Review of The Chicago Speech

Vivekananda is a name that always finds close affinity with knowledge of Indian philosophy,
Vedanta. He is known more for his endeavour to unite Indian innate values of religion and
western materialistic advancement.
The Chicago speech was delivered by Swami Vivekananda, who represented India as a Hindu
Monk, at The World Parliament of Religion held in Chicago in the year 1893. The event is
recognised as the first formal assembly of representatives from eastern and western spiritual
traditions.
The first session of the Parliament was held on Monday the 11th of September 1893 in the
spacious Hall of The Art Institute. Many people, who arrived representing different religions
such as Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity and many more, were busy reading their own
prepared speeches. On the other hand, there was Swami Vivekananda, who did not prepare
any speech and decided to speak whatever he knew about Hinduism.
His speech was in the afternoon, which he began by addressing the audience as “Sisters and
Brothers of America” which won wide accolades by the audience. He then thanked in the
“name of ancient monks in the world, mother of all religions and millions of Hindus of all
classes and sects.”
He further states that he was proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both
tolerance and universal acceptance. He also mentioned to be proud of being of a religion
which has sheltered refugees of all religion and all nation of the earth. He also went on to
mention that all religion is like the “droplets of water” having different sources and finally
mingles with the sea. He mentioned that we should stop extreme beliefs that may lead to
unreasonable behaviour.
“Why We Disagree, 15 September 1893”
Swami Vivekananda then tells a little story about a frog who lived in a well. The Frog
everyday cleaned the water and survived with energy unknown of the outer world. One day
another frog that lived in the sea somehow fell into the well. Until and unless the frog from
the sea made him understand about the vast sea, the frog from the well did not know of the
possibilities of a bigger world. The same is the thought of each religious person, may it be
Hindus, Christians or follower of any other religion. Vivekananda, with this story expresses
gratitude towards America for initiating such an event that enabled to break the barriers of
several worlds around ours. Religion binds human with similar affinities, this never implies
to disrespect dissimilarities. The notion which prevails around the world, in the name of
religion has to be cleared and such events mark a milestone to uncover similarities amongst
differences.
“Addressing the Final Session, 27 September 1893”
Swami Vivekananda thanks the entire noble source with large heart who dreamt of such
event. He also said of the common grounds of religious unity and said one should not win by
destroying other in the name of religion. Every religion has its own law for growth and we
should not try to convert any person into other religion but should preserve his individuality.
He concludes by saying “help and not fight”, live in “harmony and peace” and not with
conflicts or problems.