Journey to the west

With funds collected by his Madras (back) disciples, the kings of Mysore, Ramnad, and Khetri, as well as diwans and other followers, Narendra left Mumbai for Chicago on 31 May 1893. He traveled under the name "Vivekananda," which was suggested by Ajit Singh of Khetri. The name "Vivekananda" means "the bliss of discerning wisdom."

Vivekananda began his journey to America from Bombay, India, on 31 May 1893, aboard the ship Peninsula. His journey to America included stops in China, Japan, and Canada.

In Canton (Guangzhou), he visited several Buddhist monasteries. Afterward, he traveled to Japan, starting with Nagasaki. He then visited three more major cities before arriving in Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Finally, he reached Yokohama.

From Yokohama, he continued his journey to Canada aboard the ship RMS Empress of India.

During his journey from Yokohama to Canada aboard the RMS Empress of India, Vivekananda accidentally met Jamsetji Tata,

Vivekananda inspired Tata to establish a research and educational institution in India. They also discussed plans to set up a steel factory in the country.

He reached Vancouver, Canada, on 25 July 1893. From Vancouver, he traveled to Chicago by train and arrived there on Sunday, 30 July 1893.

Journey to Boston

After reaching Chicago, Vivekananda learned that no one could attend the Parliament of the World's Religions as a delegate without proper credentials. As he did not have these at the time, he felt deeply disappointed. He also discovered that the Parliament would not begin until the first week of September.

Despite these challenges, Vivekananda did not lose hope. To reduce his expenses, he decided to travel to Boston, as it was less costly than staying in Chicago.

Meeting with John Henry Wright

In Boston, Vivekananda met Professor John Henry Wright of Harvard University, who invited him to deliver a lecture at the university. Impressed by Vivekananda's knowledge, wisdom, and eloquence, Professor Wright strongly encouraged him to represent Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions.

When Wright learned that Vivekananda lacked official accreditation and credentials to join the Parliament, he remarked, "To ask for your credentials is like asking the sun to state its right to shine in the heavens.

Response to Welcome (11 September 1893)

The World's Parliament of Religions began on 11 September 1893 at the Permanent Memorial Art Palace (also known as the World's Congress Auxiliary Building), now the Art Institute of Chicago, as part of the World's Columbian Exposition.

Vivekananda delivered his first lecture on that day. His turn came in the afternoon, after much delay. Before stepping onto the stage, he bowed to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, and felt a surge of energy within him. He later described feeling as though someone or something else had taken over his body: "The Soul of India, the echo of the Rishis, the voice of Ramakrishna, the mouthpiece of the resurgent Time spirit."

He began his speech with the iconic salutation, "Sisters and brothers of America!"

Address at the Final Session (27 September 1893)

This was Vivekananda's final address at the Parliament of the World's Religions. In his last speech, he stated that the Parliament had become an accomplished fact. He thanked the "noble souls" who had organized the event, which he felt "proved to the world that holiness, purity, and charity are not the exclusive possessions of any church in the world, and that every system has produced men and women of the most exalted character."

He concluded his speech with an appeal: "Help and not fight," "Assimilation and not destruction," "Harmony and peace and not dissension."