Customer Reviews

Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda 8 Vol. set

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The first volume, alone, changed my outlook on life, religion, and spirituality. The volumes contain deep, practical wisdom on all aspects of life. The presentation of the material will appeal to westerners and easterners alike (and northerners and southerners :).

The enitire volume set (actually 9 volumes) are available, online, for free via:
http://www.ramakrishnavivekananda.info/vivekananda/complete_works.htm

The entire set is also available for purchase on cd-rom via:
http://www.advaitaonline.com/vvkmmcd.htm

If one truly follows Sri Ramakrishna's teachings, one does not possess the idea of distinction that one is greater than the other.

Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, is the embodiment of Sri Ramakrishna to continue the Master's lineage. And it was said before Swami Vivekananda came to the worldly, the Master recognized him as an Attained in another dimension, and asked him to take leave and descend to help to carry on. The Attained agreed. Thus there is no concept of greater or minor. They are teachings.

The Complete Works vols contain his theological and philosophical theories, lectures, poems, and correspondences. Each volume contains some proportion of each, instead of certain one volume contains only certain particulars. Each volume does comprise a Table of Content so it is not difficult to locate or recall a topic.

Swami Vivekananda and related are placed under Religion-Hinduism by internet directory or library classifications, it is comprehensible since there has to be a classification for patrons' reference. However, once you get an opportunity to be exposed to his works, you might agree that he is also a social reformer, a teacher for humanity. He is not preaching Hinduism to amass conversions, he introduces what Hinduism is, and as well Indian philosophy and culture; he promotes harmony of societies, nations, and religions. Whoever shares interests in any subject under Social Science, would find insightful perspectives.

Additional recommendation is "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna", in case you are not aware of. And "Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna", "Teachings of Swami Vivekananda" are worth sparing more dollars, they serve as excellent refreshers.

This is a must read book for anyone interested in religious philosophy. People from all religions can appreciate it and the anologies and teachings are simply superb. The oratorship of Swami Vivekananda is simple phenomenal!

It will clarify a lot of doubts people have about the "mysticism" of Hinduism and other eastern religions. Swami Vivekananda brings out the science and logic behind the beliefs by talking about the four yogas. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in philosophy in general and Hinduism in particular.

Swami Vivekananda's writings are specially suited for those who wish to understand and practice the philosophies of Hinduism in the modern era. The issues he treats are those most relevant to modern times, yet he explains, in depth, the meanings of these ancient philosophies. His message of unity in spirituality, and the utmost importance of realization have had deep effects on my spirituality. His style of speech and writing is particularly engrossing and inspiring. Every person who I have referred to his works has shared this view. His words serve to inspire and uplift from this material misery.

If you are exploring Yoga/Vedanta/Hinduism purchasing these is not optional, it is a must. You would be doing yourself a great disservice by not intently studying these works. I couldn't rate anything more highly.

Vivekananda just plain lays it down. Now it's your turn to soak it up.

Until you outgrow the need for such books as Bible and Gita, this is one book that will find favor with many people.Not all portions of the book will suit the average reader, though.For example, for a non-Indian reader not interested in century old Indian problems, much will appear redundant.But the four Yogas are simply fantastic, as also are most of the lectures given outside India.Each Yoga is a jewel of clarity, and speaks volumes of the intelligence of the man.And for west-coast people who are bored stiff with yoga, this will come as a book which is as rational as it sounds.In no way trying to deny the supernatural, this book keeps as close to the natural as one may wish.And some of the ideas in the Bhakti and Karma yogas are simply adorable.So also for people with an eye to serious reading, the jnana yoga will find much appeal.I would also recommend reading the Lecture on Hinduism in the first volume, and the lecture on Work and its secret in the second.Some of the poems will be good reading, if you dont worry about scansion.If you are one of these rational persons who weigh things in their own mental balance, I guess you will find this book passes your stringent standards regarding what is considered good reading.

But it must be said that this book has a long baggage behind it -its called an organization.For those in the know, books and founders are often better than the issues.I for one would suggest that book-lovers who keep to books alone will find this a good read.

Many contemporary quantum physicists (Capra, Wilber, et al.) reintroduced me to Advaita and Visishtadvaita concepts of vedantic thought that I learned through scriptures due to pedigree. This eight-part series shall amply wet your feet in the cosmic waters of universal philosophy and undeniable truth.

This is like no other books in the vicinity if you are searching for a TRUE spiritual encyclopedia. Must read for every man and woman irrespective of religion. What a great book!!!

I first read about 3 volumes of this set when I was in HighSchool, and to say the least it has changed my life since. For many years I have turned to these pages for inspiration and solid reference on Hinduism.

One cannot help but wonder how inspiring it must have been to listen to those lectures from Swami Vivekananda himself!

This set comes in eight volumes (the latest volume, IX, is sold separately). The first volume itself blew my mind away. This volume shows the reader the intellectual greatness of the swami and his spiritual wisdom. The swami also explores in depth the hidden meaning of Hindu philosophy in the other volumes. If a non-Hindu were to read this spiritual encyclopedia, he/she would have a greater understanding of the real meaning of Hinduism. A must read for all souls seeking spiritual truth.