America's First Guru: The Story of Swami Vivekananda

I was inspired by Vivekananda’s work while growing up in a minority Buddhist household in Kolkata in 1970s. He along with poet Rabindranath Tagore and many Indian pioneers and reformers were also inspired by the example of the Buddha. Vivekananda recalled a vision of a calm, head-shaved sannyasi carrying a wooden water bowl. He was struck with wonder and fled the room, but later said, “It was the Lord Buddha whom I saw”. Vivekananda visited Bodh-Gaya multiple times, and (meditated there under Bodhi tree, I heard from a friend) including on his 39th birthday when he gave up his body in Samadhi. Although this is not widely known or shared in Ramakrishna Mission or Vedanta Society.

America’s First Guru, The Story of Swami Vivekananda

He gave two talks on Buddhism when he came to the US in 1893. I see the heart of Buddha and intellect of Brahmin unified in him. He probably didn’t have much access or time to read Buddhist scripture in his short life. His primary mission was to be the Awakener of Souls.

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Thanks for sharing this. I’ll watch the documentary if I get the chance.

But I just saw the opening bit, and it had Barack Obama talking about Vivekānanda, and I know it’s trivial, but I was impressed that he correctly pronounced the long ā!

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Vivekananda spoke at the World Parliament of Religions as did Anagarika Dharmapala.

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Thank you Bhante. Yes I was surprised too at the correct pronunciation of Obama.

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Yes Anagarika Dharmapala and Swami Vivekananda were both influential speakers at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions in Chicago and lifelong friends. Dharmapala even donated some of his speaking time to Vivekananda at the Parliament.

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https://www.politico.com/story/2009/07/obama-a-stickler-for-pronunciation-024466

Does anyone remember the good old days when wearing a tan suit and pronouncing countries names correctly was considered a political scandal?

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I did not know that, that’s a gesture that speaks to his character.

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The gesture of Anagarika also shows the quality of a true spiritual friend. Even though they are on different path of different religion they have the same intention to work for the benefit and welfare of many. We do not see that in secular world of business and politics.

Vivekananda had no formal delegate invitation from the Parliament of Religions, he did not have any credential or recommendation. He just came on faith and confidence (saddha) as some friends in India thought it will be a good thing. He even spent a cold night in the freight train in a box in Chicago one time. Yet received help from total strangers and some influential people.

Found this talk by Ven, Brahmali

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This was a very inspiring and uplifting documentation. Thank you very much!

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This is a related post here for those interested. While going towards or meeting the ocean is the goal of many religions, in Buddhadharma it is going completely to the other shore of the vast expanse and ocean of samsara.

Mahayana took much from the non-dual tradition of Advaita Vedanta but rejects Atman for emptyness. The question of what is the relationship of Brahman (Purna) and Sunnya (void) is answered here by Swami Sarvapriyananda who studied Madhyamaka and practiced some early Buddhism.

Brahman and Sunnyata by Swami Sarvapriyananda

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