Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902)
Author of Raja-Yoga
About the Author
Works by Swami Vivekananda
I am a Voice Without a Form 6 copies
Lectures on Bhagavad Gita 2 copies
The Science of Breathing 2 copies
The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 1: Addresses at The Parliament of Religions, Karma-Yoga, Raja-Yoga, Lectures and Discourses (1) (2018) 2 copies
Confences sur bhakti-yoga 2 copies
Swami, Bhakti-Yoga 2 copies
Karma Yoga A educação da vontade 2 copies
Monasticism: Ideal and Traditions 2 copies
Rāja-yoga 2 copies
Pavahari Baba 2 copies
Daily Inspiration 2 copies
Karma-yoga and Bhakti-yoga 2 copies
The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Mayavati Memorial Subsidized Edition (8 Volume Set) (1972) 2 copies
BHARTIYA NARI 2 copies
Ramakrishna and his message 1 copy
What Religion is 1 copy
Yoga Sutra Patanjali 1 copy
Lectures on Bhagavad Gita 1 copy
My master 1 copy
Kariye punarnirman Bharat Nu 1 copy
Selecciones del swami 1 copy
Bhaktiyog 1 copy
Chintaneeya Baatein 1 copy
Lezioni di Raja Yoga 1 copy
Yashashvi Vidhyarthi Jeevan 1 copy
Raja Yoga 1 copy
The Yoga of the Siddhas 1 copy
Christopher Isherwood reads two lectures on the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Vivekananda [video recording] (2007) — Root Text — 1 copy
Inspiring Thoughts 1 copy
4 CAMINHOS PARA A SALVAÇÃO: Karma-Yoga, Raja-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga e Jnana-Yoga (Portuguese Edition) 1 copy
Parivrajaka 1 copy
HINDUISM 1 copy
রাজযোগ 1 copy
Raja-yoga 1 copy
ராஜ யோக விளக்கம் 1 copy
My Life And Mission 1 copy
Baktiter Bikash 1 copy
Starfsraekt 1 copy
Vedanta and Sankhya 1 copy
Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga 1 copy
Rajyoga (राजयोग) 1 copy
Bartaman Bharat 1 copy
THOUGHTS ON THE GEETA 1 copy
Practice of Religion 1 copy
விவேகாநந்தர் அறிவுரைகள் 1 copy
கர்ம யோக விளக்கம் 1 copy
ஞான யோக விளக்கம் 1 copy
প্রাচ্য ও পাশ্চাত্ত্য 1 copy
பக்தி யோக விளக்கம் 1 copy
எது இன்பம் ? 1 copy
Vivekanand Sahitya Sanchayan 1 copy
SHIKSHA 1 copy
Rajyog (Gujarati) 1 copy
Karma Yogam 1 copy
O que é Religião 1 copy
Prabuddha Bharata 1 copy
Filosofía Vendata 1 copy
Vedanta practica 1 copy
La filosofia vedanta 1 copy
Gita for Everyday Living: Exploring the Message of the Gita in a Contemporary and Practical Context 1 copy
Aspects of Vedanta 1 copy
Sri Ramakrishna as I saw him 1 copy
Quiet Hour 1 copy
Vendata Práctica 1 copy
Filosofía y yoga 1 copy
Γιόγκα: Του Βιβεκανάντα 1 copy
Vedanta Philosophy: Eight Lectures By The Swami Vivekananda On Karma Yoga The Secret of Work (2007) 1 copy
Gjana joga 1 copy
Commentaires sur les aphorismes de patanjali. (raja-yoga) avec le texte complet des aphorismes. (1938) 1 copy
Our Motherland 1 copy
Bold Message for World Peace 1 copy
Naa Aatma Katha 1 copy
hindudharmada kare 1 copy
Lectures and Discourses by Swami Vivekananda: given around the world, from 1888 to 1902 (2019) 1 copy
Journey to Absolute 1 copy
Gyanyog (Hindi) 1 copy
Rajyog (Hindi) 1 copy
Vyaktitva Ka Sampoorna Vikas 1 copy
Rousing Call to Hindu Nation 1 copy
Four Yogas 1 copy
Vartaman Bharat 1 copy
Associated Works
Sources of Indian Tradition, Volume II: Modern India and Pakistan (1958) — Contributor — 185 copies, 1 review
The Original Gospel of Ramakrishna: Based on M's English Text, Abridged (2011) — Introduction — 4 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Other names
- Dutta, Narendranath
- Birthdate
- 1863-01-12
- Date of death
- 1902-07-04
- Gender
- male
- Occupations
- yogi
spiritual teacher
sannyasin
author - Organizations
- Ramakrishna Mission
Ramakrishna Math
Advaita Ashrama
Vedanta Society - Relationships
- Ramakrishna, Sri (guru)
- Short biography
- Swami Vivekananda (January 12, 1863–July 4, 1902), born Narendranath Dutta is the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of Ramakrishna Mission. He is considered a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga in Europe and America and is also credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the status of a world religion during the end of the 19th century. Vivekananda is considered to be a major force in the revival of Hinduism in modern India. He is best known for his inspiring speech beginning with "sisters and brothers of America", through which he introduced Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions at Chicago in 1893.
- Nationality
- India
- Burial location
- Belur Math, Kolkata, India
- Associated Place (for map)
- Kolkata, India
Members
Reviews
This volume collects two of "the Yogas" by Vivekananda in their standard English edition. They are paginated separately, and in this review I'll refer to (K #) for Karma-Yoga and (B #) for Bhakti-Yoga.
These short books are quite inspiring. As always, Vivekananda writes as a Vedantist whose essential spirituality is universalist. He often pauses to point out the good and bad in various world religions, and Christianity is certainly not immune to criticism. He implicitly derides the doctrine show more of original sin and Christian self-hatred (K 16ff.), and he makes numerous anti-Protestant remarks: "at present there is scarcely any difference between the advanced Protestants and the followers of Auguste Comte, or the Agnostics who preach ethics alone" (B 46).
His occasional praises for Christianity concern the features of the Christian legacy most clearly presented in Thelema. Writing of the point at which Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana become indistinguishable, he says: "The worshipper, by keeping constantly before him the idea of God and a surrounding of good, comes to the same point at last and says, 'Thy will be done'" (K 80-1). And in reference to Vatsalya: "The idea of loving God as a child comes into existence and grows naturally among those religious sects which believe in the incarnation of God" (B 98-9).
The second section of Bhakti-Yoga, concerning "Para-Bhakti or Supreme Devotion," is the very best part of this volume. In it, Vivekananda describes the agape of the adepts, and he explains how it is that the obligation of the Master of the Temple to "interpret every phenomenon as a particular dealing of God with my Soul" is in fact the "central secret" of bhakti yoga (B 73). show less
These short books are quite inspiring. As always, Vivekananda writes as a Vedantist whose essential spirituality is universalist. He often pauses to point out the good and bad in various world religions, and Christianity is certainly not immune to criticism. He implicitly derides the doctrine show more of original sin and Christian self-hatred (K 16ff.), and he makes numerous anti-Protestant remarks: "at present there is scarcely any difference between the advanced Protestants and the followers of Auguste Comte, or the Agnostics who preach ethics alone" (B 46).
His occasional praises for Christianity concern the features of the Christian legacy most clearly presented in Thelema. Writing of the point at which Karma, Bhakti, and Jnana become indistinguishable, he says: "The worshipper, by keeping constantly before him the idea of God and a surrounding of good, comes to the same point at last and says, 'Thy will be done'" (K 80-1). And in reference to Vatsalya: "The idea of loving God as a child comes into existence and grows naturally among those religious sects which believe in the incarnation of God" (B 98-9).
The second section of Bhakti-Yoga, concerning "Para-Bhakti or Supreme Devotion," is the very best part of this volume. In it, Vivekananda describes the agape of the adepts, and he explains how it is that the obligation of the Master of the Temple to "interpret every phenomenon as a particular dealing of God with my Soul" is in fact the "central secret" of bhakti yoga (B 73). show less
This book covers two of the most important spiritual paths of Hinduism in eloquent and evocative language with a direct appeal to the heart.
However, by no means is it restricted to a particular belief or sect. This book is a collection of speeches and writings of Swami Vivekananda on Karma and Bhakti Yoga; the lectures read together very well and if one were not told in advance that this was a collection, it would read just like a book.
Swami Vivekananda has a genius for giving an unexpected show more angle of thought to these subjects. The logic and reason of these paths are brilliantly treated. We see that these are not doctrinal paths but teachings which are in harmony with modern science and thought. The wisdom of Karma Yoga provides a vital input on leading our lives in the modern age, and Bhakti Yoga, interpreted in such rational language, is as relevant today as it was in ancient times.
It is to the credit of Swami Vivekananda that he makes us realize the importance of these teachings and brings them alive for us. This book is a must for all who wish to practice spirituality in the modern age.
...P.J.Mazumdar, author of The Circle of Fire: The Metaphysics of Yoga show less
However, by no means is it restricted to a particular belief or sect. This book is a collection of speeches and writings of Swami Vivekananda on Karma and Bhakti Yoga; the lectures read together very well and if one were not told in advance that this was a collection, it would read just like a book.
Swami Vivekananda has a genius for giving an unexpected show more angle of thought to these subjects. The logic and reason of these paths are brilliantly treated. We see that these are not doctrinal paths but teachings which are in harmony with modern science and thought. The wisdom of Karma Yoga provides a vital input on leading our lives in the modern age, and Bhakti Yoga, interpreted in such rational language, is as relevant today as it was in ancient times.
It is to the credit of Swami Vivekananda that he makes us realize the importance of these teachings and brings them alive for us. This book is a must for all who wish to practice spirituality in the modern age.
...P.J.Mazumdar, author of The Circle of Fire: The Metaphysics of Yoga show less
Hindu spirituality and philosophy from Swami Vivekananda, focusing on the science of yoga, written for an early 1900s American audience. Yoga is the process by which a person can yoke the moving energy underlying all existence (prana) with oneself -- postures, yes, but also breath attention and meditation. Properly followed down the full path, the practitioner gradually eliminates the separation between his self and his reality, and can bend his reality accordingly.
The mysticism and promised show more powers -- like being able to become invisible -- I have always been more comfortable taking as metaphorical when here they seemed presented as quite literal and reasonable outcomes. At the same time, I know enough to be skeptical of my skepticism, because I've also seen Hindu monks succeed at what I'd have considered impossible feats. Regardless of the mysticism, the refresher on Hindu philosophy was appreciated since it's been years since I have dipped any toes into Hindu beliefs. Unlike many other readers, however, I didn't find it to be an overwhelmingly spiritual or remarkable text.
Since this book is from 1896, I found a free electronic copy. It was poorly edited, used a generic typeface, and was formatted to use at-home printer paper. Comparing to a few pages of a nicely printed and bound copy, I'm also surprised by the extent to which my skepticism was primed by the incidentals of the form -- the printed book seems much more confident, engaging, and believable. That leads to interesting and useful reflection itself, to be sure, aligned with some of Vivekananda's arguments. show less
The mysticism and promised show more powers -- like being able to become invisible -- I have always been more comfortable taking as metaphorical when here they seemed presented as quite literal and reasonable outcomes. At the same time, I know enough to be skeptical of my skepticism, because I've also seen Hindu monks succeed at what I'd have considered impossible feats. Regardless of the mysticism, the refresher on Hindu philosophy was appreciated since it's been years since I have dipped any toes into Hindu beliefs. Unlike many other readers, however, I didn't find it to be an overwhelmingly spiritual or remarkable text.
Since this book is from 1896, I found a free electronic copy. It was poorly edited, used a generic typeface, and was formatted to use at-home printer paper. Comparing to a few pages of a nicely printed and bound copy, I'm also surprised by the extent to which my skepticism was primed by the incidentals of the form -- the printed book seems much more confident, engaging, and believable. That leads to interesting and useful reflection itself, to be sure, aligned with some of Vivekananda's arguments. show less
Karma Yoga is a series of lectures given by Swami Vivekananda in between 1895 - 1896. This book discusses what Swami Vivekananda considers one of the ways of getting "freedom". Though spoken more than 120 years ago, this work still carries the power of putting you in a blissful, clear mindset. However, it also has some unique problems pertaining to its time.
In my review, I am attempting to highlight what I liked and what I disliked in this book. As always before starting this review, I would show more like to add a disclaimer that I am not an objective reviewer - I usually let my emotions guide my reviews.
The fact that this book was narrated 120 years ago does show its mark. One of the biggest victims of it is that this book has been narrated for a very specific set of audience i.e cis male. Being a female reader, I was pretty disappointed when I could not contact with the examples given by the speaker at all (as it was completely directed to a cis male). However, the speaker does try to be inclusive or at least make certain concepts applicable to a diverse audience.
Another problem I had with this book is it starts from the very basics. This book atleast the initial 40% can be a drag for someone who is already aware of the concepts of Karma. Which means it can be a good book for a complete noob. However, if you stick through these chapters I believe you may find some gems in the ultimate and penultimate chapters which will make waiting for it worth it.
I also faced a lot of problem initially in understanding some of the concepts mentioned in the book notably the writer does not try to explain what is good, what is evil, why work when you want to seek freedom. These questions almost made me stop reading this book but I am thankful I didn't because the writer does explains most of them in the later chapters. So impatient readers like me should keep a little patience in the intitial chapters.
Now, moving to the good parts. This book is short and crisp with very simple language which makes it easily understandable. But the best part about this book is its pan-religion nature. Though the foundation of this concept is deeply ingrained in Hinduism, Swami Vivekananda really tries to include other religious thoughts as well as non religious inclinations. This makes this book really secular and easy to comprehend and connect.
Also, this book gives you a very warm , good feeling and can be a good moral compass for someone looking for directions.
All in all, despite some minor problem areas - I believe this book is worth the read if you are interested in understanding "What exactly is Karma"?
Happy reading.
show less
In my review, I am attempting to highlight what I liked and what I disliked in this book. As always before starting this review, I would show more like to add a disclaimer that I am not an objective reviewer - I usually let my emotions guide my reviews.
The fact that this book was narrated 120 years ago does show its mark. One of the biggest victims of it is that this book has been narrated for a very specific set of audience i.e cis male. Being a female reader, I was pretty disappointed when I could not contact with the examples given by the speaker at all (as it was completely directed to a cis male). However, the speaker does try to be inclusive or at least make certain concepts applicable to a diverse audience.
Another problem I had with this book is it starts from the very basics. This book atleast the initial 40% can be a drag for someone who is already aware of the concepts of Karma. Which means it can be a good book for a complete noob. However, if you stick through these chapters I believe you may find some gems in the ultimate and penultimate chapters which will make waiting for it worth it.
I also faced a lot of problem initially in understanding some of the concepts mentioned in the book notably the writer does not try to explain what is good, what is evil, why work when you want to seek freedom. These questions almost made me stop reading this book but I am thankful I didn't because the writer does explains most of them in the later chapters. So impatient readers like me should keep a little patience in the intitial chapters.
Now, moving to the good parts. This book is short and crisp with very simple language which makes it easily understandable. But the best part about this book is its pan-religion nature. Though the foundation of this concept is deeply ingrained in Hinduism, Swami Vivekananda really tries to include other religious thoughts as well as non religious inclinations. This makes this book really secular and easy to comprehend and connect.
Also, this book gives you a very warm , good feeling and can be a good moral compass for someone looking for directions.
All in all, despite some minor problem areas - I believe this book is worth the read if you are interested in understanding "What exactly is Karma"?
Happy reading.
show less
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- Rating
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