Lectures from Colombo to Almora

by Vivekananda

The most exhaustive and reliable biography in English, collating accounts provided by friends, admirers and disciples. A vivid narration of events in the making of a Prophet and a World Teacher.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Hinduism, Religion, India, Self Help

First published January 28, 1962

About the author

"Arise Awake and Stop not til the goal is reached"

Vivekananda left a body of philosophical works (see Vivekananda's complete works). His books (compiled from lectures given around the world) on the four Yogas (Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Jnana Yoga) are very influential and still seen as fundamental texts for anyone interested in the Hindu practice of Yoga. His letters are of great literary and spiritual value. He was also considered a very good singer and a poet.By the time of his death, He had composed many songs including his favorite Kali the Mother. He used humor for his teachings and was also an excellent cook. His language is very free flowing. His own Bengali writings stand testimony to the fact that he believed that words - spoken or written - should be for making things easier to understand rather than show off the speaker or writer's knowledge.

Swami Vivekananda [ স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ ] (1863 – 1902), born Narendranath Datta, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion.

Born in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

Reviews

[Kritika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was my course book.. I did enjoy his letters... a very intelligent man he is

[Anmol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here, we have Swami Vivekananda's vigorous lectures in India(Bharata-desha). His speeches here are at their most masculine, most vigorous and work best for instigating that will to power which has brought forth enlightened minds in this country. He emphasises on rekindling that old vitality, that old fearless knowledge of Advaita as a means for nationalism. Simultaneously, he emphasises on India's contribution to the world in terms of knowledge of the spirit, the internal world, the Infinite - this, he says, will be increasingly important to spread globally as the West declines in its excess of that which is finite, and goes through the same process of existentialism that India underwent ages ago. For the betterment of the world, for the uplifting of the human spirit towards its own divinity using meanings constructed by humans themselves, in a very Nietzschean manner, India's Advaitic self-enquiry and self-establishment in equivalence with the Supreme must be spread vigorously.

No more of that herd mentality! No more of that slavery towards an external God! Let us proceed towards the most scientific of religions, the result of knowledge via enquiry itself, and be seated in the delight of our own divine Self.

[Nishant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really had to change my perception, or actually false perception about many subjects related to Vedas and Vedic philosophy while reading his lectures. One memorable quote which he has repeatedly used in his lectures is "एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति" which is actually the essence of philosophy. There is only a single truth, which is expressed and told by the intellectuals in different forms. But not all the points he makes are pragmatic, though. For instance, the validity of Vedas' supremacy which, as he maintains, is beyond any doubt or scrutiny.

[Abhishek Shekhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and very amazing. It opens a whole new world for any reader. Though ideas presented have been there but this books is one of those first ones which brings Advaitism to readers.

[Aman · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a nice book

[Nidish · Rating 4 out of 5]

great words. He has beautifully shown the need to shift the emphasis from contemplation to expression. Although not absolutely flawless and perfect, the book surely enlightens.

[Vinay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good point to start if you want to learn hindusim

[Neel Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lectures from Colombo to Almora is a collection of speeches given by Swami Vivekananda during his travels in India and Sri Lanka in the late 19th century. The book is an inspiring and thought-provoking read, providing a window into the mind of one of India's most influential spiritual leaders and thinkers!

One of the strengths of this book is the depth and breadth of Swami Vivekananda's knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subjects, including philosophy, religion, science, and social issues. The author's oratory skills are also on full display, with each lecture delivered in a clear and concise manner that is easy to follow. The book is a testament to Swami Vivekananda's ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that is accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Another strength of the book is the relevance of Swami Vivekananda's ideas to contemporary society. Many of the topics that he addresses, such as the importance of self-reliance, the role of religion in society, and the need for social and economic equality, are as relevant today as they were over a hundred years ago. The book provides a fresh perspective on these important issues and encourages the reader to reflect on their own beliefs and values.

The author's insights into the role of religion in society are particularly noteworthy. Throughout the book, Swami Vivekananda stresses the importance of religion as a means of personal transformation and the promotion of social harmony. He also argues that religion should not be used as a tool of oppression or division, but instead should be a source of inspiration and guidance for individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, Lectures from Colombo to Almora is a must-read for anyone who is interested in spirituality, religion, and the role of religion in society. The book provides a comprehensive look at the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, and is an excellent resource for anyone who is seeking inspiration and guidance on the path to spiritual growth and self-discovery. Whether you are a student of religion, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone who is interested in learning more about one of India's most influential thinkers, this book is definitely worth a read.

[Ramakrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was 7th std one doctor gifted me to study the books of swami vivekananda at that time I can't understand much so I stop reading those books but I kept it in my shelf for a long time due to heavy rain the book got damaged so I have to thrown away few months before I read the article of Mr.Aravindhan Neelakantan article 7 books for thinking India he exactly quoted below

"This book can be considered as the most explicit link between the Hindu nation and the Indian state. If one needs to understand how Vedanta has shaped the best of the present Indian nation and society, then one has to read these lectures. In them, Vivekananda defined the Hindu society’s relation to the ancient faith, to its core, and prepared the Indian mind for the challenges of the present and future.

If one needs to understand the humanistic and universal (not expansionist) kernel of Indian nationalism, From Colombo to Almora is a must read."

Which inculcates my motivation to read his lectures amazing 🙏🙏🙏

[Vinayak Kulkarni · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest books that can influence your spirit. A simple language enables us to imbibe the content very quickly.

[Ananya Basak · Rating 5 out of 5]

LECTURES from COLOMBO TO ALMORA

Rabindranath Tagore once said, "If you want to know India, study Vivekananda." I couldn't agree more. ☀️

Here are some of the many beautiful lines from the book:

• What makes a man stand up and work? Strength. Strength is goodness, weakness is sin. If there is one word that you find coming out like a bomb from the Upanishads, bursting like a bomb-shell upon masses of ignorance, it is the word fearlessness. And the only religion that ought to be taught is the religion of fearlessness. Either in this world or in the world of religion, it is true that fear is the sure cause of degradation and sin. It is fear that brings misery, fear that brings death, fear that breeds evil. And what causes fear? Ignorance of our own nature.

• Love alone is the fittest thing to survive and not hatred, that it is gentleness that has the strength to live on and to fructify, and not mere brutality and physical force.

• I would rather see every one of you rank atheists than superstitious fools, for the atheist is alive and you make something out of him. But if superstition enters, the brain is gone, the brain is softening, degradation has seized upon the life. Avoid these two. Brave, bold men, these are what we want. What we want is vigour in the blood, strength in the nerves, iron muscles and nerves of steel, not softening namby-pamby ideas. Avoid all these. Avoid all mystery. There is no mystery in religion...
Mystery mongering and superstition are always signs of weakness. These are always signs of degradation and of death. Therefore, beware of them; be strong, and stand on your own feet.



#lecturesfromcolombotoalmora #swamivivekananda #swamiji #vedanta

[Sreya Mukherjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Swami Vivekananda is undoubtedly one of the most ebullient minds that I have had the opportunity to read. His arguments were lucid, logical and precise, and nothing to say of the profound philosophies that he expounded in his lectures. This book, as the name suggests, is a collection of lectures of Swami Vivekananda and I enjoyed reading each of them. I can only imagine how spellbound his audience would have been listening to him deliver the lectures, since I found myself enthralled just by reading the transcript of his lectures. What I appreciate the most about Swami Vivekananda is that he is extremely broad minded, he is not afraid to accept that people might have differing and sometimes contradictory opinions. In fact, he celebrates the diversity that is an inherent characteristic of humanity. I got to learn many things from the lectures, though there were some instances when I didn't agree with Swami Vivekananda's arguments. But then even Swami Vivekananda himself wanted us not to blindly follow leaders but rather to critically examine and analyze every idea or argument. Even though I was mesmerized by the lectures yet I chose to rate this book 4 stars because at times the lectures tended to be repeating the central themes. Had I read each lecture at separate times then perhaps I would have better appreciated them but since I read the entire book in one go, I felt bored sometimes due to the repetitive nature of the lecture. But it was one of my most enlightening and profound reads, and since I am interested in Indian philosophy I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

[Kavya Mrudula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book that has blown my mind many times. Book that proves why infinite potential lies in every being and why it is upto the individual to identify and expand it. Takes some time to read, understand and digest.

[Kaushal Roonwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to know the source of knowledge in Hindu scriptures. I liked the part where it tells about the Vedas and Upnishads.

[Pratyush Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was forced to read this book by one of my seniors otherwise, I would have never picked up this book. But thank god I read this book.
This is a collection of lectures delivered by Swami Vivekananda on Hinduism and other religions. To understand Hinduism you must definitely read this book in which Swamiji explains the difference between Hinduism and other religions.
Now some personal opinions on this marvelous book- This book is a godsend to me and has given me enormous strength. I can tell you that this book if read properly and with conviction provided that you understand the meaning of his words and the intensity and depth that it contains, you'll be shocked and eventually you are going to transform yourself; such magnificent and radiant are his words.