Author of several exquisite Sanskrit hymns on Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sarada Devi -- the most popular one being `prakritim paramam' -- Swami Abhedananda was a rare combination of several talents like intellectual acumen, devotional fervor and yogic introspection. He was a good speaker and a prolific writer.

Known as Kaliprasad Chandra in his premonastic days, he was born on the 2nd October 1866 in Calcutta to enlightened parents, both of whom were deeply devoted to Mother Kali. Even from his boyhood days, he was inclined towards the study of Sanskrit. As he grew up he was drawn to the study of philosophical works, both eastern and western. His desire to become a yogi brought him to Sri Ramakrishna who immediately recognized him as a disciple in his inner circle. He progressed speedily in the inner life under the guidance of the Master.

After the demise of the Master, Kali accepted Sannyasa along with the other disciples and became `Swami Abhedananda'. He was given to much study and contemplation during the early days of his monastic life earning for himself the nickname `Kali Tapasvi.'

When Swami Vivekananda wanted a proper assistant to continue the work in the West, he naturally thought of Swami Abhedananda. His very first discourse on Advaita Vedanta delivered at London was an instant success. He later shifted to New York. He toured and lectured very extensively in the West (both USA and Europe) for a quarter of a century. His lectures attracted the cream of Western intellects as also earnest seekers of Truth. He returned to India in 1921 and formed a `Ramakrishna Vedanta Society' in Calcutta to carry on his work in his own way. When he gave up the mortal coil on the 8th September 1939, the era of the direct Sannyasin disciples of the Master came to an end.

Teachings

If you desire to have firm and unshakable faith and devotion to the Lord, you should also take to tapasya, hard austerities. Tapasya does not mean aimless wandering hither and thither, it really means regular and steadfast japa, meditation and self-control.

Why should you be afraid of doing work? if the mind is not purified by work, one cannot attain true knowledge. Wherever you go with your little mind. the mind will also accompany you and abide with you.