Swami Vivekananda

This anthology offers an eclectic and wide-ranging selection from the writings and speeches of Swami Vivekananda in commemoration of his 150th birth anniversary. The scholarly introductions place Vivekananda’s works in the context of his times, and discuss Hinduism and other religions, the sciences, the freedom struggle, and the making of modern India. 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.