Vivekananda: Baranagore Math, Cape Comorin illumination

The life of Swami Vivekananda (II): from Baranagore Math to the enlightenment in Cape Comorin (1887-1893)

Bhagavad Gita Subject

Life of Swami Vivekananda (II): Baranagore Math - enlightenment in Cape Comorin (translated into Spanish by Pedro Nonell)

Baranagore Math
Beginning of his Indian journey as a Sannyasin. The Tirthas (Pilgrimage Sites) of the North
Adventures in the Himalayas. Hrishikesh
In the historic Rajputana
Trip to Bombay and Ahmedabad
Across South India (Bangalore, Rameswaram, Madurai). End of the great pilgrimage through India
His deep meditation on the present and future of his country in Cape Comorin
More facts from life as a traveling monk (Parivrajaka)
Towards public recognition. Madras and Hyderabad. Name change to Swami Vivekananda

In this second subject on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda we will focus on this period of his life just after the death of Sri Ramakrishna, when Naren became Swami Vivekananda, how he conceived his leadership in the future Ramakrishna order and his vision. In his own words:

“God-realization is the only thing in life! That is what Sri Ramakrishna's life represented!.”

We will also study the Sannyasin (that is, renunciant) vows of his disciples and how Swamiji made them study different religions (highlighting the greatness of Christ or Buddha), history, science or philosophy (Kant, Hegel, John Stuart Mill and Spencer) as well as Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita; He once stated:

“Haven't you read the Bhagavad Gita? God is residing in the hearts of all creatures.”

In this phase Swami Vivekananda was all Jnana on the outside but all Bhakti on the inside.

Next we will study how Vivekananda manages to consolidate the Ramakrishna Order in Baranagore. At this time he made the firm decision to become a monk and began his first journey as a Sannyasin through India, visiting Varanasi, Lucknow, Agra, Hrishikesh and Allahabad. In Varanasi he studies Advaita Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita in depth.

He also met the saint Trailanga Swami. In this phase he develops his concept of serving man as an expression of love for God.

At this time he reflected on his mission in life:

“I have a mandate from my Guru (Sri Ramakrishna) to carry out this mission. This is nothing less than the regeneration of my homeland. Spirituality has fallen to a low point and famine stalks the land. India must become dynamic and conquer the world through its spirituality.”

Important reflections of Swamiji, which today have come true, India is the spiritual potential of the world.

At this time he also stated:

“Mother, I will not return until I have attained the highest Jnana!”

Swami Vivekananda will travel to the Himalayas and spend a long stay in Hrishikesh. In this phase he begins to interpret several of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna as well as his conception of the unity of the microcosm and the macrocosm, which he would later capture in a famous essay. And as a Sannyasin he stated that the Dharma of a true Sannyasin was not to serve the rich. This is one of the happiest periods of Vivekananda.

At this time he will also travel alone to Delhi where he makes friends with the Muslim community and praises the sacred teachings of the Koran. In Delhi he tells stories of Buddha, Shankara, Ramanuja, Guru Nanak, Ghaitanya, Tulsidas, Kabir and Ramakrishna.

In this phase he stated: “Every man should follow his religious ideal according to his own faith,” practically quoting the Bhagavad Gita and his teacher. At this time he said that it was necessary to study Sanskrit but also Western science. He also begins a close friendship with the Maharaja of Khetri, so important in the future.

He then traveled to Ahmedabad and Bombay, remembering that he always carried a copy of the Bhagavad Gita with him. With hardly any money, and like a Sannyasin he will go begging door to door. He also establishes contact with the Jain and Muslim community. He also studies Panini and French grammar. Vivekananda begins to understand that Sri Ramakrishna's teachings have the potential to change the world, beginning to feel the need to go preach Sanatana Dharma to the West, specifically to the Parliament of Religions in Chicago.

In the south of India, in Cape Comorin. Vivekananda will perform a transcendental meditation where the spirit of Sri Ramakrishna was revealed to him and he glimpses the present and future of India: renunciation and service must be the ideals of India to uplift the masses. The Swami declares himself to be Advaita Vedanta.

In Madras he stated:

“Spirituality involves the acquisition of that true power that is character. It is the defeat of passion and the uprooting of desire”

A deep friendship began with the Maharaja of Mysore, but Swamiji rejected his help to go to the Parliament of Religions. At this time he was always accompanied by a Muslim guide.

Thus Vivekananda ended this great pilgrimage through India and made the firm decision to go to the Parliament of Religions in Chicago.

In Madras he obtained the funds to go to America. On the eve of his journey to America he took the name Swami Vivekananda at the request of the Maharaja of Khetri.

Source: “The Life of Swami Vivekananda: A biography of his eastern and western disciples” ADVAITA ASHRAMA (April 1960) translated by Pedro Nonell.

Swami Vivekananda: a number of verses from of the Bhagavad Gita, comments of Sri Ramakrishna etc

The complete content on “The Life of Swami Vivekananda (II): enlightenment of Cape Comorin” is only available to students of the Gita Institute

Bhagavad Gita in Spanish Vivekananda: Baranagore Math, Cabo Comorín Bhagavad Gita in Portuguese Vivekananda: Baranagore Math, Cabo Comorín.

life of Swami Vivekananda (II): from Baranagore Math to the enlightenment of Cape Comorin (1887-1893)
Life of Vivekananda (II) Cape Comorin illumination. Bhagavad Gita