Rating: 
Summary: The philosophy of life
Review: "Hinduism is the mother of all religions"- so wrote Swami Vivekananda. And so Hinduism recognizes and respects all religions. Swami Vivekananda was a mighty man who must be regarded as God. In this book you will find the words of God; and you will discover your inner strength. The greatest art is the art of being, and this is also the first step before trying to achieve anything. Read this book to find out.
Rating: 
Summary: 100% Vivekananda
Review: All lectures and letters of Vivekananda. Reading through it one learns very much about spirituality as well as about Vivekananda and his time. Especially the letters are very reavealing. If one has a tendency towards the Ramakrishna - Vivekananda tradition, one should definitely read these books, to see more behind the scenes and also to get more of the precious information Vivekananda has about the path to libration.
Rating:
Summary: More than a book.
Review: I bought the set of eight volumes when I was in school. I went to a Ramakrishna Mission School and may be that's why I collected those books. Those days, lectures on teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda were more a matter of routine. I had not read the books then. It took another ten years for me to return to these books and I am glad that I did so. I keep them with me and with every passing year in my life they have new messages and I rediscover them. It is a matter of personal experience what I gained from those pages. It left me more rested and confident to face life as it comes.It's difficult for me to put in words what the book did for me and I think, it would be irrelevant for another reader. Best way is to find it out for oneself. The complete works may be viewed from innumerable perspectives. It is a book on eastern religion, Hinduism and Vedanta and at the same time it is a book on personal spirituality and psychology that can help anyone to find renewed meaning in life. I would recommend any reader to approach the book with no expectations. Let it be a journey of deep fulfillment as it suits you.
Rating:
Summary: Priceless jewels
Review: I do not have words to describe the priceless jewels that are contained in these eight volumes. The writing and the speeches are extermely inspiring and have the power to elevate our lives to greater heights of realisation and idealism.
Rating:
Summary: Find answers to the idea of God and religion ..and anything!
Review: I was 7 years old when I heard the name Swami Vivekananda for the first time. And I never took interest to know more of him for the next 15 years. When I was 21, I started with a small book as big as a pocket telephone diary. It contained the important extracts from the The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. And then I decided to buy this book. And I came to know that it is 8 volumes. I read all of them. This man has an answer for everything. The whole book is full of answers to any difficult question that exists in the world. I believe that, any problem that has no solution, makes us weak and discouraged. We become strong the moment we find the solution. I found many answers in this book and I am sure any person who reads this book will find his answers. And the consequence, we become strong. We become happy. I have been refering to this book for 7 years now. I could not find a better book. More than the Holy Bible, or the Bagavad Gita, this book seems to be more useful. The concept of Universal Religion is a terrific idea. The idea of religion, its real meaning, its need. The idea of God, the idea of work, everything is clearly explained. Finally, you will know the purpose of life on this earth: Knowledge!! Do you have any question that starts with 'Why', you'll find the answer in this book.
Rating:
Summary: Find answers to the idea of God and religion ..and anything!
Review: I was 7 years old when I heard the name Swami Vivekananda for the first time. And I never took interest to know more of him for the next 15 years. When I was 21, I started with a small book as big as a pocket telephone diary. It contained the important extracts from the The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda. And then I decided to buy this book. And I came to know that it is 8 volumes. I read all of them. This man has an answer for everything. The whole book is full of answers to any difficult question that exists in the world. I believe that, any problem that has no solution, makes us weak and discouraged. We become strong the moment we find the solution. I found many answers in this book and I am sure any person who reads this book will find his answers. And the consequence, we become strong. We become happy. I have been refering to this book for 7 years now. I could not find a better book. More than the Holy Bible, or the Bagavad Gita, this book seems to be more useful. The concept of Universal Religion is a terrific idea. The idea of religion, its real meaning, its need. The idea of God, the idea of work, everything is clearly explained. Finally, you will know the purpose of life on this earth: Knowledge!! Do you have any question that starts with 'Why', you'll find the answer in this book.
Rating:
Summary: Embodiment of Sri Ramakrishna?s teachings
Review: If one truly follows Sri Ramakrishna's teachings, one does not possess the idea of distinction that one is greater than the other. Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, is the embodiment of Sri Ramakrishna to continue the Master's lineage. And it was said before Swami Vivekananda came to the worldly, the Master recognized him as an Attained in another dimension, and asked him to take leave and descend to help to carry on. The Attained agreed. Thus there is no concept of greater or minor. They are teachings. The Complete Works vols contain his theological and philosophical theories, lectures, poems, and correspondences. Each volume contains some proportion of each, instead of certain one volume contains only certain particulars. Each volume does comprise a Table of Content so it is not difficult to locate or recall a topic. Swami Vivekananda and related are placed under Religion-Hinduism by internet directory or library classifications, it is comprehensible since there has to be a classification for patrons' reference. However, once you get an opportunity to be exposed to his works, you might agree that he is also a social reformer, a teacher for humanity. He is not preaching Hinduism to amass conversions, he introduces what Hinduism is, and as well Indian philosophy and culture; he promotes harmony of societies, nations, and religions. Whoever shares interests in any subject under Social Science, would find insightful perspectives. Additional recommendation is "The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna", in case you are not aware of. And "Teachings of Sri Ramakrishna", "Teachings of Swami Vivekananda" are worth sparing more dollars, they serve as excellent refreshers.
Rating:
Summary: clear as a bell
Review: If you're getting tired of superstitious people telling you what to believe, you'll love reading the words of the very clear-headed Swami Vivekananda. With a few parting jabs, Vivekananda gets rid of dogma and superstition and presents pure religion. And he has a great sense of humor besides! The eight volume Complete Works is sold at a bargain price with the Advaita Ashrama, which prints it, absorbing a loss in order to distribute the teachings more widely. The set includes eight trade-book size volumes for about the price of two volumes. There is a card asking you to help with the printing costs -- otherwise no mention that it's basically subsidized. Don't hesitate to get the set while it's so affordable. That's why they're doing this -- so you'll get it and use it.
Rating:
Summary: Starting point for self discovery
Review: It is very difficult to express what I get out of this book, as each one will get different things. It is a must for anyone on a path of self discovery... I find Vol 1 exceptionally satisfying. One of the few books that should walk down with you thru your life/
Rating:
Summary: Out of the World
Review: My boyfriend introduced me to Advaita and Visishtadvaita concepts of Vedantic thought. Since then I have less and less time for my boyfriend! This series shall wet your feet thoroughly in the cosmic waters of universal philosophy.
| 
