Swami Vivekananda

Interaction with contemporary giants

Many years after his death, Rabindranath Tagore (a prominent member of the Brahmo Samaj) had said: If you want to know India, study Vivekananda. In him everything is positive and nothing negative. Incidentally, in the earlier years Tagore did not have much respect for Swami Vivekananda for his idol-worshipping.

Related Topics:
Rabindranath Tagore - Brahmo Samaj

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On the other hand, Swamiji was not particularly impressed by Tagore, though he had been interacting with Tagore's father Maharshi Debendra Nath. Swamiji was a very good singer and used to sing lots of Bhajans, including about twelve written and composed by Tagore.

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Another contemporary Sri Aurobindo, actually considered Swamiji as his mentor. While in Alipore Jail, Sri Aurobindo used to be visited by Swami Vivekananda in his meditation. Swamiji guided Sri Aurobindo's yoga.

Related Topics:
Sri Aurobindo - Yoga

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Mahatma Gandhi who strived for a lot of reform in Hinduism himself, said: Swami Vivekananda's writings need no introduction from anybody. They make their own irresistible appeal.

Related Topics:
Gandhi - Hinduism

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Abroad, he has had some interactions with Max Mueller and Romain Rolland. The latter also wrote a book in 1930 entitled Vie de Vivekananda (Life of Vivekananda).

Related Topics:
Max Mueller - Romain Rolland - 1930

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