Shashwata Vivekananda by Nimaisadhan Basu [Hardcover]

Vivekananda, a remarkable figure not just in Indian history but in the history of the world, led a short life of only thirty-nine years. His true recognition began when he was around twenty-two or twenty-three. Young Narendra Nath was recognized and chosen by Sri Ramakrishna. After Ramakrishna's passing, Vivekananda began his journey as a wandering monk, traveling to various parts of India. This journey provided him with direct experience of Indian life and allowed the public to be inspired by his motivational words.

The next event was even more astonishing. The common people of India collectively funded his journey to America, where he was invited to attend the Chicago World Parliament of Religions. Harvard University Professor Wright once wrote to the chairman of the Parliament's committee that Vivekananda was more learned than all of their professors combined. Vivekananda's unforgettable speeches and achievements remain one of the brightest events in India's history. His influence is far-reaching and timeless, and a hundred years later, people are still exploring its true significance through study and research.

Upon returning to India, Vivekananda began a massive work effort, and his thoughts created a stir in all spheres of life. Despite his poor health, he continued to guide his fellow countrymen until his last few years. His ideas remain relevant and time-tested. Vivekananda will forever be remembered not just as a religious leader or a 'Cyclonic Hindu,' but as a complete human being and an ideal symbol of manhood. His life and achievements are not just a part of any particular aspect or chapter of Indian history but are integral to it. His contributions cannot be viewed in fragments.

Despite the continuous exploration and evaluation of Vivekananda from various perspectives, he remains an enigma. His entire life story, writings, and speeches are still not fully known. The true essence of this great man remains undiscovered. Thus, there is no end to writings and explorations about Vivekananda. His work and thoughts, the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement, are not just subjects of study but ways of life for modern India and the world. Vivekananda is eternal and timeless.

This book analyzes different aspects of Vivekananda's life and thoughts. Both monks and nuns from the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, who are well-acquainted with his ideals, as well as scholars from the East and the West, have contributed to this collection of essays. The contributors include Gauri Dharmapal, Swami Jitatmananda, Pravrajika Bhaskaraprana, Swami Hiranmayananda, Pravrajika Vedantaprana, Swami Someshwarananda, Swami Prabhananda, Birendra Kumar Bhattacharya, Stuart Elkman, Nishithranjan Roy, Swami Lokeshwarananda, Papia Chakraborty, Dietmar Rothermund, Shankari Prasad Basu, Ujjwal Kumar Majumdar, Vinayak Krishna Gokak, Swami Purnatmananda, Santwana Dasgupta, Martin Kempston, Hosenur Rahman, Pravrajika Atmaprana, S. A. Masud, and the editor Nimai Sadhan Bose. This collection of essays, enriched with new facts, theories, arguments, judgments, and analysis, is an indispensable addition to the study of Vivekananda's life and thoughts.