Fathoming the Sources and Significance of Swami Vivekananda's Humanism and Universalism

Abstract

This article attempts to identify the sources and the contemporary significance of the idealistic and visionary approach of Vivekananda. The origins of his thought are traced to the fundamental idea of the oneness of the subjective and objective self which was worked out with systematic completeness in the Vedanta philosophy. Indian Advaita philosophy influenced him and he evolved spiritualized humanism and patriotism, spurring the revival of Hinduism in pre-independence India. Indian vedantism has focused on ultimate reality and the totality of creation, particularly the infinite universe. The author discusses the parallels between Vivekananda's thought and that of Gandhi. Gandhi, who was as much an Advaitian as a Sanatani Hindu had defined his Satyagraha in spiritual energy terms. The influence of ancient Indian scientific tradition and of Western scientific thought in forming their concept of ‘living force’ is discussed.