Spirituality According to Swami Vivekananda

Spirituality: defeat of passion, uprooting of desire (Swami Vivekananda)

What is true spirituality?

In a world often distracted by the "psychic display" of powers or superficial rituals, Swami Vivekananda provides a grounding and transformative definition. For Vivekananda, the spiritual path is not about magic; it is about the acquisition of character.

As explored by Spanish expert Pedro Nonell, Swamiji’s teachings emphasize that real power comes from the internal defeat of passion and the uprooting of desire. By moving away from the restless energy of Rajas toward the purity and balance of Sattwa, a seeker can achieve true liberation and manifest the divinity within.

Pedro Nonell, expert in Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta
Professor: Pedro Nonell (Expert on Swami Vivekananda, translator, and commentator of the Bhagavad Gita into Spanish)

Spirituality is the defeat of passion and the uprooting of desire (Swami Vivekananda)

“Spirituality has nothing to do with the display of psychic powers, which, when analyzed, show that the man who wields them is a slave of desire and an extremely selfish person.

Spirituality involves the acquisition of that true power that is character.

It is the defeat of passion and the uprooting of desire.

All this pursuit of psychic illusions, which means nothing in the solution of the great problems of our life, is a terrible waste of energy, the most intense form of selfishness, and leads to the degeneration of the mind. It is this nonsense that is demoralizing our nation.

What we need now is a strong common sense, a public spirit and a Philosophy and religion that makes us men.

Do you agree with this definition of spirituality by Swami Vivekananda?

What great truths Swami Vivekananda, spiritual heir of Sri Ramakrishna, always said.

How can we achieve spirituality if not by defeating passion and uprooting desire?

How can we free ourselves from these two great enemies of man: desire and passion?

How can we ascend from Guna Rajas to Guna Sattwa?

Have we to the West forgotten that religion is a path of liberation and not suffering?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does Vivekananda define spirituality?

Vivekananda defines it as the acquisition of character through the "defeat of passion and the uprooting of desire." He warns that seeking psychic illusions is a waste of energy and a form of selfishness that leads to mental degeneration.

What are the Gunas (Rajas and Sattwa)?

In the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita, Rajas represents passion, restlessness, and desire-driven activity. Sattwa represents purity, light, and harmony. Moving from Rajas to Sattwa is the essence of spiritual evolution.

Why does Vivekananda criticize "psychic powers"?

He believed that the pursuit of such powers often masks an extremely selfish ego. True spirituality is selfless and focuses on the "great problems of our life" and the realization of God or the Self (Atman).

Conclusion

The message of Swami Vivekananda remains a vital call to action for the modern world. Spirituality is not an escape from reality, but a "common sense" philosophy that makes us stronger, more compassionate, and truly free. By following the path laid out in the Bhagavad Gita and exemplified by Sri Ramakrishna and his disciples, we learn that the greatest victory is over our own internal enemies: greed, anger, and attachment.

Through the insights of Pedro Nonell, we are reminded that Swamiji’s light continues to shine, guiding us toward a life of purpose, peace, and spiritual strength.

Thank you Swamiji for shining your light on us.