes, VHP, Hindu Mahasabha, etc.
Swami Vivekananda has also made a nice case why Western philosophers don’t credit Indian philosophy and why Indian philosophy and ancient Hindus declined that resulted in the death of the Hindu nation. He has some great views on education, politics and Indian history and reading between the lines you can see how modern politics bend his words to make him sound like a modern day Hindu nationalist, which he clearly was not. In fact in many places he has delineated how religious fanatics are created and Hindu religious fanatics can exist.
Other than that, it has many nice philosophies. The only part of this book that I did not like was when it got more spiritual than philosophical. But from the point of view of Swami Vivekananda and his life and work, that makes sense. Overall, it was a nice and warm read.
Swami Vivekananda speaks about Hinduism but unlike how the modern “Hindus” and Hindu nationalists portray him, he is the complete opposite. He explains Hinduism, Vedas and Upanishads, the idea of God, the philosophy of Hinduism and fables but he never enforces Hinduism as a religion. In his opinion, Hinduism is not a religion. It is a way of life and living and hence it is called a Sanātana Dharma (eternal tradition) and the teachings of Hinduism are the philosophies of Vedas, not the words of Jesus or Prophet. Instead of a Personal God, Hinduism praises an Impersonal God. Because of this quality, throughout history Hinduism never became an organised religion like Christianity and Islam, and this is evident from the fact that Hindu nations never waged a war on any other nation to spread their ideology. This also helped Hindus to absorb qualities of other religions and other ideologies and change with the flow of time.
One can clearly observe the atheistic qualities of Hinduism in debates of atheists against theists. Listen to the debates of famous atheists like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens and they always debate against Christianity and Islam because there is a point of origination in them - Jesus and Prophet respectively. But you can never find their arguments against Hinduism because in true sense there is no person who started Hinduism. Philosophies started Hinduism. And all there is written in Vedas is how to connect with yourself, how to be more spiritual and how to be a good social player. The only arguments they have made against Hinduism are in the context of a person or the organisation of Hinduism - like Hindu saints who turned out to be rapists, cow vigilantes, VHP, Hindu Mahasabha, etc.
Swami Vivekananda has also made a nice case why Western philosophers don’t credit Indian philosophy and why Indian philosophy and ancient Hindus declined that resulted in the death of the Hindu nation. He has some great views on education, politics and Indian history and reading between the lines you can see how modern politics bend his words to make him sound like a modern day Hindu nationalist, which he clearly was not. In fact in many places he has delineated how religious fanatics are created and Hindu religious fanatics can exist.
Other than that, it has many nice philosophies. The only part of this book that I did not like was when it got more spiritual than philosophical. But from the point of view of Swami Vivekananda and his life and work, that makes sense. Overall, it was a nice and warm read.
July 1, 2021
It is hard to critique a sublime force and prove its value. Only through the first-hand experience of actively reading the words of the Swami would make justice to Swami Vivekananda's teachings.
It is timeless; while reading his words, you can not miss the nuances of Advaita philosophy. Among the many verses, these words struck a chord for me to contemplate more on the reality/ true self
"Knowing one lump of clay we know the nature of all that is in the universe"
"The effect is never different from cause"
"Limitation can never come upon the unlimited it is a fiction"
Insights on other religions and their fallacies are explained so precisely by Swami. Nasthik/asthik whatever one identifies themselves to be they are the one existence, absolute consciousness and bliss [Sat-chit-ananda]
It is timeless; while reading his words, you can not miss the nuances of Advaita philosophy. Among the many verses, these words struck a chord for me to contemplate more on the reality/ true self
"Knowing one lump of clay we know the nature of all that is in the universe"
"The effect is never different from cause"
"Limitation can never come upon the unlimited it is a fiction"
Insights on other religions and their fallacies are explained so precisely by Swami. Nasthik/asthik whatever one identifies themselves to be they are the one existence, absolute consciousness and bliss [Sat-chit-ananda]
September 30, 2021
Brilliant compilation of thought provoking speeches and essays by Swami Vivekananda. I don't believe in life changing books because it would be a lot to ask for from a piece of art. But having said that, this is the book which comes closest to that life-changing category.
The reader has to be active while identifying the sections which demand intense focus and ones which can be skimmed through with ease. For example, I spent a lot of time on sections where he talks about religion and identity; but glanced through the Bhakti Yoga sections as that didn't appeal to me as much.
Vivekananda's religion of Advaita Vedanta says that there is no duality in existence. Everything is One. There is no difference between you and another being, no difference between you and a dog, and no difference between you and a log of tree. A religion which teaches Oneness is the true religion!
A must read for everyone!
October 7, 2021
"REFLECTIONS" is a collection of speeches and other writings by and about Vivekananda. He is seen introducing our Vedas and Upanishads to the west. Many became his disciples and followed his pathway to spirituality.
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This one is a long book of 600+ pages. It took me a while month to read it as I wanted to grasp every bit of it and I am satisfied.
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It is quite difficult to employ every thing in life to attain that perfect stage but if we try we attain anything.
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📚✔ I really don't know if all of us will like this one, as some may find this one quite lengthy but for me I was very interested to read his speeches and I loved the way he had presented them. I liked this read.
.
This one is a long book of 600+ pages. It took me a while month to read it as I wanted to grasp every bit of it and I am satisfied.
.
It is quite difficult to employ every thing in life to attain that perfect stage but if we try we attain anything.
.
📚✔ I really don't know if all of us will like this one, as some may find this one quite lengthy but for me I was very interested to read his speeches and I loved the way he had presented them. I liked this read.
October 12, 2018
Exceptional book. Swami Vivekananda truely knows the essence of life, and factors that contribute to the overall development of a person. All the spiritual knowledge has been analysed rationally by him.
February 4, 2025
Swami Vivekananda, a visionary and intellectual giant, is celebrated for his contributions to philosophy, spirituality, and nationalism. Reflections encapsulates his profound thoughts on Hinduism, spirituality, and the moral fabric of society. His deep understanding of Vedanta and his ability to articulate the essence of Indian spirituality to the world remain unparalleled. He glorified Hinduism and India, emphasizing their rich philosophical traditions and ethical foundations. His works continue to inspire seekers of wisdom, nationalists, and spiritual aspirants alike.
However, despite his greatness as a thinker, Vivekananda was deeply entrenched in the patriarchal mindset of his time. His reflections on women’s status in Hinduism are largely idealistic and disconnected from reality. He upheld the notion that Hinduism treats women as goddesses, failing to acknowledge the systemic oppression, social limitations, and suffering they faced. His writings often overlook the struggles of women, and in some instances, he outright denied the existence of their hardships. This blindness to gender inequality marks a significant limitation in his otherwise profound intellectual legacy.
Reflections is a compelling read, offering wisdom and insight, but it also reflects the biases of its time. While Vivekananda remains an extraordinary philosopher and spiritual leader, his perspective on gender remains a reminder of the limitations of even the greatest minds.
However, despite his greatness as a thinker, Vivekananda was deeply entrenched in the patriarchal mindset of his time. His reflections on women’s status in Hinduism are largely idealistic and disconnected from reality. He upheld the notion that Hinduism treats women as goddesses, failing to acknowledge the systemic oppression, social limitations, and suffering they faced. His writings often overlook the struggles of women, and in some instances, he outright denied the existence of their hardships. This blindness to gender inequality marks a significant limitation in his otherwise profound intellectual legacy.
Reflections is a compelling read, offering wisdom and insight, but it also reflects the biases of its time. While Vivekananda remains an extraordinary philosopher and spiritual leader, his perspective on gender remains a reminder of the limitations of even the greatest minds.
April 7, 2021
Religion is a touchy subject and Vivekananda has touched upon it.
The reader has to read it keeping in mind the time and the religious/political environment, socio-economic environment of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Vivekananda has done a great job speaking about the Vedanta philosophy in Hinduism. Something we ourselves have kept aside. Maybe because all thoughtful beings are following science and turned more or less atheist. The less thoughtfull ones (common person/simple beings) are immersed into bhakti and are not capable of understanding philosophy. I am sure if Vivekananda was born in 21st century he'd be someone like Neil Degrasse Tyson.
Eitherways. Read it only to understand Vivekananda's point of view. It is biased at some level only because he turns a blind eye to the short coming of his own philosophies.
Only good takeaway from this book is to believe in yourself and aim higher in life. In his own words - "Arise,awake and donot stop until the goal is reached."
The reader has to read it keeping in mind the time and the religious/political environment, socio-economic environment of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Vivekananda has done a great job speaking about the Vedanta philosophy in Hinduism. Something we ourselves have kept aside. Maybe because all thoughtful beings are following science and turned more or less atheist. The less thoughtfull ones (common person/simple beings) are immersed into bhakti and are not capable of understanding philosophy. I am sure if Vivekananda was born in 21st century he'd be someone like Neil Degrasse Tyson.
Eitherways. Read it only to understand Vivekananda's point of view. It is biased at some level only because he turns a blind eye to the short coming of his own philosophies.
Only good takeaway from this book is to believe in yourself and aim higher in life. In his own words - "Arise,awake and donot stop until the goal is reached."
October 20, 2021
This is a quite big book but worth reading. It is touching every aspect of life. It has the power to transform us. We will also get an idea what was India, issues faced in India and what India needs.
July 25, 2023
A very interesting book, which has appeal for the present time also. It is a great compilation from the writings of the legendary saint, Swami Vivekanand. A very appealing book to anyone pursuing a spiritual journey.
December 20, 2020
Excellent description of vedanta and atman by swami ji
September 7, 2021
The sections are unrelated. It makes it harder to follow.
November 4, 2021
Know the man from his own words.....
May 9, 2022
Must Read For Every Indian!!
June 23, 2024
Incredible!
July 4, 2024
Masterpiece and what a thought-provoking book by Swami ji.
" Arise, awake and stop not until the goal is achieved"
" Arise, awake and stop not until the goal is achieved"
May 21, 2025
I think this book started very well but then Swami-ji kept contrasting with himself so 3/5 stars from me. Nevertheless, respect in Vendatism!!
April 23, 2021
My life idol. My silent motivational person. My inspiration book. Must read for all.
August 25, 2023
With great skepticisms, I picked this book, expecting nothing less than religious rants. I was terribly wrong.
Every spiritual quest that had originated in India is the quest for the Right identity of the Self. Upanishads offer a path to realise the right identity of the Self.
The philosophies of Upanishads (also Vedanta) transcends beyond the perceptible Hinduism - with all its superstitions, rituals, idolatry and social divisions. In fact Vedanta rejects all the above.
The emphasis on the Self not being identified with any external matter that are subjected to change, - including the Mind and its manifestations (thoughts, emotions, passion) - is the core of Vedanta. This is the original idea of Non-Attachment.
Right actions are those that promote Oneness of everything that exists, is the ultimate inference of Vedantic philosophy.
(Buddhism offers a similar philosophy but there is no concept of the Self in it. All matter and mind have manifested from Nothingness. In this sense any concept of Self is arguably an idea created by the Mind. But Vivekananda rejects this view and equates Self to Atma, and offers more views on Atma and its nature)
Passionless action - ‘That which the ignorant do with desire for results and gain, let the wise do without any attachment and without any desire for results and gain’ - is an entirely new way of looking at Work.
The Chapter ‘Historical evolution of India’ traces India’s journey from a religious point of view. It is a fantastic analytical piece.
There are certain aspects which I am unable to appreciate like arguments on reincarnation.
This book is a testimony for Vivekananda's unparalleled understanding of spirituality. No wonder he is one of the most revered personalities of India.
Every spiritual quest that had originated in India is the quest for the Right identity of the Self. Upanishads offer a path to realise the right identity of the Self.
The philosophies of Upanishads (also Vedanta) transcends beyond the perceptible Hinduism - with all its superstitions, rituals, idolatry and social divisions. In fact Vedanta rejects all the above.
The emphasis on the Self not being identified with any external matter that are subjected to change, - including the Mind and its manifestations (thoughts, emotions, passion) - is the core of Vedanta. This is the original idea of Non-Attachment.
Right actions are those that promote Oneness of everything that exists, is the ultimate inference of Vedantic philosophy.
(Buddhism offers a similar philosophy but there is no concept of the Self in it. All matter and mind have manifested from Nothingness. In this sense any concept of Self is arguably an idea created by the Mind. But Vivekananda rejects this view and equates Self to Atma, and offers more views on Atma and its nature)
Passionless action - ‘That which the ignorant do with desire for results and gain, let the wise do without any attachment and without any desire for results and gain’ - is an entirely new way of looking at Work.
The Chapter ‘Historical evolution of India’ traces India’s journey from a religious point of view. It is a fantastic analytical piece.
There are certain aspects which I am unable to appreciate like arguments on reincarnation.
This book is a testimony for Vivekananda's unparalleled understanding of spirituality. No wonder he is one of the most revered personalities of India.
March 7, 2025
Ooof, required a lot of time to understand ..... needs an immense amount of attention to study .... Anyone must have to put such effort to assimilate the ideology behind ...though trust me it gives you a better feeling like you have passed some competitive examination when you complete the read. After that if you want to read any philosophical book will be easier to comprehend.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews