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Vivekananda: A Biography
An absorbing biography of Swami Vivekananda (1863 - 1902) that presents his vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture, deep spiritual insight, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, and colorful personality. Swami Vivekananda, India's first spiritual and cultural ambassador to the West, proclaimed the universal message of Vedanta: the non-duality of the Godhead, the divinity of the soul, the oneness of existence, and the harmony of religions. This 256 page book details the life of Swami Vivekananda and contains 28 photographs, as well as, an appendix containing the Swami's most important teachings.
216 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1989
125 people are currently reading
1028 people want to read
About the author
Nikhilananda
121 books35 followersSwami Nikhilananda (1895–1973), born Dinesh Chandra Das Gupta was a direct disciple of Sri Sarada Devi. In 1933, he founded the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center of New York, a branch of Ramakrishna Mission, and remained its head until his death in 1973. An accomplished writer and thinker, Nikhilananda's greatest contribution was the translation of Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita from Bengali into English, published under the title The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (1942).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 6, 2022
I always wanted to read book on Swami Vivekananda. And Finally i read one now. I always had a bit of influence of him in my childhood days. There was a Ramakrishna Math near my home, I used to go with my parents and sometime with my neighbor (they were like family). I am so pleased that I read this biography, actually i wanted to read The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda (9 volumes) then I thought why not read his biography then delve into deeper level and his philosophies.
Vivekananda was India's first spiritual and cultural ambassador to the West, went to represent the Sanatan Dharma. Author Nikhilananda lays it out very clearly how Vivekananda was, what was his life like and what was his belief system. Through this book one meets an extraordinary human being. Swamiji’s message of loving everyone inspite of what they do and how they behave are spiritually enlightening. This book is a must read not to know Swamiji better but because in this journey of knowing Swami Vivekananda better one will actually end up knowing themselves much better. This book is not just description of life events, but is also an intellectual, spiritual biography, as the author wonderfully traverses through the many moods and thought streams of Swamiji over time. Both the human and the super human side of Swamiji's personality comes alive all through the book.
This monk's 39 years of life, a life so full of blessedness, indomitable energy, vigor, sacrifice, vision and hard work. The life of Swamiji is a lofty scripture in itself and presents an ideal, along with his message that is awakening, refreshing, invigorating and inspiring at once.
If you are interested in reading in Hindi, look for न भूतो न भविष्यति by Narendra Kohli. Its a beautiful Hindi literature.
Vivekananda was India's first spiritual and cultural ambassador to the West, went to represent the Sanatan Dharma. Author Nikhilananda lays it out very clearly how Vivekananda was, what was his life like and what was his belief system. Through this book one meets an extraordinary human being. Swamiji’s message of loving everyone inspite of what they do and how they behave are spiritually enlightening. This book is a must read not to know Swamiji better but because in this journey of knowing Swami Vivekananda better one will actually end up knowing themselves much better. This book is not just description of life events, but is also an intellectual, spiritual biography, as the author wonderfully traverses through the many moods and thought streams of Swamiji over time. Both the human and the super human side of Swamiji's personality comes alive all through the book.
This monk's 39 years of life, a life so full of blessedness, indomitable energy, vigor, sacrifice, vision and hard work. The life of Swamiji is a lofty scripture in itself and presents an ideal, along with his message that is awakening, refreshing, invigorating and inspiring at once.
If you are interested in reading in Hindi, look for न भूतो न भविष्यति by Narendra Kohli. Its a beautiful Hindi literature.
November 16, 2022
I cried when I finished reading this book. The way it is written, it was as though I was walking alongside Swami Vivekananda, my brother and friend, for his entire life up until he took his last breath.
We often think the life of a monk means experiencing never-ending bliss, a constant flow of peace, and an unbreakable stream of good fortune. This wasn’t the case in Swami Vivekananda’s life. There were many moments of uncertainty and self-doubt, as well as people who betrayed him and made him feel less than.
The thought even entered the mind of such a realized person of how he gave so much of himself and put in so much selfless work for other people, but all he received in return is botheration. When such a great personality can think such things, we should not be down on ourselves for those fleeting moments of selfishness.
One thing that was constant in his life was the work he endlessly gave for the upliftment of his countrymen, the poor and indigent, even when his physical body was deteriorating. He could never give up the idea of improving the circumstances of those around him. He worked tirelessly day and night for society.
He seemed to repeatedly say to his brother disciples when they would desire a life of solitude and to realize their own enlightenment, what is the point of reaching such a high state of consciousness, if you are not going to share what you have realized with others. His life was a testament to what can be achieved when the mind is pure, sharp, contemplative, and focused on the divine.
We often think the life of a monk means experiencing never-ending bliss, a constant flow of peace, and an unbreakable stream of good fortune. This wasn’t the case in Swami Vivekananda’s life. There were many moments of uncertainty and self-doubt, as well as people who betrayed him and made him feel less than.
The thought even entered the mind of such a realized person of how he gave so much of himself and put in so much selfless work for other people, but all he received in return is botheration. When such a great personality can think such things, we should not be down on ourselves for those fleeting moments of selfishness.
One thing that was constant in his life was the work he endlessly gave for the upliftment of his countrymen, the poor and indigent, even when his physical body was deteriorating. He could never give up the idea of improving the circumstances of those around him. He worked tirelessly day and night for society.
He seemed to repeatedly say to his brother disciples when they would desire a life of solitude and to realize their own enlightenment, what is the point of reaching such a high state of consciousness, if you are not going to share what you have realized with others. His life was a testament to what can be achieved when the mind is pure, sharp, contemplative, and focused on the divine.
July 15, 2008
I have read this book from cover to cover about 5/6 times.
It is very hard to read this book without profusely crying (being an Indian that I am) just thinking about his super human accomplishments in the 1890's America with unbelievable odds working against him. Yet what he did on 911 (sep 11, 1893) in Chicago will be heard for centuries .. to inspire mankind of all faiths.
It is very hard to read this book without profusely crying (being an Indian that I am) just thinking about his super human accomplishments in the 1890's America with unbelievable odds working against him. Yet what he did on 911 (sep 11, 1893) in Chicago will be heard for centuries .. to inspire mankind of all faiths.
August 16, 2019
Great book on Swami Vivekananda. We need more of such people in this world.
April 3, 2014
One of the best biographies that i have read in these last years so far. A must read for those who wants to know about probably the first hindu leader coming from the oriental word to speak in the western world uniting both worlds. Vivekanda have reached this point in the Parliament of Religions hold in Chigago in the beginning of 1900.. As it says in the book we started his famous speech saying ``Sisters and brothers of America`` removing all sectarianisms behind the religions and praying for the union as ramakhrisna used to say..``All religions are ways to find god``. The book also contains a detailed insight about his relationship with western disciples and his trips along europe , america and finally his coming back for India in his last days before enter in a state of eternal samadhi. It also shows the appreciation of Vivekanda for Buddha , Jesus and other enlightened soul such as his two visits at Bodhi -Gaya and also a small trip to Rome where Swami Vivekananda shows a profound love of Christ in his earthy journey.
December 25, 2020
It is indeed an interesting account on the life of the Swami.
Contentwise, it is a good book. Structurewise it is a bit messy. I'd ascribe the fact, perhaps, to the lack of skills of the writer. There is no chronology of time, but rather a mish-mash of happenings, so it's hard to follow the order of events ad the value that is communicated through them.
There is the feeling of the hand of the writer, his reverence for the Swami and India, too much perhaps, for in some moments the book is gaining the shape of idolatry and a mild propaganda. This should not happen in a biography, I'd say, where the language should be rather factual and direct, with much care to not alter or add anything.
In the end, I remain with the feeling that I must read perhaps another one or two biographies to really get to know the ife of the Swami. However, I could withdraw from the book a solid idea of what was the mind of this great Sannyasin.
Contentwise, it is a good book. Structurewise it is a bit messy. I'd ascribe the fact, perhaps, to the lack of skills of the writer. There is no chronology of time, but rather a mish-mash of happenings, so it's hard to follow the order of events ad the value that is communicated through them.
There is the feeling of the hand of the writer, his reverence for the Swami and India, too much perhaps, for in some moments the book is gaining the shape of idolatry and a mild propaganda. This should not happen in a biography, I'd say, where the language should be rather factual and direct, with much care to not alter or add anything.
In the end, I remain with the feeling that I must read perhaps another one or two biographies to really get to know the ife of the Swami. However, I could withdraw from the book a solid idea of what was the mind of this great Sannyasin.
October 31, 2022
Update 31st October 2022:
So I was rereading the book, and it so happened that I read it in Hindi this time around. Having already read the English version twice, I had some paragraphs imprinted in my memory. So when I couldn't find a particular paragraph in Hindi, I immediately compared the two versions and found a strange discrepancy. Attaching the two in the review, notice that the paragraph I have boxed in English version is missing in the Hindi one. (If there is a Bengali reading good Samaritan out there, could they please compare the Bengali version as well?)
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/sporadicv...
So I was rereading the book, and it so happened that I read it in Hindi this time around. Having already read the English version twice, I had some paragraphs imprinted in my memory. So when I couldn't find a particular paragraph in Hindi, I immediately compared the two versions and found a strange discrepancy. Attaching the two in the review, notice that the paragraph I have boxed in English version is missing in the Hindi one. (If there is a Bengali reading good Samaritan out there, could they please compare the Bengali version as well?)
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/sporadicv...
August 27, 2013
This book is a beautiful portrayal of life of Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest monks of all times India has seen. Many of us know swami by name and by reference but not many of us know him by person. The stories of his childhood days and his adulthood discussed in this book opens up a new world of insight for us.
He was a great inspiration and a very difficult character to convince for anything. He wasn't easy going when it came to logic.
Another striking characteristic that comes out is the relation between him and Ramakrishna Paramhansa. It might be surprising for some and for some it is depiction of a different type of relationships.
Somewhere one can judge about the typical life of a person during those days.
This is the first book I read on greatest monk.
It is a must read.
He was a great inspiration and a very difficult character to convince for anything. He wasn't easy going when it came to logic.
Another striking characteristic that comes out is the relation between him and Ramakrishna Paramhansa. It might be surprising for some and for some it is depiction of a different type of relationships.
Somewhere one can judge about the typical life of a person during those days.
This is the first book I read on greatest monk.
It is a must read.
May 20, 2019
What a great story and it very beautifully written. .
The most difficult part in spirituality is to be totally convinced that reaching god is possible or it is possible for oneself. This self-doubt is the biggest enemy for any seeker.
Turning away from this doubt will not help you but reading the life story of great spiritual giants such as Vivekananda will definitely help you understand that there were others just like you who had fears and doubts but still perceived and reached their goals.
Just a side note:
Read biographies to draw inspiration but never try to imitate someone else's life because it will only lead to confusion and depression.
The most difficult part in spirituality is to be totally convinced that reaching god is possible or it is possible for oneself. This self-doubt is the biggest enemy for any seeker.
Turning away from this doubt will not help you but reading the life story of great spiritual giants such as Vivekananda will definitely help you understand that there were others just like you who had fears and doubts but still perceived and reached their goals.
Just a side note:
Read biographies to draw inspiration but never try to imitate someone else's life because it will only lead to confusion and depression.
June 29, 2012
The detailed biography of Swami Vivekananda, describing his life vividly.
I read it just for ascertaining the miracles/super-human abilities (rumored to be) associated with SwamiJi & found that most of the supposed rumors which I heard were actually true.
This can be thus very inspiring for people who are followers of Ramakrishna Mission as well as people who want to know about the person who en-lighted India's intellectual superiority & spread it across the globe by his extra-ordinary capabilities, way before the era of globlization or IIT's.
I read it just for ascertaining the miracles/super-human abilities (rumored to be) associated with SwamiJi & found that most of the supposed rumors which I heard were actually true.
This can be thus very inspiring for people who are followers of Ramakrishna Mission as well as people who want to know about the person who en-lighted India's intellectual superiority & spread it across the globe by his extra-ordinary capabilities, way before the era of globlization or IIT's.
March 26, 2020
What made me buy the book - I was curious to know more about the Gods that walked amongst us
What I liked about the book - the sheer depth of philosophy, and the simple storytelling
Who will I recommend the book to - anyone who'd like to know more about them
What did the book teach me - all the paths indeed lead to Rome
#OBAAT One Book At A Time
What I liked about the book - the sheer depth of philosophy, and the simple storytelling
Who will I recommend the book to - anyone who'd like to know more about them
What did the book teach me - all the paths indeed lead to Rome
#OBAAT One Book At A Time
October 5, 2011
I always wanted to read this biography... A man with a clear vision and mind, a brilliant speaker, clearly inspiring our lives.
August 30, 2014
Great book. Must read. Gives a clear picture of Swami Vivekananda s life. Inspiring and thought provoking
November 15, 2015
A must read.
November 26, 2018
One of the marvels of my life. After reading this you will know the philosophy and life of swami vivekananda. It has all the teachings of life if you know how to read between the lines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2019
Vivekanandas clarity of most complex philosophical aspects of advaita is unsurpassed ! Anything written by Vivekananda is gem. Biography portraits his inquisitive well educated mind and soul.
December 9, 2022
This is a self-help book disguised as a biography of Swami Vivekanand. I learnt more about myself than I did about the Swami. His experiences, triumphs, and adversities gave me a crash course as to how I can navigate my life better, be a better human, and become more caring and compassionate towards others.
The sheer admiration of the author towards the Swami can be felt while reading this book, it radiates a very warm and loving energy. You could feel the aura of the great saint, who become the hallmark of Hinduism in the 19th century while reading the words of Nikhilananda. It was truly a magical experience. There were parts where I had to swallow my tears and remember that it is a story I am reading, not an experience I was living, and that is how well this book has been written.
Coming from a school of thought where the scientific method trumps religious beliefs, it was always an uphill battle trying to unpack the idea of God. Trying to reason with beliefs. This is where Swami made me realize that there is no room for belief when talking about the Truth, and God is the Truth. He brought religious truth into light while admiring the idea of scientific methods and made a school of thought where both these conceptualisations can foster one another. His depth of worldly knowledge accompanied by a genuine realisation of God is a rare combination, which is what makes him so great.
I admire his mission to educate the world, and his acceptance of all beliefs, castes and creeds. He is the embodiment of equality. If Indian politicians shared even one per cent of his ideology, we would be close to seeing Utopia on earth. Sadly, they all say his name in their speeches but fail to see all humans with the same compassionate heart that he did, which angers me. If Swami was alive today he would be disheartened to see hate and disparities our people manifest just to get in power.
Regardless of all that, if you are a Hindu- I believe knowing his story is no less than knowing the Gita. And if you are not a hindu, read his story and see what an ideal Hindu is like, unfortunately, we do not have many around.
The sheer admiration of the author towards the Swami can be felt while reading this book, it radiates a very warm and loving energy. You could feel the aura of the great saint, who become the hallmark of Hinduism in the 19th century while reading the words of Nikhilananda. It was truly a magical experience. There were parts where I had to swallow my tears and remember that it is a story I am reading, not an experience I was living, and that is how well this book has been written.
Coming from a school of thought where the scientific method trumps religious beliefs, it was always an uphill battle trying to unpack the idea of God. Trying to reason with beliefs. This is where Swami made me realize that there is no room for belief when talking about the Truth, and God is the Truth. He brought religious truth into light while admiring the idea of scientific methods and made a school of thought where both these conceptualisations can foster one another. His depth of worldly knowledge accompanied by a genuine realisation of God is a rare combination, which is what makes him so great.
I admire his mission to educate the world, and his acceptance of all beliefs, castes and creeds. He is the embodiment of equality. If Indian politicians shared even one per cent of his ideology, we would be close to seeing Utopia on earth. Sadly, they all say his name in their speeches but fail to see all humans with the same compassionate heart that he did, which angers me. If Swami was alive today he would be disheartened to see hate and disparities our people manifest just to get in power.
Regardless of all that, if you are a Hindu- I believe knowing his story is no less than knowing the Gita. And if you are not a hindu, read his story and see what an ideal Hindu is like, unfortunately, we do not have many around.
May 19, 2022
Fascinating story of Vivikenanda's life. I never knew much about him and his teachings and this book was a beautiful story of his life.
October 8, 2021
No Doubt it is good, but then again it is written by someone else on account of Swami Vivekananda. I have a plan to read the Nine Volume Set which is mostly written by the man himself.
Also, I always have some questions regarding religion which I thought would be answered here, but probably that was my presumption, and definitely did not receive any answers here. This book is good for someone who already believes in religion and wants to move ahead on that path towards realisation.
Next up would probably be "The God Delusion" and then a heart-to-heart comparison.
Also, I always have some questions regarding religion which I thought would be answered here, but probably that was my presumption, and definitely did not receive any answers here. This book is good for someone who already believes in religion and wants to move ahead on that path towards realisation.
Next up would probably be "The God Delusion" and then a heart-to-heart comparison.
July 18, 2020
I think this is the version I read. I bought it in India several years ago. I love biographies and have always been intrigued by Vivekananda and his role in bringing Yoga and eastern religion to the US over 100 years ago.
June 19, 2020
A brilliant explanation of the life of one of the Greatest persons that were born on the Indian soil. The author has in a great style gave us the details pertaining to the life of the saint that Swami Vivekananda was. A must read for some spiritual awakening and inspiration in life.
February 17, 2021
Inspiring and eye-opening! A compact book and perfect introduction to Swami Vivekananda. One of the greatest souls ever - Swami ji is the embodiment of strength and truth! Must-read especially for every Indian.
December 25, 2019
A very brief description about the life of Swami Vivekananda.
Detailing and writing aura is quite comprehensive and easy to understand!
A good choice to read and learn about Swamiji.
Detailing and writing aura is quite comprehensive and easy to understand!
A good choice to read and learn about Swamiji.
November 18, 2019
An influential man that every Indian must-read. Swami Ji is an inspiration to all of us.
November 22, 2019
He doesn't believe anything unless otherwise it's proven to him. A highly intellectual person. There's none like him. A true follower of non-dualism.
January 27, 2020
" I am reading the India herself. " Unable to weave Swamiji in my tiny vocabulary.
September 4, 2020
An inspiration
Great biography by a Swami about the peerless Swami Vivekananda
If you are truly seeking some answers about life, give this book a try.
Great biography by a Swami about the peerless Swami Vivekananda
If you are truly seeking some answers about life, give this book a try.
September 6, 2020
Inspirational. It could be used as a guide book for monks.
January 13, 2023
This is definitely one of the worst books I have read. It’s poorly structured and incoherent at times. At times, the author completely forgets about the subject at hand. Other times it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s just an exaggeration by a fan. In one of the chapters, the author bursts into a fanatic obsession over America which was not even factually accurate. I didn’t learn anything new about Swami Vivekananda from the book except well the timeline of the various events. Throughout the book, the author mentions several personalities but it feels as if these names are mentioned only to bring credibility to the Swami (which ofc Swami ji doesn’t need). The only good parts about the book are excerpts from Swami ji’s letters which give you some insight into his vision for India, ambitions and thought process. Beyond that it’s hard to tell if these excerpts are paraphrased or translated. If you want to learn more about Swami Vivekananda this is definitely not worth reading.
April 20, 2022
It is the Book which changed my life, I read it after my 10th class. Started reading the book to know about Swami Vivekananda and by the end of book filled with inspiration and also became a devotee of Swami Vivekananda. I just didn't understand how come the school curriculum didn't include about him, as it would help students to know about not only the greatness of the Master but also about India.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews