India
Vivekananda: 130 years of Swami Vivekananda’s iconic Chicago speech that put Hinduism on world map
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Swami Vivekananda’s iconic speech on Hinduism was delivered at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893. This historic address marked his introduction of Hinduism and Indian spirituality to the Western world. Vivekananda began his speech with the famous words, “Sisters and brothers of America,” which captivated the audience and set the tone for his message of universal brotherhood and religious tolerance. Here is an excerpt from his speech:
“Sisters and Brothers of America,
It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.”
Vivekananda went on to speak about the importance of tolerance and acceptance of different religious beliefs and emphasized the idea that all religions ultimately lead to the same truth. He also talked about the need for a harmonious coexistence of different faiths and the importance of recognizing the divinity within each individual.
Here are 9 best lines from his iconic speech:
“Sisters and Brothers of America,
It fills my heart with joy unspeakable to rise in response to the warm and cordial welcome which you have given us. I thank you in the name of the most ancient order of monks in the world; I thank you in the name of the mother of religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.”
Vivekananda went on to speak about the importance of tolerance and acceptance of different religious beliefs and emphasized the idea that all religions ultimately lead to the same truth. He also talked about the need for a harmonious coexistence of different faiths and the importance of recognizing the divinity within each individual.
Here are 9 best lines from his iconic speech:
- “I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.”
- “We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true.”
- “The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: ‘Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me.'”
- “If the
Parliament of Religions has shown anything to the world, it is this: It has proved to the world that holiness, purity, and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character.” - “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair.”
- “I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.”
- “The Christian is not to become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist to become a Christian. But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.”
- “As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”
- “Let us preach the ideal, and let us not quarrel over the non-essential.”
The speech had a profound impact on the audience and established Swami Vivekananda as a significant figure in the global interfaith dialogue. His message of universalism, tolerance, and the spiritual essence of Hinduism left a lasting impression and continues to inspire people around the world to this day.
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