When did Swami Vivekananda propagate the real philosophy and culture of India to the world at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago?

The correct answer is 1893.

Key Points

• Swami Vivekananda represented India and Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago on September 11, 1893.
• His speech began with the famous words, "Sisters and brothers of America," which received a standing ovation from the audience.
• Vivekananda spoke about the importance of religious tolerance and the unity of all human beings, which greatly impressed the audience.
• The event marked a significant moment in the global recognition of Indian philosophy and culture.
• Swami Vivekananda's address is considered a turning point in the way the West viewed India and its spiritual heritage.

Additional Information

• Parliament of the World's Religions:
  • The first Parliament was held in Chicago in 1893 and aimed to create a global dialogue on faith and spirituality.
  • The Parliament is considered the birthplace of formal interfaith dialogue, bringing together representatives of different religions.
  • It promotes understanding and cooperation among the world's religious and spiritual communities.
• Swami Vivekananda:
  • Born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, India, he was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.
  • He was a chief disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna.
  • Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, an organization dedicated to social service and the spread of spiritual teachings.
• Vedanta:
  • A school of Hindu philosophy and one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy.
  • It primarily focuses on the ideas found in the Upanishads, ancient Sanskrit texts that explore the nature of reality and the self.
  • Vedanta emphasizes the idea that the ultimate reality is Brahman, the unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality which is the divine ground of all being.
• Impact of Vivekananda's Speech:
  • His speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions made him a prominent figure in the religious and philosophical circles in the West.
  • He inspired many Westerners to explore Indian spirituality and practice yoga and meditation.
  • Vivekananda's teachings continue to influence spiritual leaders and thinkers worldwide.