Swami Vivekananda First Entered Nirvikalpa Samadhi – Here's Why It Happened
The Moment Swami Vivekananda First Entered Nirvikalpa Samadhi – Here's Why It Happened
The Moment Swami Vivekananda First Entered Nirvikalpa Samadhi – Here's Why It Happened

Swami Vivekananda, the great spiritual master and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, experienced Nirvikalpa Samadhi—the highest state of non-dual consciousness—at a young age.
This divine moment was not sudden or accidental.
It happened due to deep spiritual preparation, his guru’s grace, and his intense longing for truth.
What is Nirvikalpa Samadhi?
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| What is Nirvikalpa Samadhi? |
Nirvikalpa Samadhi is a state where the mind becomes completely still.
There are no thoughts, no ego, no “I” consciousness.
Only the pure experience of the Absolute remains.
In Vedanta, this is the realization of Brahman—eternal, infinite, and beyond all duality.
The Early Signs of a Great Soul
From childhood, Narendranath (Swami Vivekananda’s name before sannyasa) showed signs of deep spirituality.
He would often meditate and enter deep thought, losing awareness of the outer world.
He longed to see God and often asked saints,
"Have you seen God?"
Meeting Sri Ramakrishna – The Turning Point
In 1881, young Narendra met Sri Ramakrishna at Dakshineswar.
This was the turning point of his life.
Ramakrishna instantly recognized Narendra as a spiritually advanced soul, someone who had come to fulfill a divine mission.
The First Experience of Samadhi
Sri Ramakrishna once touched Narendra’s chest and transferred a powerful spiritual force.
Immediately, Narendra lost body consciousness.
He entered a deep state of Nirvikalpa Samadhi, beyond time, space, and ego.
For a long time, he remained still, unaware of the world.
Later, he said:
"I felt the walls, the furniture, the whole world, vanish. My ego disappeared, and I was only aware of existence, knowledge, and bliss – Satchidananda."
Why Did It Happen?
This profound moment happened due to:
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Spiritual Preparation: Narendra had meditated and practiced self-control since his youth.
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Guru’s Grace: Sri Ramakrishna was a realized soul who could awaken others instantly.
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Divine Purpose: Swami Vivekananda was born to carry Vedanta to the world. Nirvikalpa Samadhi prepared him for that mission.
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Burning Desire for Truth: His heart was full of longing to know God, not just to believe, but to realize.
The Legacy of That Moment
Swami Vivekananda did not remain in Samadhi forever. He returned to teach the world.
His experience became the foundation for his message:
“You are not the body, not the mind – you are the ever-pure, ever-free Atman.”
Conclusion
The first time Swami Vivekananda entered Nirvikalpa Samadhi was a divine moment gifted by his guru and supported by his pure heart.
It was not just a personal experience but a preparation for a global spiritual mission.
That moment still inspires seekers today to strive for truth, purity, and self-realization.

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