[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING AND HONORING SWAMI VIVEKANANDA

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                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2018

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, today I remember and honor the life 
of Swami Vivekananda, who passed away on July 4, 1902 at the age of 39.
   Born as Narendranath Datta in the city of Kolkata, Swami Vivekananda 
played a key role in introducing the philosophical and spiritual 
underpinnings of Hinduism to the Western world. Swami Vivekananda's 
philosophies were shaped by the teachings found in Hindu scriptures, 
and by the writings of western thinkers including David Hume and John 
Stuart Mill. Swami Vivekananda taught that no religion has a monopoly 
on the truth, and that there is no virtue higher than ahimsa, the 
concept of non-violence.
   In the West, Swami Vivekananda is best remembered for a speech he 
delivered on September 11, 1893 at the World Parliament of Religions in 
Chicago, Illinois. Opening his remarks with the words ``Sisters and 
Brothers of America,'' Swami Vivekananda spoke at length about Hindu 
spirituality, religious tolerance and the dangers inherent in 
sectarianism and extremism. His appearance at the World Parliament 
awakened an interest in Hinduism that led to speaking tours by Swami 
Vivekananda and the establishment of Vedanta centers throughout the 
United States and Europe.
   Swami Vivekananda's teachings of religious tolerance, understanding 
and the universality of the human experience are as relevant today as 
when he delivered his famous address in Chicago 125 years ago. As a 
United States Representative from the Chicago area and as a Hindu-
American, I want to recognize the 125th anniversary of Swami 
Vivekananda's Chicago Speech and celebrate the life of this eminent 
international spiritual leader.

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