Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902) popularised Vedanta in the West and reformed Hinduism in India. He also inspired the mass movement that made India a modern nation. In showcasing his life and work, this Reader balances the two main aspects of his life: the religious and the secular, the spiritual and the practical, the devotional and the rational. Included here are the most significant and representative texts from every major genre and phase — selections from his speeches, essays, letters, poems, translations, conversations, and interviews — arranged for easy reading and reference. With a scholarly Introduction highlighting his contemporary relevance, separate section introductions and a detailed biographical Chronology, this volume provides a rare insight into one of India’s greatest minds.
This volume will interest scholars and students of modern Indian history, religion, literature, and philosophy as well as general readers.
Preface. Introduction. Chronology. Part 1: Addresses at the Parliament of Religions, Chicago Response to the Welcome. Why We Disagree. Paper on Hinduism. Religion not the Crying Need of India. Buddhism, the Fulfilment of Hinduism. Address at the Final Session Part 2: The Four Yogas From Karma Yoga. From Raja Yoga. From Jnana Yoga. From Bhakti Yoga Part 3: Speeches and Lectures Delivered Abroad Unity, the Goal of Religion. Reason and Religion. Practical Vedanta Part 4: Lectures from Colombo to Almora Address at Ramnad. Reply to the Address of Welcome at Shivaganga and Manamadura. From ‘My Plan of Campaign’. The Future of India. Reply to the Address of Welcome at Calcutta Part 5: Selections from Prose Writings Religion and Science. Selections from Notes to Lectures and Discourses. On Fanaticism. The Cosmos and the Self. Who is a Real Guru?. On Art. The Evils of Adhikârivâda. Ishvara and Brahman. The Cause of Illusion. Evolution. Buddhism and Vedanta. The Goal and Methods of Realisation. The Problem of Modern India and its Solution Part 6: Poems My Play is Done. The Song of the Sannyâsin. Kali the Mother Peace. To the Awakened India. To the Fourth of July. Light Part 7: Selections from Letters To Pramadadas Mitra, 4 July 1889. To Pramadadas Mitra, 7 August 1889. To Pramadadas Mitra, 17 August 1889. To Panditji Maharaj, 20 September 1892. To Alasinga et al., 10 July 1893. To Alasinga, 20 August 1893. To Alasinga, 2 November 1893. To Alasinga, 1894. To Miss Mary Hale, 1 February 1895. To Alasinga, 6 May 1895. To Alasinga, 9 September 1895. To Alasinga, 18 November 1895. To Alasinga, 13 February 1896. To Swarupananda, 9 February 1902 Part 8: Sayings and Utterances Part 9: Interviews and Conversations Abroad and the Problems at Home. Conversation with Sharatchandra Chakravarty. About the Editor. Index
Biography
Makarand R. Paranjape is Chairperson and Professor of English at the Centre for English Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
‘This Reader brings together some important writings from Swami Vivekananda’s prolific output along with a scholarly assessment. In editing this volume Paranjape has done a great service to the academic community and broader public.’ — Gavin Flood, Professor of Hindu Studies and Comparative Religion, University of Oxford, Academic Director, Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
‘This anthology, well-organized with a general introduction along with helpful section introductions, is . . . indispensable. All those interested in questions of religion and science as well as modern Indian identity will treasure it.’ — Stephen Phillips, Professor of Philosophy and Asian Studies, University of Texas at Austin
‘Paranjape brilliantly succeeds in . . . making available Vivekananda for further modern academic scrutiny.’ — A. Raghuramaraju, Professor of Philosophy, University of Hyderabad
‘This elegant selection of passages from the magnificent body of work produced by Swami Vivekananda helps give the full picture of his genius . . . Professor Paranjape’s book serves to clarify and amplify this important voice, showing Vivekananda’s ongoing relevance in the 21st century.’ — Chris Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology, Department of Theological Studies Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
