These letters of Swami Vivekananda are the reflections of his mind. We can only imagine the intense effect the letters of a dynamic personality and saint like Swami Vivekananda had upon the lives of those to whom they were addressed.His letters contain many passages,a single one of which is sufficient to bring about a great revolution and complete transformation in one's life. In this volume an attempt has been made to bring together all the essential letters of Swamiji while less important ones,not dealing with topics of general interest have been omitted.
"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)
Swami Ji's intellect and wisdom are incomparable to anyone in the modern era. He has done something remarkable that cannot be even equalized. His letters are the best-known work of him. His letters show love and affection he posses for every single individual he has met ever. He never forgets anyone and their kind gratitude in the time of difficulties in the USA.
Such an inspiring book! Had read this book long back, but even when I read today, I never feel like i'm re-reading it. Every word in this book has meaning. Pranams to Swami Vivekananda!
It's one of the greatest book to know about Swami Vivekananda as a person, guru, leader, preacher etc. All the letters wrote by Swamiji show his tremendous command over English language. Many of his contemporary writers and scholars have critically acclaimed his mastery over the language. These letters are imbued with various facets of his great personality. While reading through these pages I came to know why the Pen was acclaimed to be mightier than the Sword. We witness different moods of Swamiji through his letters. The words have become gems when used by Swamiji. The sheer eloquent, poignant and accurate use of words make this book a source of inspiration for me. A must read for all.
must read for everyone who wants to know the real man. letters speaks more than what his disciples preach about him. I am sure you would be surprised! only turnoff is many things are repeated as similar content found in different letters he wrote
Swami Vivekanand was a full-blooded masculine personality. His writings are just a jewel for India. He was pretty good at writing letters. He uses to write letters from every nook and corner of the world where he travelled.
One can know the mind of the Swami more from his letters than his speeches. The letters are a reflection of a his virtues- courage, kindness, tolerance, and perseverance. Being more than hundred years old, the letters are still relevant and inspirational.
Letters of Swami Vivekananda provides a very insightful of his great persona, his inner struggles, the adversities faced during the period of establishing and representing India to the European, his great love for his country and his brother disciples. His knowledge about Vedanta is incomparable.
I don't know why somebodies has given less than 5 stars to this book. Swami's writing is awesome. Even a personal letter can be published. so, you can understand the greatness of this person.
"Letters of Swami Vivekananda" offers a profound glimpse into the intellectual and spiritual tapestry of one of the most dynamic personalities in the realm of Indian philosophy and spirituality. Authored by Swami Vivekananda himself, these letters are not just epistolary exchanges but profound reflections of a mind deeply immersed in the quest for truth and enlightenment.
As readers embark on this literary journey, they are confronted with the sheer intensity and transformative power encapsulated in Swami Vivekananda's letters. These epistles, addressed to a diverse array of recipients, unveil the multifaceted dimensions of his thoughts and teachings. Each letter is a reservoir of wisdom, resonating with insights that have the potential to revolutionize and transfigure one's life!
The letters are not mere exchanges of pleasantries or formalities; they are powerful conduits of Swamiji's vision for a spiritually awakened and socially uplifted society. It is through these letters that the reader can discern the essence of his teachings on Vedanta, spirituality, and the practical application of these principles in daily life. The carefully curated selection ensures that the volume focuses on letters dealing with topics of general interest, offering a comprehensive representation of Swami Vivekananda's diverse perspectives.
Swami Vivekananda's words have an enduring quality that transcends time, and this collection is a testament to the perennial relevance of his teachings. As one delves into the correspondence, there is a palpable sense of being in the presence of a spiritual giant, and the impact of these letters is profound and far-reaching.
The omission of less important letters, those not dealing with topics of general interest, enhances the coherence and relevance of this collection. It allows readers to engage with the quintessence of Swamiji's teachings, focusing on the ideas that have universal significance and can potentially catalyze profound transformations.
In conclusion, "Letters of Swami Vivekananda" is not just a compilation of correspondence but a conduit to the spiritual legacy of a luminary. It invites readers to partake in the wisdom, insights, and transformative power embedded in the letters, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the mind and soul of Swami Vivekananda. This book is not just a literary archive; it is an immersive experience that resonates with the timeless echoes of spiritual wisdom!