Lessons from Swami Vivekananda's speech in Chicago in 1893

Swami Vivekananda, born on 12 January, 1863, was a profound spiritual leader and key figure in India's spiritual renaissance. His teachings emphasized the harmony of religions and the potential for self-realization. He founded the Ramakrishna Math and Mission to propagate his ideals of service, education, and spiritual upliftment. Vivekananda's philosophy inspired generations with his call to harness inner strength and work for the welfare of all.He remains a revered figure for his vision of a harmonious, enlightened world.
Vivekananda's historic address at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893 introduced Vedanta philosophy to the West and promoted universal tolerance and unity.

On September 11, 1893 Swami Vivekananda delivered one of the most powerful speeches of all the time. The content of the speech delivered by him in Chicago at the first World’s Parliament of Religions remains germane to this day. The speech is one of the most talked about and referred to speeches worldwide.

Before delivering the speech, Vivekananda bowed to Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of Learning. Goddess Saraswati holds immense significance in Hinduism as the deity of knowledge, wisdom, arts, and learning.
Universal Tolerance: Swami Vivekananda emphasized the importance of tolerance and acceptance of all religions. He spoke against fanaticism and religious bigotry, advocating for a world where different faiths can coexist peacefully.

Few more inspirational lines from his speech:
The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.”
“As the different streams having their sources in different places all mingle their water in the sea, so, O Lord, the different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”
"...I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal."
Swami Vivekananda breathed his last on July 4, 1902. This year marks his 122nd death anniversary.