Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was a Hindu monk and a key figure in the introduction of Indian spiritual concepts and yoga to the Western world. He was born as Narendranath Datta Calcutta, India and from an early age showed a deep interest in religion and philosophy. He received a traditional Indian education and was also exposed to Western philosophy and science.
In 1881, he met Ramakrishna, a mystic and spiritual teacher, who became his guru and a major influence on his life. After Ramakrishna’s death in 1886, Vivekananda travelled across India, seeking knowledge and spiritual guidance. In 1893, he represented India at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, where he delivered a famous speech on the unity of religions and the need for spiritual upliftment.
After this, he spent several years in the United States and Europe, teaching and lecturing on Indian philosophy and religion. He also established the Vedanta Society in New York and London, which aimed to promote the study and understanding of Indian spirituality in the West.
In 1897, he returned to India and continued to travel and lecture throughout the country, promoting education and social reform. He also established the Ramakrishna Mission, a charitable organization that provides education and medical care to the poor.
Swami Vivekananda died in 1902 at the young age of 39, but his teachings and ideas continue to influence people around the world. He is considered a key figure in the introduction of yoga and Indian spirituality to the West and his ideas on religion, education, and social reform are still widely studied and admired today.
One of the poems written by Swami Vivekananda for the youth in Hindi is:
जीवन का सफर तुम खुद निर्भर हो,
अपनी राह खुद बनाओ, अपनी कर्म करो,
किसी को नहीं देखने दो, किसी को नहीं सुनने दो,
अपने कर्तव्य को पूरा करो, अपने सपनों को पूरा करो।
The poem is translated as:
“Take charge of your own journey of life,
Make your own path, do your own deeds,
Don’t look to anyone else, don’t listen to anyone else,
Fulfill your duties, fulfill your dreams.”
This poem is a call to action for the youth to take responsibility for their own lives and to be independent in their thinking and actions. The poem encourages the youth to chart their own course in life, and not to be swayed by the opinions or actions of others. The poem also emphasizes on fulfilling one’s own duties and chasing one’s own dreams, rather than seeking validation or approval from others.
In summary, this poem is a powerful message for the youth to be self-reliant and self-motivated, and to take ownership of their own lives and their own future. It is a reminder that true success and fulfillment come from following one’s own heart and working towards one’s own goals.
Swami Vivekananda believed that the primary duty of youth is to develop their own character and strength. He taught that this could be achieved through self-discipline, self-control, and the cultivation of spiritual values. He also emphasized the importance of education and the acquisition of knowledge, as well as service to others and the betterment of society. He believed that the youth have a special role to play in shaping the future of the world and that it is their duty to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
Swami Vivekananda had a strong message for the youth, encouraging them to take responsibility for their own growth and development, and to use their energy and potential to make a positive impact on society. He believed that the youth have the power to shape the future and that it is their duty to work towards creating a better world. Some of his key messages for the youth include:
- The importance of self-discipline and self-control: Swami Vivekananda emphasized the importance of developing one’s own character and strength through self-discipline and self-control. He believed that this was the foundation for all other growth and development.
- The power of education: Swami Vivekananda believed that education was essential for the development of the individual and for the progress of society. He encouraged the youth to seek knowledge and to use it for the betterment of the world.
- The importance of service: Swami Vivekananda taught that true spiritual growth comes from serving others and working for the betterment of society. He encouraged the youth to be active in social and community service and to use their talents and abilities to help others.
- The need for spiritual upliftment: Swami Vivekananda believed that true spiritual growth is the key to inner peace, strength, and happiness. He encouraged the youth to explore their spiritual side, to seek self-knowledge and to develop a strong inner self.
- The message of unity: Swami Vivekananda believed in the unity of all religions and people, and encouraged the youth to see beyond differences and to work towards creating a harmonious world. He believed that the youth have a special role to play in shaping the future and that it is their duty to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
Overall, Swami Vivekananda’s message to the youth was one of self-discovery and self-empowerment. He encouraged them to take responsibility for their own growth and development and to use their energy and potential to make a positive impact on society. His teachings continue to inspire and guide many young people today.
One of the best quotes by Swami Vivekananda for the youth is:
“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
This quote encourages the youth to be proactive and determined in their pursuit of their goals and aspirations. The message is to not be satisfied with mediocrity, but to strive for excellence and to not give up until success is achieved. The quote also implies that one should be self-motivated, and not wait for opportunities, but to create them.
This quote is a call to action for the youth to take charge of their own lives, to be ambitious, and to not let anything stand in the way of their success. It is a reminder that success does not come easily and one must be willing to work hard and make sacrifices to achieve their goals.
In summary, this quote is a powerful and motivating message for the youth, encouraging them to be proactive, ambitious, and persistent in their efforts to achieve their goals and to make a positive impact on the world.