The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-04-14
FULL BLOOD HINDU
Swami Abhedananda
Visiting in Wor-
cester.
A NEOANTA TIIT0D
A VEDANTA TUTOR.
Dresses in a Black Gown
and Wears a
Turban.

The Swami Abhedananda, who is t.
lecture on 1.-THE religious ideas of the
Hindus." in room 49, Day building, this
evening. is young man of charming
personality.
He is a full-blooded Hindu, and has
been away from India only three years
He was educated in his native country
in one of the English institutions, and
speaks English fiuently. He delivered
lectures in London for ten months pre-
vious to coming to America, where he
was invited by the Vedanta society of
New York soon after the queens jubi-
lee, in August 1897.
This society was started in New York
in 1894. and was result of the con-
gress of religions held in Chicago dur
ing the exhibition. 1t has no stated
membership, but all who are interest
ed in the principles of the Vedanta phi
losophy are counted members.
During his stay in this country,
Swami Abhedananda has spoken at a
number of meetings held throughout
the eastern and New England states.
From Nov. 2. 1898, to March of the pres
ent year, he lectured twice a week in
New York city. In May, 1898, he was
in Washington, where he spoke for
some time in the Peoples temple be-
fore the Institute of Practical Christi
anity. He was one of the speakers
at the FreeReligious association in Bos-
ton, and lectured before the conference
in Cambridge last summer.
He came to Worcester to visit friends
and will go from here to lecture in
Cambridge, Boston, Lynn and other
New England cities, returning to New
York in the fall and spending the win
ter there.
At his lecture this evening he will
speak on the philosophical thought and
the fundamental principles Of religion
in India. THE philosophy Of Vedan-
ta," he says, has been brought to
America and explained by the swamis
or teachers who have come from India.
The word vedanta means, literally, the
end of all wisdom. The object of this
philosophy, he says, is not to form a
new sect or make proselytes, but to
explain through logic and reason the
spiritual laws on which various sects
and creeds Of different religions have
been founded to propagate the prin-
ciples taught by the great religious
teachers of different countries and il
Illustrated by their lives; and to help
mankind in the practical application of
these principles IN thelf SPIRITUAL moral,
intellectual and physical needs.
Vedanta teaches the truths which
Christ taught, and brings light to dis
pei the darkness of ages and to make
clear the real spirit of his teachings.
It is not built around any particular
personality, it does not depend on any
particular book but embraces all the
scriptures of the world. Going be-
yond federation and brotherhood, it rec
ognizes God in every soul and God i'm
manent in all nature. 1t teaches how
we can realize the true meaning of
Christ's saying; Il and my father are
one" 1t harmonizes with the ultimate
conclusions of modern science. 1t
points out the evil effects of popular
superstitions, and describes the way to
mental and spiritual freedom.
Swami Abhedananda is man about
30 years old, perhaps; above the aver
age height, with clear-cut features and
a high forehead. He dresses in
flowing black gown, fastened tightly
about the throat. and when he speaks
In public he wears a graceful white
turban. His English shows barely
sign Of foreign accent and his voice
is soft and penetrating. He is man
who would attract attention anywhere.