Delve into the Ramakrishna Movement, founded by Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, emphasizing spiritual experience and philanthropy. Swami Vivekananda later expanded this vision with the Ramakrishna Mission, focusing on humanitarian work and integrating spirituality with social reform. Discover their impact on Indian society and global spirituality.

The Ramakrishna Movement: Bhakti, Yoga, and Service

• The Appeal: The didactic nationalism of the Brahmo Samaj appealed more to the intellectual elite in Bengal, while the average Bengali found more emotional satisfaction in the cult of bhakti and yoga.
• Ramakrishna Paramahamsa: Born in 1836, he was a poor priest at the Kali temple in Dakshineshwar. He experienced spiritual trances and is considered to have attained the highest spiritual experience available to Hindus. He did not write books but conveyed his teachings through conversations in parables and metaphors.
• Objectives: Two main objectives were (i) to create a band of monks dedicated to renunciation and practical spirituality and (ii) to engage in preaching and philanthropic works, viewing all people as manifestations of the Divine.
• Foundations: Ramakrishna laid the foundations of the Ramakrishna Math with his young monastic disciples. The second objective was pursued by Swami Vivekananda, who founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897.
• Paramahamsa's Beliefs: He sought salvation through renunciation, meditation, and bhakti and emphasized the fundamental oneness of all religions. He believed that service to humanity is equivalent to service to God.
• Marriage: Ramakrishna was married to Sarada Devi, who played an important role in supporting the disciples and the work of the math.

Swami Vivekananda: Spreading the Message of Vedanta

• Early Life: Narendranath Datta, later known as Swami Vivekananda, spread Ramakrishna’s message and aimed to reconcile it with contemporary Indian society.
• Philosophy: Vivekananda emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between spirituality and everyday life. He advocated for social action and criticized the isolationist tendencies and the oppression of the poor by the rich.
• Parliament of Religions: At the Chicago Parliament of Religions in 1893, he advocated for a balance between spiritualism and materialism and called for a blend of Western materialism and Eastern spiritualism.
• Ramakrishna Mission: Founded in 1897, the Mission focuses on humanitarian relief, social work, and the application of Vedanta principles for social good and reform.
• Humanitarian Work: The Mission runs schools, hospitals, and dispensaries, and provides aid during natural calamities. It is a worldwide organization that emphasizes the essential spirit of Vedanta while recognizing the value of image worship.
• Belur Math: In 1898, Vivekananda acquired land at Belur, where the Ramakrishna Math was established. The monastic order is open to all without discrimination based on caste or creed.