Swami Vivekananda and the 1893 Chicago Parliament of Religions
Life of Swami Vivekananda (III): United States. Chicago Parliament of Religions (translated into Spanish by Pedro Nonell)
The arrival of Swami Vivekananda in the United States in 1893 marked a definitive turning point in global spiritual discourse. Following his intense realizations in India, this illustrious disciple of Sri Ramakrishna set forth to present the profound depth of Hindu philosophy to the Western world. His historic participation in the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago did more than introduce the core concepts of the Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta to a global audience; it sparked an international spiritual awakening.
Through the dedicated academic research, translations, and commentaries provided by Spanish expert Pedro Nonell, this vital historical milestone is made thoroughly accessible, showing how the universal path to realizing God can unite human hearts across differing traditions and civilizations.
The Historic Journey of Swami Vivekananda to the United States
After the Mahasamadhi of Sri Ramakrishna and the illumination of Cape Comorin, Swami Vivekananda begins his first trip to the United States where he will masterfully participate in the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
Subject Syllabus:
- Trip and arrival of the Swami to America
- Chicago Parliament of Religions (1893)
- Swami Vivekananda's full speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago
- His success as a speaker in the United States
- Various experiences as a preacher
- Beginning of work in America
- Essays on Raja Yoga Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga (Knowledge)
- The Song of the Sannyasin
Translated into Spanish by .
Vivekananda: Parlamento de las Religiones de Chicago 
Vivekananda: Parlamento das Religiões de Chicago.
Swami Vivekananda traveled by ship to the United States stopping in Ceylon, present-day Malaysia, Singapore, China (Canton and Hong Kong), Japan, Vancouver (Canada) finally arriving in Chicago. In these countries he visited temples of different religions, allowing him to delve deeper into the different doctrines.
In Chicago he had serious financial problems, even sleeping on the street and being threatened on several occasions. He also had problems obtaining accreditation in the Parliament of Religions, but a professor at Harvard University helped him.
The life of a Sannyasin, is hard, Vivekananda slept in a cardboard box in the open on the eve of Parliament, and he also went begging from house to house. And so he found Mrs. Hale who helped him and they became close friends.
The Groundbreaking Speech at the World Parliament of Religions
On September 11, 1893, the Parliament of Religions in Chicago was inaugurated. Representatives from all over the World of the main religions participated: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Islam or Christianity.
When Swami Vivekananda, who had always refused to speak in public and had absolutely nothing in writing, had his turn to speak, he invoked, like the good Jnani Yogi that he was, the Goddess of Knowledge: Saraswati. And after the next short and famous phrase “Sisters and brothers of America…” he dazzled the audience.
Swami Vivekananda spoke about the concept of Hinduism as “the Mother of Religions”, the universality of religious truths and the equality of the Goal of all religious realizations, and Vedanta as a universal religion embracing all faiths (“Hinduism cannot live without Buddhism nor Buddhism without Hinduism).
Swami Vivekananda referred to Hinduism's Sanatana Dharma as:
The right of each soul to choose his own way, and to seek God in his own way.
“A Christian should not become a Hindu or a Buddhist, nor should a Hindu or a Buddhist become a Christian. But each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet retain his individuality and grow according to his own law of growth.”
And based on the message of “Fight, O Arjuna” from the Bhagavad Gita he said:
“Help and not Fight, Assimilation and not Destruction, Harmony and Peace and not Dissension”
This speech by Vivekananda at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago is crucial both in inter-religious dialogue and in Swamiji's life.
The Vivekananda Phenomenon and the Globalization of Advaita Vedanta
The Vivekananda media phenomenon began, and also Globalization of Yoga, Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita.
After this success, he began a frenetic tour of conferences, between twelve and fourteen a week, throughout the United States: New York, Boston, Baltimore, Washington... In his conferences he usually carried a Bible as well as a copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
Vivekananda passionately studies Western industrial and economic systems, which he will later try to adapt in India. He also makes harsh criticisms of both Christian civilization and the role of Christian missionaries in India. He publishes his first essay: “East and West”, where he expresses his commitment to surrender to both the West and the East.
At this time he develops even more extraordinary powers as a Yogi, being able to read men's minds. In India, Vivekananda's successes are beginning to be known.
Opening of the Vedanta Society of NY
The first Vedanta center in New York opens where free training and meditation is provided. It was at a critical moment that he wrote two of his most famous essays on Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga, in which these Yogas were explained in terms of Western philosophy.
He also composes “The Song of the Sannyasin”. Vivekananda converts the first European American Sannyasins such as a famous French soprano.
All this incessant pace of work causes significant fatigue in Vivekananda. He goes on a seven-week retreat with his American followers. At that time Swamiji entered a state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi.
Swami Vivekananda met important people, such as Nicholas Tesla, who assured him that the concepts of Kalpas, cycles of Brahma, could be demonstrated mathematically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What made Swami Vivekananda's speech at the 1893 Chicago Parliament of Religions so impactful?
Swami Vivekananda began his address with the legendary words, "Sisters and brothers of America," which instantly captivated the audience. Moving beyond dogmatic sectarianism, he spoke eloquently on the universality of truth, the underlying unity of all spiritual paths, and how Advaita Vedanta serves as a universal philosophy embracing all faiths.
What hardships did Swami Vivekananda face upon arriving in the United States?
As a true traveling Sannyasin, his journey was filled with immense challenges. He faced severe financial difficulties, lacked proper winter clothing, went house-to-house seeking food, and even had to sleep outside in a cardboard box before being helped by Mrs. Hale and obtaining his official credentials via a Harvard professor.
How did Pedro Nonell contribute to preserving Swami Vivekananda's work?
Pedro Nonell is a prominent Spanish scholar and expert who has translated and commented extensively on the works of Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna, and the Bhagavad Gita. His analytical work bridges the linguistic gap, allowing the Spanish-speaking world to absorb these sublime concepts with historical and philosophical precision.
Where can I access Pedro Nonell's video lectures and social media platforms?
You can watch his educational videos with multi-language subtitles on his official YouTube channel (@InstitutoGita) and stay connected with his regular updates and publications through his Instagram account (@pedrononell).
Conclusion
Swami Vivekananda's triumph at the 1893 Chicago Parliament of Religions laid a firm foundation for the global dissemination of Indian spirituality, demonstrating that true religion transcends geographical boundaries and exclusive creeds. His subsequent work in the United States, including the authorship of foundational texts on Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga, turned timeless spiritual laws into a practical life science for the modern seeker.
Guided by the precise commentary of Spanish expert Pedro Nonell, the study of this historical trip reveals how the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna remain fully alive today.
Ultimately, Vivekananda's message reminds us that every soul is on an evolutionary journey to realize its true nature and encounter the reality of God.
Listen to the video of Pedro Nonell with English subtitles
Life of Swami Vivekananda (III): Stay in the United States.
Chicago Parliament of Religions
Vivekananda: speech at the Chicago Parliament of Religions
Realization of the Bhagavad Gita Course
Swami Vivekananda (Childhood-death of Ramakrishna, Cape Comorin, Trip to London, Back to India, Belur Math)
(c) Gita Institute & Pedro Nonell
