``Religions only difference but God is one, pray God. God love you.’’ This voice was in his speaking. He was sage Vivekananda.
Swami Vivekananda was a great saint. He was one of the greatest philosophers in the world. His preaches very interested to ear.
The original name of swami Vivekananda was Narendra Dutt. He was born on January 12, 1863 in Kolkata. His parents were Viswanath Datta and Bhuuvaneswari Devi. Viswanath Datta was a leading lawyer. He was a great lover of music. He insisted upon his son leaning music. His mother was a pious leady. She had a good memory that was inherited by her son. Narendranath had his early education from his mother.
He passed the entrance test of the Kolkata University at the age of 16. During his student life, he was one of the most brilliant students. Philosophy greatly attracted him. One day Narendranath met a saintly person called Ramakrishna at a friend’s house. Narendranath was blessed with a sweet voice and he sang a spiritual song at the party. This attached the attention of Ramakrishna, who invited Narendranath to Kolkata. Narendranath was transformed completely by the teachings of Ramakrishna.
In 1893, he went to Chicago in the United States of America as a representative on India to the parliament of religions. On September 1, 1893, he delivered a famous speech that made the western audience aware of the tolerant outlook of Hinduism. He also spoke about the quality of religions and about the necessity of service to humanity. In 1897, he founded Ramakrishna Mission after the death of his teacher for the service of the Indians. The Ramakrishna mission spread the message of love and spirituality among mankind.
He undertook an all – India tour on foot from the Himalayas to the Cape of Kanyakumari to know more about India. He also toured America, England and a few countries in Europe and spore at several meetings about the greatness of ancient Indian philosophy. A few of his admires came to India with him to settle down in India and serve the people here.
Vivekananda’s messages are indeed noble electrifying. Some of them are: ``Awake, arise and stop not till the desired goal is reached. Be bold and fear not. Be great. No great work can be done without sacrifice. Be sincere and do your duty. Be pure first, and you will have power. Be strong and stand on your own feet. Have faith in yourselves. Great convictions are the mothers of great deeds. Serve the poor’’.
Swami Vivekananda showed a new path to the younger generation to pursue spirituality. This great son of India passed away prematurely on July 8, 1902 when he was not even forty years of age. A memorial was built for him at Kanyakumari, the place where he did meditation. His birthday also celebrated as national youth day.