1.
What year was Vivekananda born?
Correct Answer
A. 1863
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda was born in 1863. This was a time of great intellectual awakening in India, which was under British rule. His birth during this period is significant as it placed him in a position to later join and significantly influence the Indian reform movements of the late 19th century. Vivekananda's contributions to Indian philosophy and his role in spreading those ideas internationally can be traced back to the intellectual environment of his formative years.
2.
What is Vivekananda's birth name?
Correct Answer
A. Narendra
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda was born with the name Narendra Nath Datta. His birth name, Narendra, meaning "lord of men," foreshadowed his influential role as a leader and a thinker. Understanding his original name helps in appreciating how his early life in Calcutta, a major cultural and educational center at the time, prepared him for his path as a monk and a teacher. This connection between his given name and his eventual spiritual role reflects the deep cultural and religious roots within which he was raised.
3.
Which religious philosophy did he primarily teach?
Correct Answer
B. Vedanta
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda primarily taught Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy which asserts the reality of the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. He believed that Vedanta could be the spiritual foundation that would unite the East and the West. His teachings emphasized universal values and spiritual upliftment, which appealed broadly, transcending the barriers of caste and creed prevalent in his times. By promoting Vedanta, he aimed to provide spiritual answers that were both ancient yet relevant to contemporary societal challenges.
4.
At which event did Vivekananda gain global recognition?
Correct Answer
C. World's Parliament
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda gained international recognition at the World's Parliament of Religions, held in Chicago in 1893. This event was pivotal as it marked the first time Hinduism was formally presented on the global stage. His speech there introduced Hindu philosophies to the Western world and highlighted the theme of religious tolerance and universal acceptance, thereby positioning Hinduism as a major world religion and himself as a key figure in its interpretation and dissemination.
5.
What text is Vivekananda credited with reviving in India?
Correct Answer
D. Upanishads
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda is credited with reviving interest in the Upanishads in India, texts that form the philosophical basis of Hinduism. He emphasized their spiritual and philosophical depth, which he believed held universal truths that were applicable to the modern challenges of moral and spiritual life. His interpretations helped rekindle a sense of pride among Indians in their religious heritage and inspired a rational approach to spirituality that attracted the educated young Indians and thinkers of his time.
6.
Which university did he attend in India?
Correct Answer
B. Calcutta
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda attended Calcutta University. His education there is significant because it provided him with a broad understanding of Western and Eastern philosophical systems. Calcutta University was a hub for intellectual discourse, which played a crucial role in shaping his ideas and thoughts. His academic background helped him bridge the gap between Eastern spirituality and Western material philosophy when he later traveled to America and Europe.
7.
Which American city did Vivekananda first speak in 1893?
Correct Answer
B. Chicago
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda first spoke in Chicago in 1893, directly addressing a Western audience. His choice of Chicago and the timing were strategic, coinciding with the World's Fair, ensuring a large and diverse audience. His opening words, "Sisters and Brothers of America," resonated deeply, creating a bond with the audience and setting a respectful and inclusive tone for his message about Hindu philosophy and its universal relevance.
8.
What organization did Vivekananda found?
Correct Answer
A. Ramakrishna Mission
Explanation
Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission, an organization dedicated to the social service and educational work based on the principles of karma yoga, the path of selfless action. The mission also aimed to promote Vedanta and the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahansa. This foundation was a practical application of his teachings, focusing on spiritual as well as social upliftment, reflecting his belief in active participation in the betterment of society through spiritual enlightenment.
9.
What was Vivekananda’s key message to youth?
Correct Answer
B. Strength
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda’s key message to the youth was "Strength," both moral and physical. He often emphasized that a strong body and mind were essential for achieving personal and spiritual goals. This message was part of his broader teachings that encouraged self-reliance and assertiveness as necessary virtues for the modern individual, particularly in a colonized society striving for cultural and political resurgence.
10.
Which mountain range did Vivekananda retreat to for meditation?
Correct Answer
C. Himalayas
Explanation
Swami Vivekananda retreated to the Himalayas for meditation. This choice reflects his pursuit of spiritual solace and enlightenment, which he found in the tranquility and seclusion of the mountains. The Himalayas, being a traditional retreat for spiritual seekers in India, provided the ideal setting for deep meditation and contemplation. His time spent in these mountains greatly influenced his philosophical and spiritual outlook, strengthening his resolve and clarity in his teachings.