Swami Vivekananda was a prominent Indian Hindu monk and a key figure in the development of Neo-Vedanta. Born in 1863 in Calcutta, India, he was originally named Narendranath Datta. He was deeply influenced by his spiritual teacher, Sri Ramakrishna, and became his disciple at a young age. After the passing of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda embarked on a journey to spread the teachings of Vedanta and Hinduism to the western world.

His significance in the development of Neo-Vedanta lies in his efforts to modernize and popularize the ancient philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Vedanta, one of the six schools of Hindu philosophy, is based on the principles of non-dualism and the idea that the individual soul is one with the universal soul. However, this philosophy was often inaccessible to the common people due to its complex and esoteric nature.

Swami Vivekananda recognized the need to make Vedanta more relevant and relatable to the modern world. He believed that the true essence of Vedanta lies in its practical application in daily life. He emphasized the importance of self-realization and the unity of all religions, stating that all paths ultimately lead to the same goal.

Through his powerful and eloquent speeches, Swami Vivekananda introduced the world to the concept of Neo-Vedanta, which is a modern interpretation of Advaita Vedanta. He presented Vedanta as a universal philosophy that transcends all barriers of religion, race, and nationality. He also stressed the importance of social service and the upliftment of the underprivileged, which he believed was the true essence of Vedanta.

Swami Vivekananda's teachings had a profound impact on the western world, especially in the United States, where he delivered a series of lectures at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. His message of universal brotherhood and the unity of all religions resonated with the audience and earned him great admiration and respect.

Today, Swami Vivekananda's legacy continues to inspire millions of people around the world. His teachings on Vedanta and his emphasis on practical spirituality have made a lasting impact on the modern world. He is considered a pioneer in the development of Neo-Vedanta, which has helped to bridge the gap between the ancient philosophy and the modern world. His teachings continue to guide people towards self-realization and a deeper understanding of the true nature of existence.