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What Religion Is the Words of Swami Vivekananda
A collection of the main writings of Swami Vivekananda as compiled by an American Swami who gathered Vivekananda's thoughts and words on religion in one book. It contains all the major works in one inexpensive volume and is specifically edited for the Western reader.
- GenresReligionPhilosophy
371 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 1972
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232 people want to read
About the author
Vivekananda
1,667 books1,586 followers"Arise Awake and Stop not til the goal is reached"
Vivekananda left a body of philosophical works (see Vivekananda's complete works). His books (compiled from lectures given around the world) on the four Yogas (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga) are very influential and still seen as fundamental texts for anyone interested in the Hindu practice of Yoga. His letters are of great literary and spiritual value. He was also considered a very good singer and a poet.By the time of his death, He had composed many songs including his favorite Kali the Mother. He used humor for his teachings and was also an excellent cook. His language is very free flowing. His own Bengali writings stand testimony to the fact that he believed that words - spoken or written - should be for making things easier to understand rather than show off the speaker or writer's knowledge.
Swami Vivekananda [ স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ ] (1863 – 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion.
Born in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
Vivekananda left a body of philosophical works (see Vivekananda's complete works). His books (compiled from lectures given around the world) on the four Yogas (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga) are very influential and still seen as fundamental texts for anyone interested in the Hindu practice of Yoga. His letters are of great literary and spiritual value. He was also considered a very good singer and a poet.By the time of his death, He had composed many songs including his favorite Kali the Mother. He used humor for his teachings and was also an excellent cook. His language is very free flowing. His own Bengali writings stand testimony to the fact that he believed that words - spoken or written - should be for making things easier to understand rather than show off the speaker or writer's knowledge.
Swami Vivekananda [ স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ ] (1863 – 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion.
Born in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 8, 2015
Wonderful experience. Being a Hindu we already know the things mentioned here. Still explained in such a simple and lucid manner, the book becomes a must read. For those who want to know about Geeta, those who are already introduced to the philosophy of Bagvadgeeta.
March 26, 2012
This books starts off with a clever anecdote of Swami Vivekananda's journey in the U.S. The book with a title as such, would be thought of as serious but instead starts off with "One morning,"(Isherwood 1). This reminds you of reading a children's book when you are tucked in at night but it is not. This book is not a storybook. It is a book explaining the deepest of topics, religion. The best part of this book is that Swami never persuades you to be hindu in fact he quotes the bible in multiple accounts, "Jesus says the Kingdom of heaven is within you"(Swami Vivekananda). Even the way this book is written it is as if he is talking to you and discussing his beliefs so that even in this heavy subject he carries a light tone. Even though your very first glimpse of Swami is a crazy, preacher you find through his word choice he is much more. He uses large words such as, "Pomposity,"(Vivekananda 5). This book has not given me an eye opener on hinduism as it hoped so far but I will continue reading and report later!
After reading...
One thing Swami Vivekananda did good in this book was make it relate-able and easy to understand- especially for such a heavy topic- for all. He is able to connect the minds of many religions and countries to understand this book, which in my opinion is the best part of the book. As he begins to explain the Vedanta philosophy,a branch of Hinduism, he is able to connect it to "Christians and Mohammedans"( Vivekananda 45). That is beautiful. That is also a theme of the book, the connections of all religions."Religion is the tie, the unity of humanity"(Vivekananda 308). He explains that he does not wish all of us to become one religion but for all of us to coexist with more than just tolerating the other religions but accepting them too. He explains this and his many other beliefs using similes which is very prominent in his technique as an author. He uses things that people can relate to all over the world like a man taking "photographs of the sun" (Vivekananda 18). The problem with this book is that there is just too much of all the things he did well. there are too many themes to explain, and too many metaphors explaining them. Therefore this book sounds like a desultory speech.
After reading...
One thing Swami Vivekananda did good in this book was make it relate-able and easy to understand- especially for such a heavy topic- for all. He is able to connect the minds of many religions and countries to understand this book, which in my opinion is the best part of the book. As he begins to explain the Vedanta philosophy,a branch of Hinduism, he is able to connect it to "Christians and Mohammedans"( Vivekananda 45). That is beautiful. That is also a theme of the book, the connections of all religions."Religion is the tie, the unity of humanity"(Vivekananda 308). He explains that he does not wish all of us to become one religion but for all of us to coexist with more than just tolerating the other religions but accepting them too. He explains this and his many other beliefs using similes which is very prominent in his technique as an author. He uses things that people can relate to all over the world like a man taking "photographs of the sun" (Vivekananda 18). The problem with this book is that there is just too much of all the things he did well. there are too many themes to explain, and too many metaphors explaining them. Therefore this book sounds like a desultory speech.
November 29, 2015
This book was an amazing read. I recommend this book to those who are really serious to understand what really a religion is!
November 9, 2018
The best book I have ever read about spirituality. It contains and transmits the truth through vedanta framework.
May 23, 2020
Its really all about the true religion. 🌱
June 22, 2025
It is a challenging read, it gives insight into eastern beliefs & helps into understand yogis it has taught me much about consciousness - the journey continues & being one humanity.
December 1, 2023
"What Religion Is the Words of Swami Vivekananda" is a meticulously compiled collection of the principal writings of the esteemed Swami Vivekananda. The book, curated by an American Swami, serves as a comprehensive anthology, bringing together Vivekananda's profound thoughts and words on religion into a single, accessible volume. Designed with the Western reader in mind, this compilation encompasses all the major works of Swami Vivekananda in an economical yet enlightening presentation!
The compilation is a testament to the enduring relevance and universality of Swami Vivekananda's teachings. By assembling his key writings, the book provides readers with a holistic understanding of Vivekananda's perspectives on religion. The meticulous editing ensures that the content is tailored for Western audiences, making this collection an invaluable resource for those seeking insight into Vivekananda's philosophy.
Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual luminary and key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, left behind a legacy of profound teachings. This compilation captures the essence of his thoughts, offering readers a glimpse into the wisdom and spiritual depth that defined his discourse on religion.
The affordability of this volume makes it an attractive option for those interested in exploring Swami Vivekananda's teachings without the need to acquire multiple texts. It consolidates his major works, making it a convenient and insightful entry point for Western readers seeking to delve into the spiritual heritage of Vivekananda.
In essence, "What Religion Is the Words of Swami Vivekananda" stands as a thoughtful curation, bridging cultural gaps and providing a comprehensive understanding of Swami Vivekananda's views on religion. This compilation is a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Vivekananda's spiritual insights!
The compilation is a testament to the enduring relevance and universality of Swami Vivekananda's teachings. By assembling his key writings, the book provides readers with a holistic understanding of Vivekananda's perspectives on religion. The meticulous editing ensures that the content is tailored for Western audiences, making this collection an invaluable resource for those seeking insight into Vivekananda's philosophy.
Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual luminary and key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, left behind a legacy of profound teachings. This compilation captures the essence of his thoughts, offering readers a glimpse into the wisdom and spiritual depth that defined his discourse on religion.
The affordability of this volume makes it an attractive option for those interested in exploring Swami Vivekananda's teachings without the need to acquire multiple texts. It consolidates his major works, making it a convenient and insightful entry point for Western readers seeking to delve into the spiritual heritage of Vivekananda.
In essence, "What Religion Is the Words of Swami Vivekananda" stands as a thoughtful curation, bridging cultural gaps and providing a comprehensive understanding of Swami Vivekananda's views on religion. This compilation is a valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Vivekananda's spiritual insights!
April 30, 2023
The text is a compilation of of Swami Vivekananda's thoughts, lectures and works on what religion is. The articles in the book had been extracted from works spread over 4,200 pages of the right volumes of Swami's "Complete Works". All credits to Mr. John Yale, who became Swami Vidyatmananda of the Ramakrishna Order.
The book has an Introduction from Christoper Isherwood, who has given an overview of the Swamiji, the influences that shaped Him, and how He ended up in the West.
For those who are not acquainted with Vedanta and the yogas, this book will serve the needs of such people.
The book has an Introduction from Christoper Isherwood, who has given an overview of the Swamiji, the influences that shaped Him, and how He ended up in the West.
For those who are not acquainted with Vedanta and the yogas, this book will serve the needs of such people.
October 24, 2016
A wonderful book. Amazing clarity of thought on complex issues like religion. Swami Vivekananda makes it so easy to understand the Hindu religion and its various strands
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews