Swami Vivekananda A Contemporary Reader [Paperback]

Swami Vivekananda (18631902) 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 Indias greatest minds.

This volume will interest scholars and students of modern Indian history, religion, literature, and philosophy as well as general readers.

Preface. Introduction. Chronology. Part 1: Addresses at the Parliament of Religions, Chicago Response to the Welcome. Why We Disagree. Paper on Hinduism. Religion not the Crying Need of India. Buddhism, the Fulfilment of Hinduism. Address at the Final Session Part 2: The Four Yogas From Karma Yoga.From Raja Yoga.From Jnana Yoga.From Bhakti Yoga Part 3: Speeches and Lectures Delivered Abroad Unity, the Goal of Religion. Reason and Religion. Practical Vedanta Part 4: Lectures from Colombo to Almora Address at Ramnad. Reply to the Address of Welcome at Shivaganga and Manamadura. From My Plan of Campaign. The Future of India. Reply to the Address of Welcome at Calcutta Part 5: Selections from Prose Writings Religion and Science. Selections from Notes to Lectures and Discourses. On Fanaticism. The Cosmos and the Self. Who is a Real Gurulӽ