Early life of swami vivekananda

 

Swami Vivekananda, born as Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, India, had a remarkable early life marked by intellectual curiosity and spiritual inclination.

1. Family and Education:

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   • Narendranath was born into an affluent Bengali family. His father, Vishwanath Datta, was a successful attorney, and his mother, Bhuvaneshwari Devi, was a devout and caring woman.
   • From a young age, Narendranath showed great intellectual promise. He excelled in studies and was well - versed in a variety of subjects, including literature, philosophy, and Western sciences.

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4. Influence of Rational Thinking:

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   • Despite being born into a Hindu family, Narendranath was exposed to a rational and liberal atmosphere at home. His father, Vishwanath, was known for his broad-minded views and encouraged his son to think independently.
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5. Spiritual Quest:

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   • Narendranath's spiritual journey began in his late teens when he started questioning the meaning and purpose of life. He was drawn to the ideas of Brahmo Samaj, a reformist Hindu movement advocating monotheism and social reform.
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6. Encounter with Ramakrishna Paramahansa:

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   • In 1881, at the age of 18, Narendranath met Ramakrishna Paramahansa, a saint known for his deep spiritual experiences. This meeting marked a turning point in Narendranath's life as he became captivated by Ramakrishna's teachings and philosophies.

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8. Intense Spiritual Training:

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   • Narendranath became a frequent visitor to Ramakrishna's Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Under Ramakrishna's guidance, he underwent intense spiritual training and experienced profound states of meditation.
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9. Embracing Monastic Life:

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   • After Ramakrishna's passing in 1886, Narendranath faced a period of spiritual crisis. Eventually, he decided to renounce worldly life and embrace monasticism. In 1888, he took formal vows and became Swami Vivekananda.
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10. Wandering Monk:

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• Swami Vivekananda embarked on a journey as a wandering monk, traveling across India. He observed the social and economic conditions of the people and felt a deep calling to address their struggles.
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Swami Vivekananda's early life laid the foundation for his later role as a global ambassador of Hindu philosophy and spirituality. His encounters with Ramakrishna and his diverse experiences shaped his worldview, eventually leading him to the world stage at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893.