My ideal indeed can be put into a few

words and that is to preach unto

mankind their divinity and how to make
it manifest in every moment of life

Narendranath Datta, born in 1863 at Calcutta

Best of education by family

Brilliant student; impressed teachers

1880 came under influence of illustrious mystique,

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Transformation to Swami Vivekananda

1893

Attended Parliament of Religions (Chicago)

1897

Founded Ramakrishna Mission (India)

1899

Founded Vedanta Society (San Francisco)

1902

Passed away (aged 39)

1. Vedanta Only reality is God; all other beings manifestations

of God
God is
Infinite Knowledge

Infinite Existence

Infinite Bliss

2. Dignity of man
All creatures temples of God
Man is highest of all creation
The only God to worship is the human soul in the human
body I shall call you religious from the day you begin to see
God in men and women

3. Religion means realization True essence of religion lies not

in beautiful theories and beliefs but in being and becoming.
True religion is the one that changes
4. Equality of all religions All religions emphasize same
values and lead to the same goal, like streams emptying into
oceans
5. Love and renunciation Driving force of universe.
Renouncing our ego and giving importance to others

Concept Education is the manifestation of the perfection

already present in man
Soul
Treasure-house of infinite knowledge
All knowledge is in the mind

Education
is not about imparting knowledge
is a process of self development
makes a man / woman

Main Aim

Developing character and spirituality glory and beauty of life lie in this

We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind

is increased, intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on
ones feet

Specific Aim: Self reliance:

Faith in oneself

Self confidence

Courage

Cultivate the Heart

Compassion and fellow-feeling. It is the heart that takes one to

the highest plane, which intellect can never reach

Physical Development

Strength is power, power is happiness, which leads to perfect life

In childhood, football more important than study of Gita

Intellectual development

Important for total growth, remove ignorance

Vocational training

To earn his living, no craving for wealth

Promotion of brotherhood

Universal brotherhood. Education helps perceive same God in all

Develops spirit of service

Duty / privilege to reach out to less fortunate

I call him a Mahatma who feels for the poor

Religion

Vedanta, pride of place

Art

Indispensable aspect of life

Science

Western technology, progress,

synthesis of Indian Vedanta and
Western science

Languages

Sanskrit (power, ability, prestige)

Regional language
English (Western technology)

Social Science

History, Geography, Economics

Physical Education
and Vocational
Training

Concentration essence of learning; key to wisdom

Brahmacharya mental, physical, spiritual powers

Individual attention

Discussion critical thinking

Faith attitudes, prerequisite for advancement

Travel expands horizons, broadens outlooks

The only true teacher is he who can immediately come down

to the level of the student and transfer his soul to the
students soul

Virtuous, inspiring, living example, pure character, familiar

with scriptures, love and sympathy for students, creator of
climate of freedom

Teacher only provider Like fire in a piece of flint, knowledge

exists in the mind. Suggestion is the friction that brings it out

It is in the homes of educated and pious mothers that great

men are born

Championed womens education

Quality of a nation dependant on number of educated women

No progress if half population inferior

Sita: example of ideal woman

The great national sin is the neglect of the masses

If the poor boy cannot come to education, education must go

to him

Essential spirit of all religions

Education not to prove superiority of any religion; not for

bringing about conversions

Religion must be a living experience within oneself

Spiritual interpretation to education

Human resources education maketh a man

Character development vital

Humanism every human manifestation of God

Mass education visionary. Need for government and

voluntary agencies

Spirit of nationalism

Establishing Ramakrishna Mission Vedanta Society

Did not work out a detailed scheme for each stage of

education

Pre-supposition that knowledge rests within each one