Vivekananda: 130 Years of Swami Vivekananda’s Famous Chicago Speech That Put Hinduism on the World Map
Swami Vivekananda’s famous speech on Hinduism was delivered in Parliament World religions In Chicago on September 11, 1893. This landmark speech marked his introduction of Hinduism and Indian spirituality to the Western world. Vivekananda began his speech with the famous words “Sisters and Brothers of America” which captivated the audience and set the tone for his message of universal brotherhood and religious tolerance. Here is an excerpt from his speech:
“Sisters and brothers in America,
It fills my heart with indescribable joy when I respond to the warm and friendly welcome you have extended to us. I thank you in the name of the oldest monastic order in the world; I thank you in the name of the Mother of Religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.”
Vivekananda went on to talk about the importance of tolerance and acceptance of different religious beliefs and emphasized the idea that all religions ultimately lead to the same truth. He also spoke about the necessity of harmonious coexistence between different religions and the importance of recognizing the divinity within each individual.
Here are the 9 best lines from his famous speech:
“Sisters and brothers in America,
It fills my heart with indescribable joy when I respond to the warm and friendly welcome you have extended to us. I thank you in the name of the oldest monastic order in the world; I thank you in the name of the Mother of Religions, and I thank you in the name of millions and millions of Hindu people of all classes and sects.”
Vivekananda went on to talk about the importance of tolerance and acceptance of different religious beliefs and emphasized the idea that all religions ultimately lead to the same truth. He also spoke about the necessity of harmonious coexistence between different religions and the importance of recognizing the divinity within each individual.
Here are the 9 best lines from his famous speech:
- “I am proud to belong to a religion that has taught the world tolerance and universal acceptance.”
- “We not only believe in universal tolerance but accept all religions as true.”
- “This conference, one of the greatest meetings ever held, is in itself a proof and declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: ‘Whoever comes to me, in any way, I reach; All human beings struggle through paths that ultimately lead to Me.’”
- “if it was
Parliament of Religions If anything he has shown the world, it is this: he has demonstrated to the world that holiness, purity, and love are not the exclusive property of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the highest character. “. - “Sectarianism, fanaticism and their terrible descendant, fanaticism, have long dominated this beautiful land. They have filled the earth with violence, often drowning it in human blood, destroying civilization and sending entire nations into despair.”
- “It is my earnest hope that the bell which has rung this morning in honor of this conference will be the death knell for all fanaticism, for all persecution by sword or pen, and for all unkind feelings among people who are heading the same way. Aim.”
- “A Christian must not become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor a Hindu or a Buddhist become a Christian. But each individual must absorb the spirit of others and yet maintain his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.”
- “Just as different rivers that have their sources in different places mix their waters into the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths that people take with different inclinations, no matter how different they may seem, crooked or straight, all lead to You.”
- “Let us preach the ideal, and let us not quarrel over what is unnecessary.”
The speech had a profound impact on the audience and made Swami Vivekananda an important figure in global interfaith dialogue. His message of universality, tolerance and the spiritual essence of Hinduism has left a lasting impression and continues to inspire people around the world to this day.
(Tags for translation) World Religions
