Introducing the Book

VIVEKANANDA

HIS GOSPEL OF MAN-MAKING

With a Garland of Tributes &
A Chronicle of His Life & Times
With Pictures

Sixth Edition
Commemorating the
th
150 Birth Anniversary of Swamiji (2013)
1000 + Pages
Hard Bound
Multi-colour Jacket
80 B & W Photos
ISBN 81-85304-66-1

CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Benediction: 2-4
Prologue: 5
What is Man-making?: 7
An Overview of the Book: 9
Contents at a Glance: 10
A Synoptic View of the Book: 12
Review Excerpts: 37
Milestones in the Publication: 41
The Author: 43

Benediction
SWAMI DAYANANDA SARASWATI
ARSHA VIDYA GURUKULAM

PO Box 1059
Saylorsburg, PA 18353-1059 USA
Ph: 570-992-2339
Fax: 570-992-7150/9167
October 19, 2011

Swami Vivekananda is looked upon by an informed Indian

as a person who enshrined in himself all that is true and
noble of the spiritual heritage of Bharath. His vision to make
everyone see the beauty of oneness, love and harmony,
backed by his tireless efforts to actualize it, is getting
unfolded all over the world not only through the Mission and
Order he founded but also through various other individuals
and institutions who owe to Swamijis vision for their
inspiration.
Swami Jyotirmayananda, an ardent follower of the great
monk, having spent his entire life reading the works of
Swami Vivekananda has given us a big book containing
everything worth knowing about Sri Swami Vivekananda.
Covering the historical background of his every inspiring
speech, the book puts you to be a part of the audience
addressed by the Swami. Tributes from all those who
counted during Vivekananda's time presented in this book
help us identify ourselves with their thoughts and realize the
profundity of the Swamis thinking.
I wish the new edition, produced by Sudarsan Graphics,
becomes a valuable addition to every personal and public
library in India and elsewhere.

Swami Dayananda
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Benediction
SWAMI TATTVAVIDANANDA
ARSHA VIDYA GURUKULAM

PO Box 1059
Saylorsburg, PA 18353-1059 USA
Ph: 570-992-2339
Fax: 570-992-7150/9167
24 Nov. 2011

From the historical perspective, Swami Vivekanandas life

and times marked a significant turning point.
In the annals of Indian History the period between 500 B.C.
and 500 A.D. is considered as the Golden Age, when the
society flourished under the benevolent rule of prominent
emperors like Ashoka and Chandragupta, and when there
were eminent statesmen like Chanakya, poet Kalidasa,
sages like Buddha, Shankara and Mahavira, and great
astronomers like Aryabhatta and Varahamihira.
Every society has its ebb and flow, and the Hindu society is
not an exception. And so came the medieval period and
along with it the decline of Hinduism and the Hindu society. It
was during this dark period that Mohammed Ghazni invaded
India and destroyed the famous and sacred Somnath
Temple. The invasions continued with other Moghuls like
Mohammed Ghori following suit. Aurangazeb, a descendant
of these invaders, was a notorious and fanatical Muslim who
ruled India for a long time. Finally, the Moghul rule ended
with Bahadur Shah Zafar.
With trade as an excuse, the British, Dutch and Portuguese
landed on the Indian soil and fought among themselves for
sovereignty over India. The British came out the victors and
made India their most important colony. The decline in
Hinduism saw the rising of some of the reprehensible
practices like sati and untouchability, bringing disrepute to
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the Hindu religion and society. Widely prevalent at this very

time, were Spanish inquisition in European Christianity and
slavery in North America.
During this period, there were also some positive events in
the Hindu society. The advent of Swami Vivekananda
ushered in the renaissance of Hindu religion. The epochmaking event when he addressed the Worlds Parliament of
Religions in Chicago went a long way in reviving the Hindu
religion. Swamiji highlighted the essence of religion in a few
words: Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to
manifest this Divinity within by controlling nature external,
and internal. Do this either by work or worship or psychic
control or philosophy by one or more or all of these and
be free. This is the whole of religion.
It is interesting to note that the renaissance took place, not in
India but outside the country, in the West. Later, the path
shown by Vivekananda was followed by his brother disciple
Swami Abhedananda and others like Swami Ramatirtha.
These great men brought the message of Sanatana Dharma
to the rest of the world and placed the Hindu philosophy of
the Upanishads and the Gita on the world stage. Back in
India, this had a salutary effect on Hindus who were
ashamed of their religion and culture. They got back their
pride in their culture and philosophy once again.
I am certain that the new edition of Swami
Jyotirmayanandas
monumental
work
on
Swami
Vivekananda in the context of his 150th Birth Anniversary
(2013) would motivate the readers to study Vivekananda in
depth and be blessed thereby.

Swami Tattvavidananda
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PROLOGUE
The main concern of the world today is peace and harmony.
The path that the world has until now traversed in pursuit of
technological mastery has imperilled peace. If peace and
harmony are to rise and reign in the hearts and minds of
people, they should have an opportunity to be exposed to the
revealing insights of spirituality, which Swami Vivekananda
has bequeathed to humanity. Hence, the propagation of his
spiritual teachings is the most important means of serving that
divine mission. The more the life and teachings of the great
Swamiji are made known, the more will the spiritual
perspective of humanity be widened, thereby paving the way
for enduring world peace everyone is hankering for.

Vivekananda A Bridge between the East and West,

And a Harbinger of Peace
Swami Vivekananda is verily a bridge between the East and
the West. He is in fact a dynamic spiritual force to shape the
future of humanity. His teachings have set in motion a spiritual
force, which can eventually bring into the Western civilization
the much needed qualitative change. Indeed, Vivekananda is
a harbinger of peace unto the woebegone humanity.

Emergence of a New World

The mystics have seen that not till we master the know-how
of transforming our human impulses and reactions can we
hope to redeem the pitiful state of the world. This pitiful state
of our world is but a projection of a dreadful inner
disharmony. The New World must come from within and not
from without so the best way is not to be too much
preoccupied with the lamentable things that are happening
outside, but to grow within so that one may be ready for the
New World whatever form it may take.

Vivekanandas Dynamic Influence on Societies and Individuals

Swami Vivekananda's influence on societies and individuals
can be classified into: his impact as a teacher of Vedanta; his
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stress on the practice of religion of service, based on equality

and tyaga; his role as an awakener, builder and organizer of
modern India with its patriotic, spiritual and service
movements; his contribution as a cultural and spiritual
emissary of India to the West; his work as an interpreter of
Indian values in the universal language of science; and his
influence in taming and unifying science itself.

His Contributions to Humanity

This volume comprising five parts is a humble attempt to
acquaint the reader with some of these contributions of
Swamiji to humanity. Besides, it presents a diary of
significant events in his life and times, a glimpse of his
scintillating divine personality, a taste of his powerful and
clear language of electrifying impact, and a rare example of
his utter humility when he traces all that is good in him and
all that he could accomplish in too-short a span of time to the
grace of his Great Master, Sri Ramakrishna, in whose
hallowed name he set in motion a mighty Movement for the
well-being and spiritual enlightenment of the mankind.
Finally, the book enables the reader to see Swamiji visually
through pictures. It presents a selection of eighty
photographs projecting a tapestry-like a visual review of the
evolution of Naren into Vivekananda the prophet of
Awakened India. An exhaustive list of over two hundred
books by and on Swami Vivekananda is appended to the
book for reference and further study.

His Lasting Gift to the World

Humanity has not yet opened fully the gift it has received
from Sri Ramakrishna, the gift of the advent and work of
Swami Vivekananda. We can only envy the future world,
which will be delighted and blessed with this gift which it is
ready to receive but slow to uncover.

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WHAT IS 'MAN-MAKING'?
(Excerpts from the Book)
Swami Vivekananda said: Man-making is my mission of life.
I am not a politician, nor am I a social reformer. It is my job
to fashion manI care only for the spirit: when that is right,
everything will be righted by itself.
Man-making! This Swamiji spoke as his New Gospel,
applying it not only to sannyasins, not only to Indians, but in
its most profound sense, to men and women everywhere.
Indeed, to make men and to teach the highest truth
constituted in Swamijis language one and the same mission
and this mission, to his mind, formed the central task of his
life on earth.
Manliness! Swamiji meant a great deal by that term. Manliness,
in his view, emanated from the atman, permeating the whole
empirical man body, senses, mind, heart and will. To have
the quality of manliness was to be established in the Self, to
rejoice in the Self, to want nothing, to fear nothing, to dislike
nothing, to love and serve all.
Only spiritually free and strong men and women, taking their
stand on the Self the atman can truly deify this world,
can truly revere it and work in it tirelessly, without desire or
fear, motivated by love alone. And, only such men and
women can meet the unprecedentedly terrible challenge of
this age.
Man-making: This really means rousing the purblind human
race to an awareness of its innate spiritual strength and
essential divine nature. Human beings are by no means
inheritors of any original sin, but, truly amrtasya putrah,
children of immortality. Such is Vedanta's Magna Carta for
humanity.

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Man-making was Swamijis main pre-occupation, for, he

believed in such a free, fearless man of character,
enlightenment and love lay the hope of the world.
Transformation of man is the only solution for all the ills in
the society.
'Man-making indeed constitutes the purport and aim of all his
utterances. Man-making meant for Vivekananda, rousing
man to an awareness of his essential divine nature, making
him rely always on his innate spiritual strength. Let
man/woman remember his/her true nature Divinity (sat-chitananda). Let it become a living realization and everything else
will follow power, strength, manhood / womanhood.
Swami Vivekanandas message of the essential Divinity of
the human spirit as the main radiating source of all spiritual
values is the one teaching that can purge religions of
exclusiveness and fanaticism, and thereby re-fit them to fulfil
their spiritual mission. All theologies, rituals and dogmas
have nothing sacrosanct in themselves, but are to be valued
to the extent they can help man realize and manifest the
Divinity latent in him. Harmony and mutual goodwill in the
context of religious plurality is possible only in the light of
such a universal philosophy that Swami Vivekananda
preached.

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OVERVIEW OF THE BOOK

Benediction:
SWAMI RANGANATHANANDA SWAMI DAYANANDA SWAMI TATTVAVIDANANDA
Publishers Note
Foreword SWAMI TAPASYANANDA
Prolegomenon DR. M. LAKSHMI KUMARI
A Book to be Treasured... M. V. KAMATH
A Homage with a Difference PROF. K. R. SRINIVASA IYENGAR
Editors Note
A Synoptic View of the Book K. P. SHIVKUMAR

INTRODUCTION
Part One: Sec. I
VIVEKANANDA: HIS GOSPEL OF MAN-MAKING
Part One: Sec. II
VIVEKANANDA ON EDUCATION AND RELIGION
(Interpretations and Allied Thoughts)
Part One: Sec. III
VIVEKANANDA THE MAN AND HIS MISSION
(Tributes from Abroad, Monks, Savants & Saints, Statesmen & Politicians)
Part Two
A CHRONICLE OF IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
VIVEKANANDA (1863-1902)
Part Three
VIVEKANANDA A VOICE FROM ACROSS THE CENTURY (1893-1993)
Part Four
WINDS OF CHANGE: VIVEKANANDA AND HIS IMPACT ON THE WESTERN MIND
(1893-2013)
Part Five
VIVEKANANDA IN PICTURES
List of Pictures
Appendix
i) Vivekananda and His New Gospel A Recapitulation
ii) Homage to Swami Vivekananda
iii) An Unwarranted Disclaimer On Vivekananda TV Series
Glossary
Bibliography (Chronicle)
Vivekananda Literature Books by and on Vivekananda
Brief Introduction to the Authors
General Index (Chronicle)
Subject Index (Chronicle)

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CONTENTS AT A GLANCE
Introduction

The introduction to the book brings out the universal and

unifying aspects of Indian spiritual and cultural heritage and
shows how the great genius of Swami Vivekananda tried to
establish not only its practicality and relevance in the presentday world but also reiterated the urgent need to follow its tenets
for the onward progress of mankind the development and
enlightenment of the individual and for peace and harmony in
society.

Vivekananda His Gospel of Man-making

Vivekananda's thoughts on the art of moulding people,

combining scientific temper with a spiritual basis, are enshrined
in this section. Transforming individuals was his main preoccupation, for he believed that in such free, fearless persons of
character, enlightenment and love lay the hope of the world.
Transformation of persons is the only solution for all the ills
plaguing the society. Swamiji has provided the best of remedies
for todays social and global illness.

Vivekananda on Education and Religion

(Interpretations and Allied Thoughts)

Swamiji's ideas springing forth from the fountainhead of
his realization that each soul is potentially divine get
amplified and reinforced in this section through several
scholarly voices. This innate divinity of mankind was what
Swamiji emphasized all the time, as he was fully convinced
through his own life and that of his Great Master that on this
foundation alone can be built the beautiful edifice of human
life grounded on character, dignity and integrity, not only of
the individual but also of the nation.

Vivekananda The Man and his Mission (Tributes)

This section highlighting not only the importance of Swami

Vivekanandas life and teachings but also the impact it has
produced on the world citizens from various walks of life brings
together the vast collection of observations on him. The multifaceted personality of the great Swami, seen, known, adored
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and worshipped by many contemporaries, his and ours, get

painted on the canvas of the last one century of Indian cultural
history.

A Chronicle of Important Events in the Life and Times of

Vivekananda (1863-1902)

This part aims at presenting Swamiji's historic image in

the context of the contemporary movements political,
social, cultural, etc. This is useful for a proper understanding
of Swamijis mission in world perspective. Besides the
principal events in the life of the Swami, the Chronicle thus
covers significant landmarks in various spheres of human
activity in India and abroad during the years 1863-1902.

Vivekananda A Voice from Across the Century (1893-1993)

In the context of the centenary of Swamiji's appearance in the

World's Parliament of Religions held at Chicago on September
11, 1893, this part highlights his visit to and the impact on the
West, and his historic Chicago Address. Portraying him as a
bridge between the East and the West, it shows how
Vivekananda is a dynamic spiritual force to shape the future of
the humanity.

Winds of Change: Vivekananda and His Impact on the Western

Mind (1893-2013)

This new supplement in the context of the 150th Birth

Anniversary of Swamiji, gives a very satisfying picture of how
far the Vedanta philosophy has influenced some of the
greatest thinkers in the West, and through them how the
thoughts have influenced lakhs and lakhs of receptive minds
there. The significance of this Section lies in the fact that it
gives us a more comprehensive picture of the range of
Swami Vivekanandas success in the West. The main source
of inspiration for this Section is Philip Goldbergs book
American Veda. It reveals, in a nut-shell, the extent to which
reputed American intellectuals have taken up the study of
Vedanta and what a force they were in giving further thrust
to the thought movement following Swamijis visit to
America.
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Vivekananda in Pictures

This part enables the readers to see Swamiji visually

through illustrations. It contains a selection of eighty
photographs projecting tapestry-like a visual review of the
evolution of Naren into Vivekananda the prophet of
Awakened India, of mans awakening into his true Self, and
of the efflorescence of the Divine in everyday human life.

Vivekananda Literature Books by and on Vivekananda

An exhaustive list of over 200 books by and on Swami

Vivekananda is appended to the book for reference and
further study.

A SYNOPTIC VIEW OF THE BOOK

By K. P. Shivkumar
When Swami Jyotirmayananda asked me to prepare for the
new edition of his book on Swami Vivekananda an Editorial
Note that can serve as a Prelude presenting a synoptic view
of the whole work, at first I was not very eager to consent,
because, the size of the book stared me in the face. Further,
I noticed that the celebrated book carried eloquent
messages from luminaries like Swami Ranganathananda,
Swami Tapasyananda, M. P. Pandit, and scholars like Dr. M.
Lakshmi Kumari, Prof. K.R. Srinivasa Iyengar, and M.V.
Kamath have also paid glowing tributes to it. As the book
has already been reviewed extensively, the big question
before me was, what do I have to say over and above what
these celebrities have already said about the book? But
Swami Jyotirmayananda was insistent on my attempt at
boiling down the contents of the book in a short compass for
the benefit of the readers of the new edition in the context of
the historic 150th Birth Anniversary (2013) of Swami
Vivekananda. So I felt, Providence has willed that I should
also have a role in this sacred mission, however small the
role might be. At last I decided to write a Section-wise
Note about this Author is on page 36

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Synopsis for the book. Of course, Swami Jyotirmayananda

gave me ample time for the assignment. After a close
reading of the text, I have attempted the Synopsis bringing
out the central idea in each Section. I place this garland of
Synopses before the readers, hoping that it would prompt
them to delve into the deeper reaches of this book and
return with a heavy collection of pearls of wisdom conducive
to their higher and higher evolution in spirit and outlook.
In his Benediction to the book, Swami Ranganathananda
says: It is a unique book with rich reading material which
instructs and inspires the reader. It should find a place in all
our libraries of educational institutions and all our public
libraries as well.
Foreword:

Swami Tapasyananda
Swami Vivekanandas message aiming at the spiritual
regeneration has relevance for the whole of mankind. His
seminal gospel of the essential divinity of man has a
universal appeal. The Worlds Parliament of Religions at
Chicago was the most appropriate platform to deliver this
message. Symbolically, the venue also proved an ideal
place to warn the world against the indiscriminate growth of
materialism. In the light of his Vedantic message, religious
exclusivism and fanaticism pale into insignificance. What
Swamiji achieved in the last ten years of his life is epochmaking. A patriotic and revolutionary monk indeed he was.
There is no dearth of Vivekananda literature. There are
many inspiring biographical works on him. The Complete
Works in eight volumes (with a ninth one added later) is a
monumental work. Then why this book? In what way does
this compilation by Swami Jyotirmayananda distinguish itself
from the rest? In his Foreword Swami Tapasyananda
answers the question: It has got a significance which none
of the existing works on the Swami serves. It can be called a
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comprehensive study of Swami Vivekananda. Not only does

it give a brief account of his life and selected body of his
lectures; it gives a variety of essays and utterances of
eminent thinkers, a collection of which one can get nowhere
except in this book. Besides, it also gives a birds-eye view
of the history of the times in which Swamiji appeared
These three features of Swami Jyotirmayanandas
compilation make this book very valuable...
Prolegomenon:

Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari

This fascinating book bears ample testimony to Swami
Jyotirmayanandas labour of love. This highly skilled work of
compilation is not only about the teachings of Swami
Vivekananda, but also about many historical events in the
years of the great Swami, besides the significant events in
his multi-faceted life. Millions the world over have been
inspired by Swamijis life and message. The book provides a
long list of people in recent times who have drawn inspiration
from Swamiji. Swamiji appeared at a historically significant
time when science and religion were at the crossroads. He
was a visionary. He was quick to grasp the points of strength
as well as the weaknesses both of the East and the West.
Swamiji was that Spiritual Ambassador who boldly and
openly claimed the pre-eminent position of India in bringing
about the much needed cultural transformation. In the words
of Dr. Lakshmi Kumari: To religion he gave a scientific basis
and to science he added a philosophical background, and, in
the truly Indian tradition, transformed every action into
worship. In view of its wide range of coverage, the book
could be a ready reference digest. The vast collection of
observations on Swami Vivekananda is another special
feature of attraction in this book.

Book to be treasured: M. V. Kamath

M. V. Kamaths review which appeared in Bhavans
Journal, (May 1-15, 1988), has been excerpted in the volume.
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Mr. Kamath has crisply outlined the life of Swami

Vivekananda. Scintillating quotes from renowned authors
like A. L. Basham, Christopher Isherwood and Will Durant
give a finesse to his review.

Homage with a difference: Prof. K. R. Srinivasa Iyengar

These are excerpts from a review in The Hindu (June 23,
1987). Prof. K. R. Srinivasa Iyengar has succinctly presented
the scope of Swami Jyotirmayanandas work. As he points
out, the book is clearly encyclopedic in scope. The scholarprofessor has very skillfully presented the spotlight of
Section III of the book in the following words: He [Swami
Vivekananda] is hailed or lauded variously, poetically or
picturesquely, and always aptly: a versatile personality
(Tapasyananda), Multi-faceted multiple personality,
resplendent torchlight, the morning bird of Indian cultural
and spiritual renaissance (M. Bhaktavatsalam), a soul of
puissance (Sri Aurobindo), archetype of the sannyasin
(Justice Chagla), not a man, (but) a god (Thomas Allen).
Prof. Zaehner thinks that Vivekananda breathed life into the
purely static monism of Sankara, and A.L. Basham, quoting
C.E.M. Joad, says that the Swamiji virtually initiated the
counter-attack from the East.
Introduction:

Vivekananda An Unfailing Mentor

The seventeen-page Introduction by Swami Jyotirmayananda is a fitting forerunner to the main text. A considerable
part of it is devoted to stressing the importance of spiritual
growth of the individual and spiritual regeneration of society
and the humanity at large. Self-reform automatically brings
about social reformation. Confine yourself to selfreformation. Social reform will take care of itself. This
central idea is elaborated with quotes from the works of
several saints. Here is another simple and forthright quote:
Our economic and social crises come from the withering
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away of spiritual values and the consequent moral vacuum

in public life. So, the moulding of man and characterbuilding are of main concern.
Life is a rare opportunity which is not to be wasted. The
towering personality of Swami Vivekananda is there as a
perennial source of inspiration. The brief life sketch of Swami
Vivekananda that follows in the second half of this chapter
presents before us the Man and the Message as the two
inseparable factors.
Part One Section One:

Vivekananda: His Gospel of Man-making

The gospel of man-making has its seeds in the Upanishads.
The seeds remained stored up to be broadcast at an
appropriate time. The time came with the advent of Swami
Vivekananda. The soil was fertile, and the time ripe for
broadcasting the Upanishadic seeds potent with the manmaking gospel. By broadcasting these seeds, Swami
Vivekananda brought about a spiritual revolution in the
country in a way none had done before. What he spoke in
the West made its echoes in the East, and what he spoke in
the East made its echoes in the West.
The message of the immortality of the soul is unequivocally
spelt out in the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. The
human soul (atman) is imperishable. It cannot be destroyed.
It has no birth or death. It is ever pure. Such a soul is the
true essence of man. So, Vivekananda exhorts, All power is
within you, you can do anything and everything. Believe in
that. Do not believe that you are weakStand up and
express the divinity within you.. Infinite power is within you.
Remembrance of this true human nature -- sat-chit-ananda
Existence-Knowledge-Bliss nature of the Self renders one
fearless and manly. But then, how to come to terms with this
proclamation? -- through unflinching faith, pending ones
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own direct experience (anubhava). Faith is a significant

power; it is also a great moulder in life.
The eternal, ever-blissful soul, the true Self of man (also
called the atman, in Sanskrit) is not affected by his karmas
good or bad actions. The Self being the ultimate truth, says
Swami Vivekananda, Say not man is a sinner. Tell him that
he is God. He then says, My mission is to arouse within
you all such ideas. I am ready to undergo a hundred
thousand rebirths to train up a single man. This courage of
conviction, this readiness to sacrifice all personal comforts
and the bliss of mukti comes from the innate strength, from
the realization of the highest truth that the soul never dies.
Purity is strength. A character born of purity and morality is
glorious. One must think of oneself as strong and
invulnerable. It is thought which is the propelling force in us.
Fill the mind with the highest thoughts Some of the
highlights of this Section are:
Seek God within: Seeking God within you is only coming
back to the point of origin. The closer one gets to the Self,
the greater the freedom from delusion. God is ones true
Self. So it is a mistake to think of Him as separate from us.
Adore the living God: Vedanta teaches one to see God
everywhere and in everyone. This is a way to raise oneself.
Swamiji asks: Where shall we go to find God if we cannot
see Him in our hearts, and in every living being? And,
therefore, Swamiji says: This is the gist of all worship to
be pure and to do good to others. He who sees Shiva in the
poor, in the weak, and in the diseased, really worships
Shiva; and if he sees Shiva only in the image, his worship is
but preliminary. A large portion of this Section is a call for
spiritual awakening.
Carry the light of Knowledge: The inborn nature of man
should be clearly understood. Vedanta is all about this truth
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of the innate glory and goodness of man. Each human

being stands for the divine, and, therefore, every teacher
should be helpful, not condemning man, but by helping him
to call forth the divinity that is within him. The understanding
of ones own divinity, the acknowledgement of the fact that
he is the spirit, will make a fisherman a better fisherman, the
student a better student, and the lawyer a better lawyer. It
will take ages for the message to spread among humanity.
But the task is to carry the light and life of Vedanta to every
door.
Spiritual Knowledge : Helping others in the material sense
is, of course, a kind of service. But the panacea for all
maladies is in spiritual knowledge. Therefore, he who
imparts spiritual knowledge is the greatest benefactor. Next
in importance comes intellectual help. Because ignorance is
a great weakness. Knowledge is power. Let men have light,
let them be pure and spiritually strong and educated, then
alone misery will cease in the world. We may convert every
house in the country a charity asylum, we may fill the land
with hospitals, but the misery of men will still continue to
exist until mans character changes, says Swami
Vivekananda. It is by acquiring spiritual knowledge that man
becomes truly happy and unselfish. Spirituality can be
communicated. As Swamiji points out: If a man goes into a
cave, shuts himself in, and thinks one really great thought
and dies, that thought will penetrate the walls of the cave,
vibrate through space and at last penetrate the whole human
race. Passions and desires in fact torment a person. Greed
causes imbalance. All these are negative forces against
character-formation. A truly spiritual person is one of
character. Says Swamiji: What we need is strong common
sense, a public spirit, and a philosophy and religion which
will make us men.
India the Land of Wisdom: India is known for her ancient
wisdom. Hindus owe their descent to ancient rishis. In other
countries great priests try to trace their descent to some
- 18 -

king, but here the greatest kings would trace their descent to
some ancient priest. In this context, the religious tolerance,
nay, the acceptance of all religions in India is reiterated.
What is really needed is the mutual respect rather than the
mere condescending tolerance of the bigoted and the
fanatics. The Hindus have never been persecutors and
proselytizers like those of the Abrahamic faiths. Hinduism is
not a conquering religion wedded to a single book or a
prophet. It is never a one way traffic to heaven! It believes
in mutual respect, assimilation, harmony and peace. We
never preached, says Swami Vivekananda, our thoughts
with fire and sword. Swamiji, in stating what religion is not,
answers the question of what religion is. Religion is not talk
or doctrines or theories, nor is it sectarianism. Religion
cannot live in sects and societies. It is the relation between
the soul and God Religion consists in realization. What is
religion? Religion is the manifestation of the perfection
already in man.
There can be unity but not uniformity. Unity in diversity is the
law of nature. Though there is no division in the Ultimate
Reality, distinction and difference is the empirical reality
which cannot be denied. So there is difference without there
being any division. All people are not cast in the same
mould. Temperaments, inclinations and outlooks are bound
to differ from person to person and from place to place, and
hence the need for different pathways for the aspirants. The
path of Karma Yoga suits those who are active by
temperament. Bhakti Yoga more readily appeals to the
emotionally predominant ones. Raja Yoga, the path of
psychic control, suits people of contemplative nature. Jnana
Yoga is yet another path for the discriminative type. The
whole idea is to bring out the Perfect Man by resorting to one
or more or all of these paths.
One used to a brisk life becomes uneasy, may even become
lunatic, if he is to live in quiet solitude. At the same time,
inactivity is also not a promising kind of life. So the ideal is
- 19 -

intense activity amidst eternal calmness. The ideal man is

he, who, in the midst of greatest silence and solitude, finds
the intensest activity, and in the midst of the intensest
activity finds the silence and solitude of the desert. This
doctrine finds clear exposition in the Gita.
Self-abnegation is a great virtue. To become selfless in
ones action is the core doctrine of Karma Yoga, at the
culminating point of which the aspirant discovers that in his
true Self which is the Being, there is no doing, and as
such he is a mere witness of all actions taking place in the
prakriti -- the manifest aspect of the Reality, where alone all
actions take place. The more one is free from the sense of
me and mine (ahamkara and mamakara), the greater is his
freedom. Pravritti is going towards the world of acquisition,
whereas nivritti is going away from it. The guiding motive
of man should be charity towards men, charity towards all
animals. In nivritti, morality finds its strongest expression.
Man is not what he appears to be. He is not a mere bodymind-sense complex -- a conglomeration of mind and matter.
The true nature of man is Pure Awareness Absolute-- the
Infinite, Eternal Existence (sat-chit-ananda). So long as one
lives in the little self, in a circumscribed world, he appears to
be small and limited. He is thus subject to the fear of death.
When he knows the Truth, and can say with conviction, I am
in everything, in everybody, I am in all lives, I am the
universe, then alone comes the state of fearlessness. In
other words, real fearlessness is the outcome of such an
exalted state of attainment where you know that as the Pure
Being, you are everything, you are in everything and
everything is in you only.
Development of an integrated personality should be the ideal
the intellect of a Shankara coupled with the heart of a
Buddha. Sri Ramakrishna, for example, was such a grand
personality in whom karma, bhakti, jnana and yoga so
gracefully blended.
- 20 -

Mere acquisition of external knowledge is like polishing up

the outside, when the inside is a mere hollow. The ideal of
all education, all training, should be man-making It is manmaking religion that we want. It is man-making theories that
we want. It is man-making education all round that we
wantReal education is that which enables one to stand on
his own legs
Swamiji goes on to emphasize the glory of the power of
concentration. According to him, the very essence of
education is concentration of the mind. The more the power
of concentration, the greater the knowledge that is
acquired When the mind is concentrated and turned back
on itself, all within us will be servants, not our masters.
Swami Vivekanandas concept of religion is extraordinary,
grand indeed, born of his own inner experience, and a
thorough grasp of the essence of all religions. He never
denigrates any religion. He is never a fanatic. His patriotism
and his pride in being a staunch Hindu (I am proud to call
myself a Hindu) should not be mistaken for fanaticism. He
says, By the study of different religions, we find that in
essence they are one. Differences are only in the external
which are just peripheral. The one ultimate test of all
religions lies in Realization of God the Supreme Reality.
The universality of all religions is in this test of Realization.
It is by knowing God within that man regains his pristine
purity and guilelessness.
Universal Religion: Over the centuries, more and more
refined thoughts and concepts have bridged the gap
between man and God. There cannot be one single
universal religion. There are different paths and different
methods of worship. But the one and the only one universal
truth, the ultimate test of all religions is God-realization.
Social inequalities have been there. The once exploited
classes are going to be the exploiters, or the exploiting class.
- 21 -

Upper class hegemony is on the wane. Social differences

are man-made. But religion is not at fault. On the other
hand, your religion teaches you that every being is your own
self multiplied. But it was the want of practical application,
the want of sympathy the want of heart. This state of things
must be removed, not by destroying religion, but by following
the great teachings of the Hindu faith.
The Section concludes with an appeal for socialism with a
spiritual basis. The day is not far off when the once exploited
classes will overtake the exploiting class. The retaliatory
effect will be terrible. The only remedy is to understand
religion in the proper perspective, because religion is not at
fault.
Part One Section Two:

Vivekananda on Education and Religion

Swamijis ideas springing forth from the fountainhead of his
realisation that each soul is potentially divine get amplified
and reinforced in this section through several scholarly
voices. Focusing on Education and Religion, it also
exposes how the present system of education and
understanding of religion are woefully disappointing.
Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in
man, said Swami Vivekananda. Perfection cannot be
incompleteness. Here, the Perfection aimed at is the
knowing of that by which everything becomes known. The
Ultimate knowledge to be gained is the knowledge of the
Self or the atman. In this sense, education should enable a
person to evolve spiritually. In ancient times, the gurukula
system of education laid stress on both secular and spiritual
education. The disciple, over a period of twelve years, would
learn a lot from the Guru. The conduct and character of the
Guru itself would set an ideal example for the disciple to
follow. So, by the time the disciple came out of
gurukulalvaas after years of study and service as ordained
- 22 -

by the Guru, he would be a person of sterling character

ready to take up the next stage of life while at the same time
endeavouring for spiritual growth.
Commerce, industry and technology dominate the socioeconomic life. Naturally, the academic syllabi are drawn on
these lines. Religion and spirituality which contain abundant
humanizing precepts and examples are set apart as if they
are not meant for pupils in their formative years. This is a
serious lacuna. However, there has been an awakening in
the past few years to inculcate ethical values along with
secular knowledge.
Swami Vivekananda envisaged man-making, charactermaking and nation-building assimilation of ideas. He says,
Our economic expansion is often at the cost of moral
degradation Medium of recreation and enjoyment are
fatally contaminated by shocking changes that are created in
art
Swami Ramdas says, Do not fritter away your powers in
pursuit of the transient satisfaction and joys of mere external
life. Illumine the intellect, develop the will and purify the heart
and body, and you will gain immense strength for the true
understanding and perfect enjoyment of an eternal life.
Such thoughts and ideas can be inculcated in the minds of
pupils. Every system has produced men and women of the
most exalted character, said Swami Vivekananda, because
every system has virtuous and spiritually elevating tenets.
Unfortunately, the present education system, in accordance
with the educational policies has nothing to do with such
ideals. It is in these perspectives that religion or religious
education should be understood.
The central idea in Eknath Ranades essay in this part of the
book is, one should lead a purposeful life and not live like
animals swayed by instincts to seek fulfillment of the senses.
- 23 -

Swami Vivekananda had a very holistic approach to

Religion. In the light of his Vedantic ideal, service to man is
service to God, because man is essentially atman, the
Immortal Spirit that is God. For the Ramakrishna Math and
Mission that he founded, he gave the motto: Atmano
mokshaartam jagath hitaayacha for ones own salvation
and the welfare of others. This ideal at once nullifies all
kinds of parochialism and exclusivism.
For India, according to Swami Vivekananda, giving up
Religion is the most unwise, most dangerous thing, because
according to him, Religion is the backbone of India. For him,
the national union of India must be a gathering of all
spiritual forces. A nation in India must be a union of those
whose hearts beat to the same spiritual tune.
In India, even politics, if tempered with religion, can prove to
be more fruitful and peaceful. Otherwise, politics will create
more of chaos and conflicts than peace and amity.
The crux of the matter in this Section is aptly reflected in the
words of Dr.M. Lakshmi Kumari in a paragraph appearing in
the write-up under the sub-title Consequences of Giving up
Religion: A reader of Swami Vivekanandas lectures on
Indian nationalism will feel a little embarrassed by his
uncompromising insistence that religion should form the
basis of Indian reconstruction. For, ever since
Independence, our leaders have repeated that India is a
secular State and religion should be relegated as a matter of
private life. Several sections of people who think that way
are motivated only by indifference and insensitiveness to
spiritual values. Affluence, which means possession of
enjoyment, is the only value to be pursued according to them
and hence religion should be excluded from the educational
system and from the purview of the States activities in all
fields. This denigration of religion in a total or in a partial way
has been going on in this country for the past four decades.
- 24 -

The cumulative practice of secularism has only been the

growth of competition and degradation of moral standards on
all sides.
Part One Section Three:

Vivekananda The Man and His Mission (Tributes)

What Sri Ramakrishna means to Swami Vivekananda, and
what Swami Vivekananda means to Sri Ramakrishna finds
description here and there in this Section, among other
things. Therefore, it will do well to start the synopsis briefly
outlining the Nara-Narayana, the Master-disciple duo that
contributed to the spiritual renaissance and national
regeneration, a phenomenon never witnessed before.
With purity and vairagya (dispassion) as inborn-qualities, the
eighteen-year old Narendranath met Sri Ramakrishna as a
relentless seeker of God. In other words, before long,
Narendranath discovered his true spiritual guru My
Master. Established in the exalted Advaitic experience, this
rare and unique guru, Sri Ramakrishna, could churn the
restless God-seeking mind of Narendranath and place in his
hands the resultant butter of God-realization. Another
uniqueness of this Sage of Dakshineswar, Sri Ramakrishna,
was that he also practised the tenets of Semitic religions. It
was under such a glorious Master that Narendranath was
moulded into Swami Vivekananda. In the words of Bipin
Chandra Pal, Vivekananda clothed the spiritual realization
of his Master in the language of modern Hinduism.
No wonder, in religious matters, Swami Vivekananda was far
from being fanatic. His own catholicity of outlook, his own
guru Sri Ramakrishnas acceptance of all religions as true,
as different paths leading to the same goal, and his own
profound understanding of the essentials of Vedanta all
contributed to his, that is, Swami Vivekanandas evolution
which on the spiritual plane elevated him to a height with no
equals. The message he delivered in the West, naturally,
- 25 -

could not be any different from what his own evolved stature
was. He was what he spoke; and what he spoke, that he
was.
Vedanta teaches that God is in everything. This democracy
based on the spiritual oneness of mankind places Vedanta in
a privileged position to preach true universal brotherhood.
(Dr. Tapash Sankar Dutta).
This Section is a treasury of tributes to Swami Vivekananda.
It is a huge garland woven with flowers of varying hues. A
few flowers have been taken out from the garland and
woven into a smaller one to give a synoptic view.
The tributes are from saints and savants from all over the
world, and also from eminent statesmen and a few
outstanding political figures. Those fortunate ones who saw
Swami Vivekananda were captivated by his personality.
Those who heard his speech became speechless. Those
who heard his message felt a new awakening. Those who
thought of his energy and courage were struck with wonder.
How thoroughly many westerners have understood Swami
Vivekananda is a fact to which we Indians cannot grudge
acknowledgement. Their grasp of Hinduism as presented by
Swamiji is comparable with some of the best minds in India.
Even a random collection of tributes from this Section will
present Swamiji in his multifarious splendour. Here are a
few:
He spoke. It was enough. The depth of his great soul
had sounded forth, and the world felt the vibration.
One single man changed the current of thought of half
the globe -- that was his work. (Christina Albers)
He has given us in America higher ideas of life than
we have ever had before. (John J. Bagley)
Since the days of the Indian missionaries who
travelled in South-East Asia and China preaching
- 26 -

Buddhism and Hinduism more than a thousand years

earlier, he was the first Indian religious teacher to
make an impression outside India. (Prof. A. L. Basham)
I was at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in
1893. When the young man got up and said Sisters
and Brothers of America, seven thousand people
rose to their feet as a tribute to something they knew
not what. When it was over, I saw scores of women
walking over the benches to get near him; and I said
to myself, Well my lad, if you can resist the
onslaught, you are indeed a God. (S. K. Blodgett)
A reversal is taking place in the West, where the
people cloyed with material surfeit, are searching for
the inner being. The spiritual jolt which Vivekananda
gave to the West early in the century is now proving
its impact. (Marie Louise Burke)
It has been my good fortune and my joy to know a
man who truly walked with God, a noble being, a
saint, a philosopher, and a true friend. (Madame Emma
Calve)
Vivekananda taught that God is within each one of
us, and that each one of us was born to rediscover his
own God-nature He was the prophet of selfreliance, of individual search and effort. (Christopher
Isherwood)
The paragon of all monistic systems is the Vedantic
philosophy of Hinduism, and the paragon of Vedantic
missionaries was the late Swami Vivekananda who
visited our land some years ago I have just been
reading some of Vivekanandas addresses in
England, which I had not seen. The man is simply a
wonder for oratorical powerThe Swami is an honour
to humanity in any case. (William James)
- 27 -

This monk was of commanding presence and vast

learning, speaking English like a Webster. (Sir Hiram
Stevens Maxim)
We perceive his influence still working gigantically,
we know not well how, we know not well where, in
something that is not yet formed, something leonine,
grand, intuitive, upheaving that has entered the soul
of India, and we say, Behold! Vivekananda still lives
in the soul of his Motherland and in the soul of his
children. (Sri Aurobindo)
It was at a meeting of learned pundits in Madras that
young Vivekananda was explaining how Dvaita,
Vishishtadvaita and Advaita were not to be looked
upon as contradictory lines of Vedanta but were really
successive stages of spiritual realizations. Someone
from the audience asked him why, if that was so,
none of the Masters had mentioned it so far. The
reply was startling: Because I was born for this, and it
was left for me to do. (M. P. Pandit)
I have gone through his works very thoroughly, and
after having gone through them, the love that I had for
this country became a thousand-fold. (Mahatma
Gandhi)
People have seen in Swami Vivekananda the soul of
Bharat. (Baba Saheb Apte)
It was Vivekananda who first gave to the Hindu
movement its sense of nationalism and provided most
of the movements with a common all-India outlook.
(K. M. Panikkar)
Swami Vivekananda saved Hinduism and saved
India. But for him we would have lost our religion and
would not have gained our freedom. We therefore
owe everything to Swami Vivekananda. May his faith,
- 28 -

his courage and his wisdom ever inspire us so that we

may keep safe the treasure we have received from
him. (C. Rajagopalachari)
Swami Vivekananda gave new strength and new
purpose to an old message, and in himself combined
the highest qualities which any human being can
hope to possess. (Vijayalakshmi Pandit)
If you want to know India, study Vivekananda. In him
everything is positive and nothing negative.
(Rabindranath Tagore)
Vivekanandas appeal is not confined to any
particular section of people. Though as his favourite
disciple Sister Nivedita has put it, he was born a lover
and the queen of his adoration was his Motherland,
his message was universal. Although he was an allrenouncing sannyasi, he was equally an allembracing patriot, and was known as the Patriot
Monk of India. While he was a philosopher of the
highest order, he was a radical revolutionary in his
ideas. No wonder, one of the greatest sons of Modern
India, himself a thorough-going revolutionary, Subash
Chandra Bose said this about Swamiji: If Swamiji had
been alive today, he would have been my guru; that is
to say, I would have accepted him as Master. It is
needless to add, however, that as long as I live, I shall
be absolutely loyal to Ramakrishna-Vivekananda.
(P. Parameswaran)
It was he (Vivekananda) who laid the foundation of
the regenerated Bharat by making the country aware
of its life-centre which was religion round which alone,
he emphasized, could our Hindu Nation be effectively
and purposefully reorganized. (Eknath Ranade)
He was a patriot to the core. In fact he was an inspired
patriot-saint, the watchword of whose heart was Hindu
- 29 -

and Bharat. He wanted all his followers and admirers

to intensely love the country. Even he wanted the
same love from his foreign disciples. When after her
arrival in our country Miss Josephine Macleod asked,
How can I best help you? Love India was the answer
of Swamiji. (K. Suryanarayana Rao)
Part Two:

A Chronicle of Important Events in the Life and Times of

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)
Presenting a chronicle of important events in the life and
times of Swami Vivekananda forms the bulk of the volume.
The encyclopedic range of coverage of important
personalities like great leaders, scientists, inventors,
discoverers, saints, reformers, literary luminaries, and
various important events at the national as well as
international level has naturally made this Part of the book
the most captivating Section of the whole work, strikingly
different from the other biographies of Swamiji. The
compilation must have been a very arduous task very
patiently accomplished. The personalities and events are
very strikingly interlaced with the life of Swamiji. Wherever
possible, while presenting informative notes on various
personalities or events, Swami Vivekanandas association or
meeting with such personalities and his life against the
backdrop of the various events have been graphically
described, thereby constantly keeping alive before the
readers vision the splendour of the Man, Swami
Vivekananda, and his Mission.
This Section is also of great interest as it presents an almost
exhaustive collection of Tributes paid to Swamiji in the
various journals and leading newspapers both Indian and
foreign. A glance through the tributes would enable one to
have an idea of what a phenomenon Swamiji was. The
avalanche of spontaneous praise, admiration and honour
heaped upon the Swami leaves one dazed at his might.
- 30 -

In a definitive biography, not only tributes but also obituaries

have a complementary role. Swami Jyotirmayananda has
done ample justice to his compilation of Tributes and
Obituaries. Considering the interminable list of personalities
and events referred to in the Section, the work the authorSwamiji has done is amazing indeed. The meticulous
compilation of facts and details relating to the specified
period makes this Section a massive catalogue of ready
reference.
Part Three:

Vivekananda A Voice from Across the Century (1893-1993)

The Vedas are revered by the Hindus as the most ancient
and sacred source of wisdom. What the ancient rishis or
Seers experienced as revelations of the highest truth(s) were
passed on from generation to generation as sruti (what is
heard). Being the revelations experienced, the Vedas are
authorless apaurusheya. The Vedanta is the end portion of
the Vedas, also known as the Upanishads. The Vedanta or
the Upanishads constitute the bed-rock of Hinduism. Since
the Vedanta is all about the most basic and eternal truths,
Hinduism is also known as, rather more correctly known as
Sanatana Dharma. Some of the most fundamental truths of
the Vedanta are: tat tvam asi (That thou art); aham
brahmasmi (I am Brahman); ishaavaasyam idam sarvam
(Ishwara is all-pervading); prajnaanam brahma (The
Ultimate Reality is Knowledge-absolute); and ekam sat,
vipraa bahudhaa vadanti (The Ultimate Reality is one
without a second, but sages call It variously). In the light of
Vedantic truths, man is not a mere material entity. He is
essentially the Spirit or the Self or the atman which, again, in
the words of the Vedas is Immortal amrutasya putraaha
(Children of Immortality).
Once man is understood as essentially the Spirit (atman) all
other variations or external differences pale into
insignificance. This essential oneness of man as the Spirit is
the one cementing factor that binds the entire humanity into
- 31 -

Universal Brotherhood. The Vedantic philosophy, by its own

intrinsic nature, has no place for sectarianism, bigotry and
fanaticism.
These basic truths of Vedanta or Hinduism remained unknown
not only to many in India but to practically the whole of the
western world. Events in the world have been great forces to
reckon with, shaping the ways of history and the destiny of
mankind. One such historic event was the Worlds Parliament
of Religions in Chicago. What was originally intended was the
commemoration of the four hundredth year of the discovery of
America by Columbus, as the World Columbian Exposition. It
was a great occasion indeed for the New World to showcase
its prestigious position in scientific and technological
advancements, and in economic and material prosperity. One
of the attractions of the Exposition was the Parliament of
Religions. It was at this historic Parliament that Swami
Vivekananda made history by representing Hinduism in
deference to the persuasive appeal made by several of his
associates and well wishers in India. Those who knew him had
full confidence in his intellectual prowess and were also
convinced of his highly evolved spiritual stature. No wonder,
Prof. J. H. Wright of Harvard University said of him in his letter
of introduction to Rev. Barrows, Chairman of the Parliament of
Religions: Here is a man who is more learned than all the
Professors of America put together.
Starting on 11th September 1893, the Parliament concluded
on 27th September. The maiden speech which Swamiji
began with the words Sisters and Brothers of America at
once electrified the audience. The spontaneous thunderous
applause with which the 7000-strong audience greeted the
opening words of the Swami set the tone for the tumultuous
victories that were to follow. The reverberations of the victory
could soon be felt in India too, marking the beginning of a
new era of social and spiritual awakening.
With the floodgates of Swamijis Vedantic message open,
America found itself on the vortex of a new experience
- 32 -

unmatched in her history. The New York Herald commented:

After hearing him, we feel how foolish it is to send
missionaries to this learned nation. Dr. Annie Besant, giving
her impression of Vivekananda in the Parliament quoted a
man saying: That man is a heathen? And we send
missionaries to his people? It would be more fitting that they
should send missionaries to us!
Here are a few historic pronouncements of Vivekananda
from the Chicago addresses:
Sectarianism, bigotry and its horrible descendant
fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They
have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and
often with human blood, destroyed civilizations and sent
whole nations to despair...
At the concluding session of the Parliament on September
27, the Swami said: The Christian is not to become a Hindu
or a Hindu to become a Christian. But each must assimilate
the spirit of the other and yet preserve his individuality and
grow according to his own law of growth.
Many intellectuals and men with missionary zeal both in the
East and the West, found Vivekanandas life and mission a
powerful source of inspiration to work for the cause of social
regeneration, educational upliftment and spiritual awakening.
Part Three of the book presents clear vistas of the
memorable event of the Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
This Section is further enriched by essays on the event by
illustrious persons in various walks of life like M. V. Kamath,
Christopher Isherwood, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma,
K. Suryanarayana Rao, Swami Ranganathananda, Swami
Tapasyananda, H. V. Seshadri, P. V. Narasimha Rao,
Swami Budhananda, Dr. M. Lakshmi Kumari, M. P. Pandit,
Dr. V. Sukumaran Nair and Bansi Pandit.

- 33 -

Swami Jyotirmayanandas notes on how Swami

Vivekananda inspired men like Rockefeller, the Tata and
Eknath Ranade provide inspiring reading.
The year 1893 is memorable not only for the Parliament of
Religions, but also for a number of significant reasons. To
mention a few, Paramahamsa Yogananda was born in 1893;
Sri Aurobindo returned from England the same year; M. K.
Gandhi sailed for South Africa; and B. G. Tilak made the
Ganesh festival a grand public, state-wide celebration in
Maharashtra to unify the Hindus with a sense of pride in their
past. Swami Jyotirmayanandas diligent work speaks
through this Section also.
Part Four:

Winds of Change: Vivekananda and His Impact on the Western

Mind (1893-2013)
This new supplement to this edition is yet another feather in
its cap. It gives a very satisfying picture of how far the
Vedanta philosophy has influenced some of the greatest
thinkers in the West, and through them how the thoughts
have influenced lakhs and lakhs of receptive minds there.
The significance of this Section lies in the fact that it gives us
a more comprehensive picture of the range of Swami
Vivekanandas success in the West. Of course, the media
had no reservations in paying tributes to Swamijis stature as
the most forceful and unique monk from India.
The echoes of the media reverberated in India and the
people here were filled with pride and reverence for the
Hindu monk a feeling so well demonstrated by the
enthusiastic crowds of people in India as soon as he
returned from the West. The West gaining a remarkable
insight into the Vedanta philosophy marks a transitional
stage in its history, not without raising the image of India to a
level never seen before Swami Vivekanandas advent, and
gives one an insight into the devotion and fervour with which
the Vedanta Societies worked there.
- 34 -

The main source of inspiration for this Section is Philip

Goldbergs book American Veda. It reveals, in a nut-shell, the
extent to which reputed American intellectuals have taken up
the study of Vedanta and what a force they were in giving
further thrust to the thought movement following Swamijis
visit to America. Some of the intellectual stalwarts talked
about are Romain Rolland, William James, Arnold Toynbee,
Will Durant, Christopher Isherwood, Huston Smith, Gerald
Heard, Joseph Campbell and Aldous Huxley. Among Russian
intellectuals, LeoTolstoy and Pitrim Sorokin figure. At one
place it is said: By 1947, largely through the persuasive
efforts of Gerald Heard, so many artists and intellectuals had
been drawn to Vedanta. As eager students and professional
writers of the highest caliber, Heard, Huxley and Isherwood
brought intellectual rigour, a modern perspective, and stylistic
grace to literature. What Swami Prabhavananda of the
Vedantic Society did with Isherwood and others, Swami
Nikhilananda did with Joseph Campbell, a popular teacher
and a media personality. He read the Bhagavad Gita every
day. A copy of the Upanishads was kept in his hospital room.
So saturated was he in Vedantic thoughts.
Considering all these facts, there are ample reasons to
believe that Vedanta has brought the East and the West
closer together. Swami Vivekanandas role in bridging the
gap between the East and the West cannot be
underestimated.
Homage to Vivekananda from Swami Ranganathananda and
Swami Nikhilananda, as also Messages from Sri Narendra
Modi and Sri Rajiv Malhotra give a fitting finale to this Part.
Swami Ranganathananda rightly designates Vivekananda as
Indias great emissary to the West, while Swami
Nikhilananda points out how Vivekanandas life and
teachings are of inestimable value to the West for an
understanding of the mind of Asia. Sri Narendra Modi lays
great emphasis on the need to realise Swamijis dream by
following in his footsteps, and Sri Rajiv Malhotra asserts the
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essential divinity of man, who by no means an inheritor of

any original sin, but, truly sat-chit-ananda.
Part Five:

Vivekananda in Pictures
This Section is verily a pictorial exhibition. A rich collection of
80 photographs duly captioned serves like flower plants of
varying hues adding to the beauty of a verdant landscape. A
perusal of this Section gives one the feeling of seeing a
documentary feature. Intently looking at the face of Swamiji
in several of the photos, the mind tends to become
meditative, feeling relaxed and feeling at home with
someone so dear. At the back of the mind there is also a
feeling of awe What a life! What a personality! What a
brilliant intellect!
This Section is followed by the final one which again is a
breath-taking volume of Appendix, Glossary, Bibliography,
Vivekananda Literature Books by and on Swami
Vivekananda, General and Subject Index etc. together
making up over one hundred pages.
A last word of appreciation: This huge volume, Vivekananda
His Gospel of Man-making, is doubtlessly a monumental
work of Swami Jyotirmayananda. It is a divinely inspired
work accomplished with consummate skill.
=====================================================================

We are thankful to SRI K. P. SHIVKUMAR for his labour of love in presenting to our
readers his excellent Synoptic View of the present Edition of our book on Swami
Vivekananda, in the context of his 150th Birth Anniversary (2013). The Author is the
former Assistant Editor, Vivekananda Kendra Prakashan Trust, Chennai (H.Q.
Kanyakumari), and my association with him in the Editorial Department of the
Kendra, Chennai (1975-76), is still fresh in my memory. Sri Shivkumar, who has a
few books to his credit, also edited a Quarterly, Make History, for 18 years, and
presently he is the Associate Editor of Kisan World, a Magazine founded by the
eminent Industrialist and Philanthropist, Dr. N. Mahalingam.
-- SWAMI JYOTIRMAYANANDA
=====================================================================

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REVIEW EXCERPTS
I have gone through the book by Swami Jyotirmayananda:
Vivekananda: His Gospel of Man-making, with a Garland of
Tributes, and a Chronicle of His Life and Times, with
Pictures. It is a unique book with rich reading material,
which instructs and inspires the reader. It should find a place
in all our libraries of educational institutions and all our public
libraries as well.

SWAMI RANGANATHANANDA in his Benediction

The popularization of the life and message of such a versatile

personality as Swami Vivekananda is a necessity of our
times. To fulfill this there are already in existence his
Complete Works in eight volumes and several biographical
writings on him by men of great eminence. In the midst of all
this what special significance this compilation by Swami
Jyotirmayananda has got is a question that will come to the
mind of a reader. It has got significance which none of the
other existing works on the Swami serves. It can be called a
comprehensive study of Swami Vivekananda. Not only does it
give an account of his life and a selected body of his lectures;
it gives a variety of essays and utterances by eminent
thinkers, a collection of which one can get nowhere except in
this book. Besides, it gives also a bird's eye-view of the
history of the times in which Swamiji appeared. Every great
man is a product of his times, and is in turn a maker of the
future. For a comprehensive study this historical background
is a great advantage. These three features of Swami
Jyotirmayanandas compilation make this book very valuable.
It is hoped that the book will have a wide circulation among
serious readers who love India and its culture.

SWAMI TAPASYANANDA in his Foreword

The serious student of Vivekananda has a generous choice

of reading ranging from the Complete Works in 8 volumes to
the biographical, estimative and interpretative studies by
Romain Rolland, Swami Nikhilananda, Sister Nivedita,
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Swami Avyaktananda, S. N. Dhar, Swami Tapasyananda, R.

C.
Majumdar
and
a
host
of
others.
Swami
Jyotirmayanandas present massive compilation, however, is
homage with a difference. While in its weight and varied
richness of content it is clearly encyclopedic in scope, it
nevertheless avoids uniform alphabetization and is actually a
cross between a Vivekananda Handbook and a Chronicle of
His Life and Times. The Editors admirable 17-page
introduction sets the tone to the whole endeavour, and is
followed by copious extracts judiciously chosen, captioned
and arranged some exhortative, others instructive from
Vivekanandas speeches and writings that cumulatively set
forth his Gospel of Man-making. This really means rousing
the purblind human race to an awareness of its innate
spiritual strength and essential divine nature. Human beings
are by no means inheritors of any original sin, but truly
amrtasya putrah, children of immortality. Such is Vedanta's
Magna Carta for humanity. The volume also includes a
selection of 80 photographs projecting tapestry-like a visual
review of the evolution of Naren into Vivekananda the
Prophet of Prabuddha Bharata, of mans awakening into his
true self, and of the efflorescence of the Divine in everyday
human life. The Gargantuan editorial work has doubtless
been a labor of love and devotion, of total commitment too.
This is a book for all libraries, personal and public alike.

PROF. K.R. SRINIVASA IYENGAR in his Review

This book is significant in that two objectives are beautifully

achieved: Nearly 200 pages of tributes to Swami
Vivekananda and a 300-page Chronicle of his Life and
Times. Also included is a bouquet of sublime and soulstirring thoughts of Swamiji, a significant selection from his
highly inspiring speeches and writings. The tribute section is
certainly most extensive to be found.... This book is a
remarkable compilation of information.... Because of the
Chronicle one can easily perceive the diverse energies at
play in the rampant growth of the industrial revolution and
modern science, and the social changes.... Perusing the
- 38 -

Chronicle, one appreciates the importance of the editor's

intent: To provide a vista of the principal events in the life of
Swami Vivekananda and aid the reader in understanding
Swamijis historic environs and the forces which were
moulding human consciousness during the period.
HINDUISM TODAY in its Review
Swami Jyotirmayananda's work on Swami Vivekananda is
unique in many respects. Apart from the Swamis writings
and speeches relating to his favorite theme of Man-making,
there are other interesting features viz. Essays and
interpretations by competent persons on the approach of
Vivekananda to Religion and Education, a whole section of
tributes to this Lion of Vedanta by his contemporaries and
later men from different walks of life; a Chronicle of events of
importance in the world when he lived and events in his own
life alongside; eighty pictures of Vivekananda at different
stages in his career.
There are several interesting anecdotes related by writers in
course of their tributes. In the Chronicle flit Huxley, Darwin, Karl
Marx, Edison, Wimbledon with dates and mention of their
achievements. A fascinating work, complete with indices and
bibliography.

M. P. PANDIT in his Review

This is a unique book set in a unique format and withal, most

relevant to our times. There are several excellent to good
biographies of Swami Vivekananda. This book is not a
biography in the accepted sense of the term. But it places
Vivekananda in the context of his times as no other book has
so far done. What is most fascinating about this book is the
Chronicle of important events in the life and times of Swami
Vivekananda, for it brings to the reader in vivid terms the
atmosphere of the times in which Vivekananda lived. It tells
us a great deal about the events that took place during forty
years of the Swami's life. It has been rightly said that the
significance of a man's life and activities is best understood
- 39 -

in the context of the times in which he lived. Newspaper

accounts make fascinating reading. And the compiler has
provided us long quotes from a variety of sources, both
Indian and Foreign. They paint between them such a vivid
picture of Vivekananda that he comes through in all his
vibrancy. There has never been a book like this before and it
is unlikely that there will be another like this again. It brings
us Vivekananda in all his magnificence and glory. It
recreates for us another time and era. This is a book to be
treasured for its own sake and for the sake of Vivekananda.

M. V. KAMATH in his Review

Swami Jyotirmayananda, himself a light of the Ramakrishna

lineage, and thus a spiritual heir to Vivekananda, is said to
have worked day and night for five years to bring together
this amazing testament. Vivekananda, the great teacher,
philosopher and mystic whose mission was to rouse, in all
people, awareness of the focus of human dignity the
atman and help them manifest that glory in every
movement of their life. One can hardly glance at any of its
thousand pages without being immediately captured by the
charm, the wit, the awesome power of this most powerful of
Hindus of the last century, the Lion of Vedanta of ChicagoParliament-of-Religions fame. Contains over 80 photographs
and countless witness accounts of Swami Vivekananda.

HIMALAYAN ACADEMY, Kapaa, HI

- 40 -

MILESTONES IN THE PUBLICATION

1985: A happy coincidence, the editing of the book
commenced in 1979, was completed in the 'International
Youth Year, when the Government of India thoughtfully
declared the birthday of Swami Vivekananda as the National
Youth Day, recognizing the fact that his philosophy and the
ideals for which he had lived and worked could be an abiding
source of inspiration for the youth.
1986: The First Edition of the book was released on the
123rd Birthday of Swami Vivekananda, during the celebration
at the Vivekananda College, Mylapore, Madras. The book
was released by the then Governor of Madras, S. L.
Khurana, and Swami Ranganathanandaji received the first
copy of the book.
1988: The Second Edition coincided with the 125th birthanniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
1992: The Third Edition was brought out in the context of the
centenary of Swami Vivekananda's Bharat Parikrama, the
100th year of his perigrinations all over India, as a wandering
monk, prior to his departure to the West, to participate in the
World's Parliament of Religions at Chicago in 1893.
1993: The Fourth Edition was brought out in the context of
the centenary of Swami Vivekananda's historic Chicago
Address in 1893. In his Benediction to this edition, Swami
Ranganathananda wrote: I have gone through the First
Edition (Oct. 1986). I have also received a copy of the
Second Edition (Aug. 1988). It is a well brought out book,
and there is much appreciation from persons and reviewers.
Now I am happy to know that an International Edition of this
book under the new title Vivekananda -- A Comprehensive
Study, with an additional part entitled Vivekananda A
Voice from Across the Century, is being brought out in the
context of Swami Vivekananda's appearance at the Worlds
Parliament of Religions at Chicago (1893). I wish this
- 41 -

valuable compendium on the spiritual ministry of Swami

Vivekananda a wide circulation in America and in the rest of
the Western world." In this context, the Editor of the volume
had the privilege of attending the Global Vision 2000
Program at Washington, and the Parliament of Religions at
Chicago (Aug.-Sept. 1993). The International edition of the
book was introduced in both the programs, held in
commemoration of the centenary of Swamijis appearance at
the Worlds Parliament of Religions at Chicago. It was well
received and widely welcomed as a reference work on
Swami Vivekananda.
2000: The Fifth Edition (revised and enlarged) coincided with
the UN Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and
Spiritual Leaders (Aug. 28-31, 2000), at New York, and was
released during the program in which the author participated.
2002: During the centenary of Swami Vivekananda's
Mahaasamaadhi, it was offered as an e-book, with an audiovisual Presentation on Swamiji.
2013: The present Sixth Edition (enlarged) is in the context
of the historic 150th Birth Anniversary of Swamiji

- 42 -

THE AUTHOR
Swami Jyotirmayananda hails from Kasaragod, Kerala, in
South India. He had his schooling and college studies at the
Mangalore Ramakrishna Mission Students Home. He got the
mantra diksha in 1966 while serving in a firm in Madras, from
Swami Vireswarananda, the Tenth President of the
Ramakrishna Order. He joined the Vivekananda Kendra,
Kanyakumari, in 1973, and after a few years of service, took
to monastic life independently in 1976.
His work on Swami Vivekananda (www.vivekananda
gospel.org) chronicles the important events in the life and
times of Swamiji, and highlights his mission and the message
to the world. The first edition of the book was published in
1986, and the fifth edition was released at New York, in the
context of the UN Millennium World Peace Summit 2000.
Later, it was also made available as an e-book, with an audiovisual presentation on Swamiji, in the context of the 100th year
of his Mahaasamadhi (2002).
Indias Gift to the World is the Light Spiritual
Understanding India, Its Culture and Sanatana Dharma is a
collection of his papers and articles. The papers were
presented at various indological conferences in the U.S.A.,
and the articles published in brochures, from time to time, for
different programs in New York, New Jersey and
Pennsylvania. The book also contains his article published in
India Tribune, Chicago, and another article compiled from
the writings of Swamiji. His other works/translation include
Hanuman Chalisa and Ashtaka (with 'Glory of Sri Hanuman,
the Glory of Hanuman Chalisa and the Glory of Ramanam.');
Beloved Mother Amritanandamayi A Sketch; and A Pilgrim
Guide to Some Holy Places of Dakshina Kannada and Around.
He has been visiting the U.S. regularly and participating in
various conferences and forums, since 1993, when the
centenary of the Parliament of World Religions was held in
- 43 -

Chicago, and the Global Vision 2000, Washington (1993);

later UN Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and
Spiritual Leaders, New York (2000); Vedanta in the Third
Millennium Conference, Vivekananda Vedanta Society,
Chicago (2001); the Vishwa Dharma Prasaar Yaatra (2001),
Chicago. In early July 2004, he also participated in the
Konkani Sammelan at Los Angeles. He was one of the
Program Coordinators of the Dharma Summit convened by
Swami Dayananda Saraswati and held at the Rutgers
University, New Jersey (Aug. 13-15, 2005); and a Coordination
Committee Member, Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha Second
Convention, Mumbai (October 16, 17 & 18, 2005).
His web page www.vivekanandagospel.org mainly deals with his
publication, while the blog (www.vivekajyoti.blogspot.com) is a
resource on various issues concerning the Hindu Dharma and
the Samaj. He can be reached at swamijyoti
@vivekanandagospel.org
================================================================

His Other Works:

1. Indias Gift to the World is the Light Spiritual Understanding India, Its
Culture and Sanatana Dharma (comprising papers presented in various
Indological conferences in the U.S., from 2002-2010)
2. Hanuman Chalisa and Ashtaka (Original text with transliteration and Hindi
and English Translations); Also the Glory of Sri Hanuman, the Glory of
Hanuman Chalisa and the Glory of Ramanam
3. Beloved Mother Amritanandamayi A Sketch
4. A Pilgrim Guide to Some Holy Places in Dakshina Kannada and Around
================================================================

- 44 -

India Tribune, Chicago, On The Author

By Frank Parlato Jr
(January 11, 2003)

Swami Jyotirmayananda says success is self-fulfillment.

It need not be pleasurable or materially rewarding.
From Chennai, he comes, travelling the US from New
York to California as did he in India, as a wanderer,
preaching the gospel of Swami Vivekananda.
Swami Jyotirmayananda has, literally, no home, no
possessions. The sky, thy roof, the grass, thy bed. His is
the song of the sannyasin. He has neither wealth, nor
retinue, nor fame, yet dares he to say what is success?
Said Yudhistira, Follow the path the great have trodden.
Jyotirmayananda follows the monk who changed the East
and West, Vivekananda, who introduced Hinduism and Yoga
to America, and inspired Indians to a renewed appreciation
of their spiritual heritage.
Swami Jyotirmayanandas book, Vivekananda His
Gospel of Man-making, is now in its fifth edition. He has,
through it, become well known though the monk would not
call that success. Vivekananda said: That desire for fame
is the most of all filth. But, Jyotirmayanandas book is
becoming famous. That is success.
Born in 1945, in a purohit family, in Kerala, after his
school and college studies in Mangalore, he worked at a firm
in Madras, then as lay worker for the Vivekananda Kendra.
In 1976, he became a monk.
Three years of itinerant life led him to conceive an idea to
chronicle the life and times of Vivekananda, to offer a
glimpse of his personality, and his gospel of Man-making.
But he had no practical means to start. Then, while
wandering in Kerala, he met Mother Krishnabai at
Anandashram (www.anandashram.org). She unexpectedly
offered him money. With this sum, he embarked upon a fiveyear task of writing his book, sustaining himself on 100
rupees ($2.00) a month.
- 45 -

When finished, he went to a printing press in Madras,

asking them to print his 2000-page manuscript. They said to
the unknown monk, Where's the money? Crestfallen, he
veered, made a flier about his book, then spent another year
soliciting 800 pre-publication orders.
His first edition was published in 1986. The Governor of
Madras released it; the first copy was accepted by Swami
Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Order. He offered a
copy to the Mother, who blessed it. The book sold out.
Later, when he offered her all the proceeds, Krishnabai
would not accept, since it came, she said, from his
dedication. He used the money for a second edition. When
that too sold out, he returned with a greater sum. But Mother
Krishnabai was no more. Jyotirmayananda donated every
rupee to her ashram for the feeding of the poor. He was
joyously among the poor.
His 988-page book has been reviewed by leading writers
and scholars. Prime Minister A. B. Vajpayee has it in his
library. It graces some 500 university libraries in 50 US
States, and 5,000 libraries in India.
He attended the UN World Peace Summit (2000) as one of
the 100 spiritual leaders of India, has given scholarly and
critical audiences, as also to the youth of the West. Swami
Ranganathananda, president of the Ramakrishna Order, wrote
his book should be in every library. Renowned journalist M. V.
Kamath wrote: There has never has been a book like this
before, and it is unlikely that there will be another like this
again. Around the world, monks have praised it.
But success came mainly of struggle. The vicissitudes
of fortune caused him pain, as well as pleasure: the printer
who failed deadlines, a Christian copy editor who deleted
Vivekanandas criticism of missionaries, a theft, rain
damage, transporting books to US at tremendous cost, and
struggling to dispose them as a stranger in a strange land.
Twenty-two years on one project, never accumulating,
donating the proceeds again and again. Miraculously, it
seemed, successive editions were brought out.
- 46 -

His journey is measured almost by his beard grown long

and white with time. In his ochre robe, he looks like a
patriarch out of Levant. The fifth edition has sold out; he
donated all to the poor. Now, the poverello again awaits the
will of God.
Dedicating his life to Vivekananda, in poverty and in
chastity he calls this success. To succeed, said
Vivekananda, you must have tremendous perseverance,
tremendous will, I will drink the ocean, says the persevering
soul, at my will mountains will crumble, have that sort of
energy, that sort of will; work hard and you will reach the
goal.
By this definition, the mendicant, Jyotirmayananda has
succeeded in these cynical times tremendously well.
He can be reached at swamijyoti@vivekanandagospel.org
Frank Parlato Jr is a syndicated journalist whose work has appeared in more
than 100 publications worldwide. He writes this column exclusively for the India
Tribune. He may be reached at par730@adelphia.net
=============================================================

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