Human development and transcendence: a Vivekananda view

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the following questions in the light of Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy: What will ultimately come out of human development? Is development a goal in itself or only a doorway to a higher goal called transcendence? Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive view of human development can come only through a comprehensive understanding of human nature. Findings – What the dimensions of the human personality are and how they function in the world provide a good starting point to assess the way in which human development can be achieved. Originality/value – Vivekananda’s quest for human development was not for human development per se, but to point to its potential as a spiritual practice that makes human beings realize that they are, in fact, not human being but divine beings.