Most of us know Swami Vivekananda as a great saint, a spiritual teacher, and the man who introduced India to the world with his famous speech at Chicago in 1893. We often imagine him as very serious, always thinking about philosophy and religion.
But did you know that Swami Vivekananda also had a playful side, a witty sense of humor, and many interesting habits?
He was not just a monk but also a human being full of energy, fun, and unique stories. Let us travel through some lesser-known stories of his life.
The Playful Swami ji
Swami Vivekananda loved to smile, joke, and make people laugh. He believed that even the deepest truths of life could be explained with humor.
His followers often came to him with difficult questions. Sometimes, they were nervous, thinking that the monk might scold them. But instead, Swamiji surprised them with a playful remark or a witty joke.
Everyone would start laughing, and suddenly the heavy topic felt easy.
For example, if someone asked him about hard spiritual practices, he would often add a funny twist while answering, so that people felt relaxed and understood better. This made him very popular among young people.
He showed that religion was not about sadness or fear. It was about joy, light, and strength.
Shaving Without a Mirror
Here is a very curious habit of Swami Vivekananda. He could shave his face without using a mirror!
In those days, most people went to the barber shop. Every person had their favorite barber. But Swamiji shocked everyone by shaving himself.
One day, when people asked him, “Swamiji, why don’t you use a mirror?” he smiled and told a story from his time in America.
Once, he went to a barber shop to shave his beard. But the barber refused. “I am sorry,” the barber said, “if my white customers find out that I shaved a black person, they will stop coming here. I will lose my shop.”
This unfair behavior hurt Swamiji deeply. But instead of getting angry, he quietly decided, “From today, I will shave myself.”
And he kept his word. Even after returning to India, he shaved on his own without a mirror. This strange little habit became famous in Belur Math, where he lived. His disciples were amazed.
Football vs. The Gita
This is one of the most popular and surprising stories about Swamiji.
One day, a young man came to him. He looked weak and unhealthy. He asked Swami Vivekananda, “Please explain the Gita to me in simple words.”
Swamiji looked at him carefully and then said something very unusual:
“First, go and play football. That is more important for you than reading the Gita.”
The young man was shocked. “Why football?” he asked.
Swamiji smiled and replied, “Because a healthy mind lives in a healthy body. If your body is weak, your mind cannot concentrate. First, become strong. Then you will understand the Gita better.”
The young man obeyed. For six months, he played football, exercised, and meditated. His health improved a lot. When he came back, Swamiji happily explained the Gita to him.
That young man was Satendra Banerjee. He later started the Gita Prachar Mandal, an organization to spread the teachings of the Gita in simple language. He even wrote a poetic version of the Gita in Bengali.
This story shows how Swamiji cared not only for the mind but also for the body.
The Monk Who Loved Tea
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Here is a very interesting fact: Swami Vivekananda loved tea!
At that time, tea was not very common in India. It was thought to be a drink only for rich people. In monasteries, monks were not allowed to drink tea because it was seen as a strong drink.
But Swamiji did not believe this. He felt that tea gave energy and freshness.
It is said that He drank 20 to 25 cups of tea every day! His disciples laughed about this habit, but Swamiji also laughed with them and happily asked for another cup.
Slowly, tea became more popular among ordinary people. Today, tea is the most common drink in India, and maybe Swami Vivekananda played a part in making it so!
Swamiji’s Rare Anger
Swami Vivekananda was usually very calm and gentle. But like every person, he too sometimes felt anger.
One such moment happened in Varanasi when he was still young. Swamiji was asking the rich and educated people to give money to help the poor. But they did not listen to him, as they thought he was too young.
This hurt him deeply. At last, he burst out in anger and said:
“I shall not return until I burst on society like a bombshell, and it will follow me like a dog.”
The people were shocked to hear these strong words. But later, they came true. After his famous speech in Chicago, people all over the world followed him with respect and love.
Even in this anger, Swamiji was not thinking about himself. His anger came from his love for the poor and helpless.
His Love for Music and Humor
Swamiji was a lover of music. He could sing beautifully and often played instruments. Sometimes, when he sat with his disciples, he would suddenly start singing devotional songs. His deep voice touched everyone’s heart.
At the same time, he enjoyed fun and humor. Once, a disciple was too nervous while asking a question. Swamiji laughed and said, “Why are you so afraid? I am not a lion, only a man in orange clothes!” Everyone laughed loudly, and the nervous disciple relaxed.
Why Children Loved Swamiji
Children loved being around him. Unlike many elders, he never scolded them harshly. Instead, he played with them, told them stories, and encouraged them to be strong and fearless.
He would often say:
“What we want are young men who will work, not words. Boys, be strong! Strength is life, weakness is death.”
This message made him a hero among young people.
Lessons from Swamiji’s Life
Be joyful – Religion is not about sadness. It is about strength and happiness.
Stay healthy – A strong body helps create a strong mind.
Be self-reliant – Like shaving without a mirror, learn to do things on your own.
Respect all – Swamiji’s story with the barber teaches us about equality.
Love learning – Like the Gita story, true knowledge comes when we are ready in body and mind.
Don’t fear anger – Sometimes, anger can push society to change, if it comes from a good place.
Enjoy simple things – Even a cup of tea can bring energy and joy.
A Monk for All Times
Swami Vivekananda was not just a saint. He was a complete human being—playful, witty, loving, and strong.
He could laugh with children, joke with disciples, and at the same time, speak powerful words that shook the world.
He showed us that spirituality does not mean leaving behind joy. It means living life with courage, wisdom, and energy.
That is why, even today, millions of people across the world remember him, read his words, and feel inspired.
Swamiji was truly a monk with many sides—a thinker, a fun lover, a tea-lover, a singer, a teacher, and above all, a friend of the young.
Regrettably, you have not read all my posts about India, including those on Swamiji.
Joanna
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I’m very much in agreement with Swami Vivekananda’s observations about tea.
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Interesting and less known facts! Loved it.