Iconic Speeches | Swami Vivekananda

Summary

The speaker expresses profound gratitude and pride in Hinduism's teachings of tolerance and universal acceptance, highlighting its historical role in sheltering persecuted groups like the Israelites and Zoroastrians. They quote a verse emphasizing the unity of all paths leading to the divine, and call for an end to sectarianism, bigotry, and fanaticism. The speech concludes with a hopeful note, wishing for the convention's bell to signify the demise of all forms of intolerance and persecution.

Takeaways

• 🙌 The speaker expresses profound gratitude and joy for the warm welcome received, representing an ancient order of monks, the mother of religions, and millions of Hindu people.
• 🌐 The speaker takes pride in a religion that preaches universal tolerance and acceptance, viewing all religions as true paths.
• 🏰 India is highlighted as a nation that has historically provided refuge to the persecuted and refugees from various regions and nations, including the remnants of the Israelites and Zoroastrians.
• 📜 A quote from the Ahimsa (non-violence) principle is shared, emphasizing the unity of all paths leading to the divine, much like streams flowing into the sea.
• 🌟 The speaker is part of a religious tradition that has fostered and continues to support the Zoroastrian community, one of the world's oldest religions.
• 🌱 The script conveys a message of unity and the idea that all people, despite their differences, are moving towards the same ultimate goal.
• 🕊️ The Parliament of the World's Religions is praised as a significant assembly that promotes the principles of tolerance and universal acceptance.
• 🔪 The speaker denounces sectarianism, bigotry, and fanaticism, which have historically caused violence, bloodshed, and societal regression.
• ⏰ There is a hopeful call for the end of all forms of fanaticism and persecution, suggesting that the time for such ideologies is over.
• 🛐 The speaker concludes with a fervent hope that the event's bell may symbolize the death knell for intolerance and a new beginning for unity and understanding among all people.

Q & A

Who is the speaker addressing in the transcript?

The speaker is addressing sisters, governors, and the audience of America.

What does the speaker express gratitude for?

The speaker expresses gratitude for the warm and cordial welcome they have received.

Which religious order is the speaker representing?

The speaker is representing the most ancient order of monks in the world.

What is the speaker proud of regarding their religion?

The speaker is proud that their religion has taught the world tolerance and universal acceptance.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between different religions and their own?

The speaker describes their religion as accepting all religions as true and fostering a sense of universal toleration.

What historical event does the speaker refer to involving the Israelites?

The speaker refers to the event where the Israelites took refuge in southern India after their holy temple was destroyed by Roman tyranny.

What other persecuted group does the speaker mention their nation has sheltered?

The speaker mentions that their nation has sheltered the remnants of the grand Zoroastrian nation.

What is the significance of the 'Ahim' quote mentioned by the speaker?

The 'Ahim' quote signifies the idea that all paths, despite their differences, ultimately lead to the same divine source.

What does the speaker hope the bell at the convention signifies?

The speaker hopes that the bell signifies the death knell of all fanaticism, persecution, and uncharitable feelings.

What does the speaker believe the impact of sectarianism, bigotry, and fanaticism has been on human society?

The speaker believes that sectarianism, bigotry, and fanaticism have filled the earth with violence, destroyed civilization, and sent nations to despair.

What is the speaker's view on the future of these negative forces?

The speaker believes that the time of these negative forces has come to an end and hopes for a more tolerant and accepting future.