Dr. Ankush Mahajan
On September 11, India marks Digvijay Diwas, a day dedicated to celebrating Swami Vivekananda’s transformative speech at the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago. His words not only introduced the profound teachings of Hinduism to the West but also initiated a powerful spiritual dialogue between India and the world, fostering global respect for India’s rich philosophical traditions.
The Impact of Swami Vivekananda’s Speech
Opening his address with the famous words, “Sisters and Brothers of America,” Swami Vivekananda received an overwhelming response-a standing ovation from thousands of attendees. His message resonated deeply, not just because of its delivery, but due to its philosophical depth rooted in India’s ancient wisdom. By emphasizing the universal nature of spiritual truth, Swami Vivekananda articulated the core of Vedanta philosophy. His message of unity, tolerance, and respect for all faiths echoed timeless Hindu teachings, as found in the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads.
One of the most compelling aspects of his speech was his reference to the Bhagavad Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to Me.” This verse (Gita 4.11) exemplified the inclusive nature of Hinduism, where different paths of faith are recognized as equally valid. Swami Vivekananda’s call for a world free from sectarianism, fanaticism, and intolerance remains deeply relevant today.
The Philosophical Legacy: Vedanta and the Upanishads
Swami Vivekananda’s message was deeply influenced by Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of all beings. As mentioned in the Chandogya Upanishad (6.8.7), “Tat Tvam Asi” (Thou art that), it conveys the idea that the individual soul (Atman) and the universal consciousness (Brahman) are one. This idea of the interconnectedness of all life and the inherent divinity in every individual was a central theme in Vivekananda’s speech. He highlighted that the essence of all religions is this recognition of divine unity, urging people to transcend differences and embrace universal truths.
The Mundaka Upanishad (3.2.9) further expounds on this unity by stating, “Brahman is all; from Him all beings are born, by Him they live, into Him they return.” This verse echoes the cyclical nature of existence and reinforces the idea that all life is interconnected within the same cosmic framework. Swami Vivekananda’s appeal to universal brotherhood, rooted in this Upanishadic wisdom, laid the foundation for an enduring spiritual dialogue between East and West.
The Transcendentalist Influence
While Swami Vivekananda’s speech was revolutionary, the groundwork for his ideas had already been laid by American Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Walt Whitman. These thinkers were deeply influenced by Indian scriptures, particularly the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. Their exploration of the interconnectedness of the universe and the idea of a higher, universal self closely mirrored the teachings of Vedanta. Emerson, in particular, drew heavily from the Katha Upanishad, where it is stated, “The Self is not known through study, nor by the intellect, nor through much learning. He is known by the one who seeks to know him with a pure mind” (Katha Upanishad 1.2.23).
This emphasis on personal spiritual experience as a means to transcend the material world resonated deeply with the Transcendentalist ethos and prepared American intellectuals for the teachings of Vivekananda.
Thoreau, who spent two years living simply at Walden Pond, was inspired by the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings on detachment and simplicity. His famous essay on Civil Disobedience, which later influenced Mahatma Gandhi, reflects the Gita’s call for righteous action without attachment to the results.
Vivekananda’s Enduring Message
Swami Vivekananda’s speech was not just a singular event-it was the catalyst for an enduring philosophical exchange between India and the West. His teachings on universal brotherhood and the oneness of all beings continue to influence spiritual and intellectual thought across the globe. As he stated in his speech, “Help and not Fight,” “Assimilation and not Destruction,” “Harmony and not Dissension”-a call for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect that transcends national and religious boundaries.
Even today, Swami Vivekananda’s message offers a powerful reminder of the potential for spiritual unity in a world often divided by sectarian strife. His teachings, grounded in the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishadic wisdom, call for a deeper understanding of the human spirit, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of faith, are striving toward the same ultimate truth.
The Timeless Wisdom of the East
Swami Vivekananda’s speech remains a touchstone for contemporary discussions on spirituality, tolerance, and global unity. His appeal to recognize the divine within each individual echoes the teachings of the Isha Upanishad: “He who sees all beings in his own self, and his own self in all beings, loses all fear” (Isha Upanishad 6). This vision of oneness, which transcends fear and division, is essential in today’s world.
As we commemorate 131 years since that historic address, it is important to reflect on the enduring legacy of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings. Digvijay Diwas is more than a celebration of a speech-it is a celebration of an idea, a reminder of the eternal wisdom contained in India’s ancient scriptures and its relevance to global peace and harmony. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads continue to inspire not only spiritual seekers but also thinkers and leaders who strive to create a more unified, compassionate world.
(The writer is Poet, Writer, Researcher, and Columnist)