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News Topical, Digital Desk : Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is celebrated every year on January 12th. This day is not only an occasion to remember a great saint, but also to understand the turning point that gave a new direction to India's spiritual thinking. Born on January 12th, 1863, Swami Vivekananda's life experienced many moments that changed his path, but their meeting with Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa is considered the most important. This meeting was not merely that of a guru and disciple, but one that connected question and experience, curiosity and realization. This meeting strengthened Swami Vivekananda 's (Swami Vivekananda Jayanti 2026) ideas, which later led to India's confident presentation on the world stage.
Rational youth and the restlessness of truth
From childhood, Swami Vivekananda possessed a sharp intellect, courage, and a questioning nature. He constantly pondered the themes of God, the soul, and the purpose of life. During his college years, he studied Western philosophy, science, and logic, but one question persisted: Does God really exist? To answer this question, he met with numerous scholars, religious leaders, and sages, but nowhere did he find a satisfactory answer. This confusion led him to a path where thought and experience could unite.
First meeting with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
When Swami Vivekananda first visited the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in 1881 , he met Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This was no ordinary acquaintance, but a defining spiritual moment. At that very first meeting, Narendra asked him the same question he had always asked everyone: “Have you ever seen God?”
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa replied without hesitation, "Yes, I have seen God. I see Him as clearly as you do." This answer shook Narendra Nath to the core. It was the first time someone had presented God as an object of experience, not just belief.
The Journey to the 1893 Chicago World Religions Conference
However, even after this, Swami Vivekananda did not immediately become a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. He repeatedly questioned and argued with him to understand his ideas. He wanted to accept everything after careful consideration. Nevertheless, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa's affection, his simple speech, and his deep spiritual experience gradually drew Swami Vivekananda to him.
In his guru's presence, his thoughts became clearer and his personality blossomed. After his guru's death, Narendra Nath embraced renunciation and embarked on a journey across the country as Swami Vivekananda. This spiritual path led him to the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he presented India to the world as a spiritual leader.
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