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Acknowledged as the foremost of Sri Ramakrishna's many notable disciples, both lay and monastic, Swami Vivekananda was an illumined being of the highest order. As the forerunner who brought the spiritual teachings of India to the West in 1893 at the convening of the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, he has greatly influenced the last hundred years of spiritual growth in Europe and America. Swami Vivekananda traveled to America, wherein he became the foremost proponent of Vedanta in the West. Following his participation as Hindu delegate at the Chicago Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893, he spent more than three of his nine remaining years traveling and teaching in America. Swamiji, as he was called, left the body on July 4, 1902, at age 39. His short time on earth made a profound impact which was felt around the world. During the United States Bicentennial Celebration, Swami Vivekananda was counted among those foreign visitors who have most contributed to the country. In India, January 12, Swamiji's birthday, has been declared All Youth Day, reflecting Swamiji's heroic efforts in his homeland and his visionary faith in humankind.    |
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