Cause of Vivekananda death.

Current gk

c

The cause of Swami Vivekananda’s death on July 4, 1902 has been long debated as to whether it was a deliberate act of will—through the Swami’s powers of yoga---or took place because of illness, aggravated by over-exertion.

When Vivekananda breathed his last on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39, doctors averred that he had died of apoplexy; however, many of his devotees believed that he had taken "mahasamadhi" (i.e., the Hindu belief in a god-illumined master's conscious exit from the body at the time of physical death). They point to his 1898 poem "To the Fourth of July" and to his predictions that he would never live to see forty.

They suggest that while it may have been a coincidence and possibly not unique that he wrote a poem in praise of the day/holiday on which he happened later to die, they speculate that it may be singular that it was written by someone whose cause of death has been much debated as to its cause. [Please see: ] Moreover, they suggest, the Swami’s meaning in the poem, while referencing the ideal of Amercan freedom celebrated on this holiday, possibly alluded to a greater more eternal freedom.


The debate continues to this day.   Kanhaiya sharma     

Silver Jewellery 

Swami Vivekananda

Vivekananda at the Parliament of World Religions
At the opening ceremony Vivekananda was one of the last speakers to speak. The previous speakers had talked about the merits of their own religion but Vivekananda appealed to the whole audience with his vision of oneness and equality before God. (see Speech to Parliament)
His opening words began with.

“Brother and Sisters of America.” … Spontaneously the audience rose to its feet to applaud, perhaps appreciating the visionary sentiments Vivekananda offered.
Swami Vivekananda was chosen to represent Hinduism. However Swami Vivekananda did not try in any way to prove the superiority of his religion. Instead Vivekananda spoke with great sincerity about the harmony of world religions and the common spirituality of humanity. It was this universal message of oneness which captivated the audience.

“As different streams, having their sources in different places, all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”
Video of Swami Vivekananda's Speech to World Parliament of Religions 1893
Vivekananda proved to be an eloquent exponent of Vedanta and the ideals of all religions. In addition people felt in this handsome and striking Monk a calm detachment, a luminous personality and radiant spirituality. Unexpectedly Vivekananda proved to be the star of the World Parliament of Religions

The New York Herald said of Vivekananda.
“He is undoubtedly the greatest figure in the Parliament of Religions. After hearing him we feel how foolish it is to send missionaries to this learned nation.”
The Boston Evening Post said.
“If he (Vivekananda) merely crosses the platform he is applauded; and this marked approval of thousands he accepts in a childlike spirit of gratification without a trace of conceit…”

Throughout the conference Vivekananda was undoubtedly the star, the organisers would save Vivekananda to the end to make sure the audience would stay to listen.
The conference propelled Vivekananda into the public eye and for many months he travelled across America giving talks on the ancient tradition of Vedanta and his hope of fusing the spirituality of the East with the materialism of the West.

In America Vivekananda also began training some close students so they could propagate the teachings of Vedanta. He was able to start small centres in both the US and Great Britain. Vivekananda admitted he entered Britain with deep misgivings since his heart rebelled at the effects of the British Empire on his beloved motherland. However he was delighted to find some individuals who were sincerely attracted to the teachings of Vedanta. One notable example was Miss Margaret Noble (later named Nivedita), originally from Ireland, Nivedita was to became a devoted disciple who would dedicate her life to the Indian people)
After several years in the West, Vivekananda returned to India where he was met with a rapturous reception. In particular, his brother monks who were full of pride with Vivekananda who had returned with glowing praise. Despite falling health Vivekananda threw himself into a whirlpool of activity reorganising the monasteries and exhorting his fellow Indians to return to the truth of the Vedantic principles. But also Vivekananda sought to imbibe in the Indian consciousness a renewed dynamism to improve their material life. As Vivekananda often said, it was no use teaching religion to those with empty stomachs.
Vivekananda passed away at the young age of 39 but he achieved a remarkable amount in this short time on earth. He combined the ancient spiritual traditions of India with the dynamism of the West. Many Indian politicians would later offer their gratitude to the impact and ideals of Vivekananda. To many Vivekananda is regarded as the patron saint of modern India.

Swami Vivekananda's temple at Belur Math where he was cremated

Article Copyright: Richard Pettinger 2005.
Please do not reproduce without permission.  (Dedicated by kanhaiya sharma )
                                                                       9887199586
                                                                       kanhaiyasharma22@yahoo.com

    Sachin  Kanhaiya