About

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, India. He was a Hindu monk and philosopher who is best known for his role in popularizing Hinduism and spirituality in the West. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and a leading figure in the development of modern Hinduism.

Achievements

• Delivered the opening address at the 1893 World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he is credited with introducing Hinduism to the Western world.
• Founded the Vedanta Society of Southern California, which is still active today.
• Translated the Upanishads and other Hindu scriptures into English.
• Wrote several books on Hinduism and spirituality, including "The Heart of the Vedas" and "The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda".

Quotes

• "Be like a tree, and let the dead leaves drop; but do not let them cling to you."
• "The one who has no fear has found the greatest wealth."
• "The world is not a place of pleasure, but of duty."
• "The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are working for a higher purpose."

Works

• The Heart of the Vedas
• The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
• The Vedanta Society's publication of the Upanishads
• Other books on Hinduism and spirituality