Excerpt: "Liberty is the first condition of growth. Just as man must have liberty to think and speak, so must he have liberty in food, dress, and marriage, and in every other thing as long as he does not injure others."

This compilation by Advaita Ashrama, a publication centre of Ramakrishna Math, is a documentation of selected notes and utterances of Swami Vivekananda about himself and his work. These are arranged chronologically so as to form what may be called a near autobiography of the saint.

The book also takes a hard look at his universally acknowledged reputation as a hypercosmological renouncer who championed the causes of the poor and the downtrodden and thus exemplified the doctrines of socialism at their finest. Sil is the first scholar to critically examine Vivekananda's attitude toward women in general and to probe into his experience with Margaret Noble (Sister Nivedita) in particular, and he is the first author to provide a detailed analysis of Vivekananda's popularity as a preacher and lecturer.

Lectures from Colombo to Almora by Swami Vivekananda: Embark on a spiritual journey and gain profound insights into the teachings of Swami Vivekananda with Lectures from Colombo to Almora. This collection of lectures delivered by the revered spiritual leader encompasses a wide range of topics, including philosophy, spirituality, social reform, and the essence of human existence. Key Points: Presents Swami Vivekananda's eloquent and enlightening lectures, offering a deep understanding of Eastern philosophy and Vedanta. Explores the principles of self-realization, the unity of all religions, and the potential for personal and societal transformation. Inspires readers to explore their own spiritual path, embrace universal values, and lead a life of purpose and service. Swami Vivekananda, an iconic spiritual leader, philosopher, and author, is regarded as one of India's most influential figures in modern history. Born in Calcutta, he played a pivotal role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world through his profound speeches and writings. Vivekananda's works, such as Raja Yoga and Lectures from Colombo to Almora, explore the realms of spirituality, self-realization, and the unity of all religions. His eloquence, intellect, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity continue to inspire millions, making him a revered figure in both literary and spiritual spheres. Swami Vivekananda, an iconic spiritual leader, philosopher, and author, is regarded as one of India's most influential figures in modern history. Born in Calcutta, he played a pivotal role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world through his profound speeches and writings. Vivekananda's works, such as Raja Yoga and Lectures from Colombo to Almora, explore the realms of spirituality, self-realization, and the unity of all religions. His eloquence, intellect, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity continue to inspire millions, making him a revered figure in both literary and spiritual spheres.

An intimate portrait of the little-known aspects of Swami Vivekananda’s life. Wandering mystic, India’s spiritual ambassador to the West and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Vivekananda awakened India’s masses to the country’s spiritual richness while stressing the importance of scientific inquiry. These aspects of Swamiji’s life have been well chronicled by Swamiji himself, through his letters, speeches and writings; his own brothers who between them have written more than a hundred books; his co-disciples, disciples and others whose lives were enriched by their interactions with him; and, more than a century after his death, followers who had only read or heard of the magnetic personality of this revered teacher. Gleaned from all these sources, through painstaking research Sankar’s biography focuses on the personal life of the saint: What was Vivekananda like as a man? What role did his mother play in his life, both before and after he renounced all family ties? Could he reconcile the duties of a monk with the duties of an eldest son? What prompted him to promote Vedanta and biriyani in the West? Did the long drawn battles over family property affect his health and cut short his life? Did his sister commit suicide? Why did his brother not write a single letter for six years when he was wandering around the world? What was Swamiji’s favourite dish and what fruit did he like the least? What was his height? Where did he have his second heart attack? How much did the Calcutta doctor charge him at his chamber? Sankar’s composite picture of the monk as man has sold over one lakh copies in Bengali and this translation brings the unfamiliar Vivekananda to a larger readership.

What marked out Swami Subodhananda from the other disciples of Sri Ramakrishna was his childlike simplicity and guilelessness. Through this book readers will get a wonderful glimpse of the divine and childlike personality of this saintly and eminent disciple of the Master. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, this book contains his Life, Teachings, Reminiscences, and Letters.

Swami Premeshananda was a venerable monk of the Ramakrishna Order who was greatly respected by one and all for his life of spirituality and service. We find in the pages of this book the basic questions of life placed on the firm foundation of the philosophy of Vedanta. We learn how abstract spiritual ideas took concrete form in Sri Ramakrishna’s religious practices and how by clinging to the ideal of Sri Ramakrishna we can solve all the problems of our life. And we find all this presented in a manner which is intelligible, rational, scientific, scripturally sound, and at the same time full of sweet humor. This is a revised single volume edition of the original in bengali translated by Swamis Swahananda and Sarvadevananda.

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.