Swami Vivekananda and his relevance to the world


Swami Vivekananda, a pioneering Hindu spiritual leader and philosopher from Bhārat (India), delivered timeless Hindu values and messages that continue to inspire the world today.

Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda

Narendra, as he was called then, was born on January 12, 1863.

His teachings always emphasise universal values, spiritual growth, and human potential. His messages transcend time and remain relevant in addressing modern challenges, inspiring individuals to lead lives of purpose, strength and selfless service.

Swami Vivekananda stressed the importance of self-confidence and faith in one’s abilities as the foundation for success and spiritual progress. He believed that every individual has immense potential and that the purpose of life is to manifest this divinity through self-discipline, knowledge, devotion, and service.

Swamiji emphasised that ‘Service to Humanity is Service to God’. He advocated for selfless service to humanity, considering it the highest form of worship. He saw Bhagwān (God) in every living being and believed that serving others was the true path to spirituality.

Vivekananda encouraged individuals to be fearless, strong, and determined. He believed that physical, mental, and spiritual strength were essential for achieving greatness. Strength and Courage to ‘Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached’. He always had immense faith in the Youth and believed that their energy and idealism could bring transformative changes to society across the world. He stressed that education should focus on building character and imparting life skills, not just accumulating information.

Vivekananda saw all of humanity as one global family and urged people to rise above divisions to foster global harmony and peace. He delivered a famous speech in Chicago on 11th Sept 1893, starting with the words ‘My Sisters and brothers of America’ and expressed pride in belonging to a religion/culture (Hindu) which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations on earth, and which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.

Some important places visited by Swami ji in London, Swami Vivekananda in London, 1896 and Bust of Swami Vivekananda at Harrow Arts Centre, London
Left: Some important places visited by Swami ji in London. Centre: Swami Vivekananda in London, 1896. Right: Bust of Swami Vivekananda at Harrow Arts Centre, London

Swami Vivekanand’s inspiring visits to the UK

Swami Vivekananda’s stay and teachings in the United Kingdom were significant in his mission to spread the message of Hindu Dharma through Vedānta and spirituality to the West. He made three visits totaling 297 days from September to the end of November 1895; from April to the end of July 1896; and from October to December 16, 1896. Swami Vivekananda first arrived in London in September 1895 after gaining widespread recognition for his address at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.

During his time in the UK, he conducted lectures, gave private talks, and interacted with intellectuals and spiritual seekers, spreading the teachings of Vedanta and Hindu philosophy.

Vivekananda tailored his teachings for the Western audience, focusing on universal values and practical spirituality. Swami Vivekananda delivered several lectures in cities like London and Oxford, which attracted intellectuals, philosophers and spiritual seekers.

Universal Hindu Religion – He spoke about the unity of all religions and emphasised that different paths lead to the same ultimate truth. He explained how Vedanta provides a philosophical foundation for understanding the universality of spiritual experiences.

Unity of East and West – Vivekananda highlighted the complementary strengths of Eastern spirituality and Western material progress, advocating for their synthesis to benefit humanity.

Public Lectures and Teachings – His lectures covered topics like Four Yogs (Karma Yog, Bhakti Yog, Jnana Yog, Raja Yog). The philosophy of Vedanta for comparative religion and the harmony of religions and cultures. He taught a deeper understanding of Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and the Yog Sutras.

Swami Vivekananda in London
Swami Vivekananda in London book cover and Plaque at 63 St George's Drive, Pimlico, SW1V 4DD, City of Westminster

Notable Students and Admirers

Swami Vivekananda influenced many prominent individuals in the UK, including;

Margaret Noble (Sister Nivedita): She became one of his closest disciples and dedicated her life to serving India and promoting his teachings. She was struck with the novelty and the breadth of the Hindu culture and the intellectual freshness of Vivekananda’s philosophical outlook.

Max Müller: The renowned Indologist and scholar of Hinduism greatly admired Swamiji and his work. 

J.J. Goodwin, Mr. E.T. Sturdy and Mr. and Mrs. Sevier, Edward Carpenter, Frederick Meyers, Canon Wilberforce, and other celebrities. 

Swami Vivekananda’s brother, Mahendranath, lived with him for much of his time in England in 1895 and 1896 and wrote a book – Swami Vivekanand in London (Available on Amazon).