Swami Vivekananda Speech in Chicago in Hindi
Ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful for the privilege of standing before you today, representing a land of diverse cultures, ancient wisdom, and a profound spiritual heritage - India. It fills my heart with joy and gratitude to address this gathering, the World's Parliament of Religions in the city of Chicago. I come as a humble monk, representing the great civilization of India, and I bring with me the message of love, harmony, and tolerance.
First and foremost, let me express my gratitude to the people of the United States who have welcomed me with open arms. The warmth and kindness I have received since my arrival in this country have touched my heart deeply. It is a testament to the spirit of brotherhood and goodwill that binds humanity together.
I stand here today not as a representative of any particular religion, but as a messenger of the universal truths that underlie all religions. I firmly believe that all religions are but different paths leading to the same destination - the realization of our essential oneness with the Divine.
In a world that is becoming increasingly fragmented and divided, it is essential to recognize the common thread that runs through all religions - the thread of love, compassion, and the pursuit of truth. It is this universal message of love that we must embrace and propagate if we are to bring about peace and harmony in our world.
I come from a land where the ancient sages and seers contemplated the mysteries of existence and discovered profound truths about the nature of reality. They realized that beneath the diversity of the world, there is a fundamental unity that connects all living beings. They saw God not as an external entity but as the very essence of our being, the innermost Self.
One of the central teachings of Hinduism, my religion, is the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," which means "the world is one family." This idea reminds us that we are all interconnected, that the divisions we see are but superficial, and that in essence, we are all part of the same cosmic family.
But let me make it clear that the message of unity is not limited to Hinduism alone. It is a message that is echoed in the teachings of all the great religions of the world. Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Prophet Muhammad called for brotherhood and compassion. Buddha emphasized the importance of inner peace and compassion. These great spiritual leaders were all pointing to the same truth - the truth of our interconnectedness.
It is essential to recognize that religions are like different rivers that flow into the same ocean. Each river has its own unique path and characteristics, but in the end, they all merge into the vast expanse of the ocean. Similarly, religions may have different rituals, beliefs, and practices, but their ultimate goal is the same - to lead us to a realization of our divinity and to foster love and compassion for all beings.
In the world today, we are witnessing conflicts and divisions based on religion, race, and nationality. These divisions are causing untold suffering and destruction. It is imperative that we transcend these boundaries and recognize our common humanity. We must remember that the essence of all religions is love and compassion, and it is this essence that we must strive to embody in our lives.
I would like to share with you a story from the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text of Hinduism. In this story, Lord Krishna imparts a profound lesson to Arjuna, a warrior who is hesitant to fulfill his duty on the battlefield. Krishna tells Arjuna, "You have the right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions." This teaching reminds us that we should act with selflessness and dedication, without attachment to the outcomes of our actions. It encourages us to perform our duties with love and devotion, without any expectations.
It is this spirit of selfless service that we must cultivate in our lives. We must serve not for personal gain or recognition but out of a genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of others. Service to humanity is the highest form of worship, and it is through such service that we can truly connect with the Divine.
I would also like to emphasize the importance of tolerance and respect for all religions. India, my homeland, has been a land of religious diversity for centuries. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and people of many other faiths have coexisted peacefully for generations. This tradition of religious tolerance is a source of great pride for us.
In India, we have a saying, "Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti," which means "Truth is one, the wise call it by many names." This profound statement reminds us that different religions may have different names and forms for the Divine, but the underlying truth is the same. We must respect and honor this diversity of paths that lead to the same truth.
I urge all of you to embrace the values of love, compassion, and tolerance in your lives. Let us strive to see the Divine in every human being, regardless of their religious or cultural background. Let us transcend the barriers of race, religion, and nationality and recognize our shared humanity.
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude once again for the opportunity to address this esteemed gathering. My message to you is one of love, unity, and the pursuit of truth. Let us work together to create a world where all beings can live in peace and harmony, where the light of love dispels the darkness of hatred and division.
May we all strive to be instruments of peace and love in our world, and may we recognize the divinity that dwells within each and every one of us. Thank you, and may God bless us all.