Ramakrishna Research Articles

Towards Unity in Diversity: Vivekananda and Ramakrishna’s Vision of a Universal Religion

The pursuit of unity in the midst of diversity continues to be a serious task in a world that is characterized by a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and ideological perspectives. In this study paper, the profound philosophical insights of Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, two major characters in the history of Indian spirituality, as well as their visionary concept of a universal religion, are investigated in depth. Vivekananda and Ramakrishna envisioned a spiritual path that transcends sectarian barriers and creates harmony across all faiths. They did this by embracing the richness of plurality while also searching for common threads that connect humanity together. In this study, a synthesis of their teachings and concepts is used to investigate the possibility of a revolutionary movement towards unity in variety. This study provides a glimmer of hope for a global community that is more inclusive and interconnected.

Effect of Sacral Warm Compress on Perception of Labour Pain among Parturient Mothers during First stage of Labour at Selected Hospital, Coimbatore

An interventional study was conducted to assess the effect of sacral warm compress on the perception of labour pain among parturient mothers during the first stage of labour at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore. Quasi- experimental pre-test post-test control group design was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling method was used and 40 parturient mothers were included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Every alternative sample was assigned to experimental group [n=20] and control group [n=20]. The pre-test was conducted to assess the perception of labour pain by using questionnaire and numerical pain rating scale. Sacral warm compress was applied for 20 minutes at every 1-hour interval during the active phase of the first stage of labour. The post-test was conducted using the same tool to find the effect of sacral warm compress on parturient mothers during the first stage of labour. The mean and standard deviation pre-test and post-test pain score of mothers in the experimental group were (7.13, 5.09) and 0.849, 0.875 respectively with a mean difference of 2.04. It proves that there is an effect of sacral warm compress on the perception of labour pain among parturient mothers in the experimental group (t= 3.883; p=0.001). The mean and standard deviation of post test scores of mothers in the experimental and control group were 5.09, 7.495 and 0.875, 0.467 respectively with a mean difference of 2.405. It proves that there is an effect of sacral warm compress on perception of labour pain among parturient mothers in experimental group (t=10.48; p = 0.001). The findings reveal that application of sacral warm compress is highly significant and effective in reducing the perception of labour pain among parturient mothers during active phase of the first stage of labour. Keywords: Parturient Mothers during first stage of labour, Perception of labour pain, Sacral Warm Compress.

Socio-demographic and Risk Factors Study of Cervical Cancer among Women in South India

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the world. Despite the good achievements in this type of cancer prevention and treatment in developed countries, developing countries are still reporting high rates of new cases and mortalities, India as an example. In the current study, we aimed to study the most associated risk factors with cervical cancer in Coimbatore City, India. The study was first approved by the institutional Human Ethics Committee and then by the Sri Ramakrishna Hospital Human Ethics Committee. Then the data collected from cervical cancer patients after getting their informed consent. The collected data then analyzed statistically based on age, age at marriage, parity, smoking, and alcohol, level of education, and place of living. The study results showed that cervical cancer risk increases with age especially between 50 and 59 years old. The age of marriage data analysis revealed that 44% of the women married before 18 years old. The study found 51% of the patients have three or more children. The majority of the cases were women who had no education (64%) and the incidence decreased in the educated women (19% of 10th class, 9% 12th class, 8% degree or higher).75% of the cases are living in the rural areas. The study clearly showed the risky age (50 -59) and the importance of screening before this age as well as the role of education level, age of marriage, parity, and living place as key factors in cervical cancer.

The Pluralistic Paradigm: Sri Ramakrishna’s Approach to Vedantic Philosophy and Spiritual Diversity

The Pluralistic Paradigm: Sri Ramakrishna’s Approach to Vedantic Philosophy and Spiritual Diversity

Dada Bhagwan’s Insight on Intellect

In this paper the attempt has been made to clarify Dada Bhagwan’s concept of Intellect. Further, its difference and relation with the concept of faith, Knowledge, Prajna are also seen critically. The whole approach of Dada Bhagwan is analytical, critical as well as practical. Further, it should be noted that like Swaminarayana or Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Dada Bhagwan also narrated the metaphysical, epistemological or moral truths in very lucid and colloquial language and expressions. The highest noble truths are expressed by him with simple examples of day-to-day like. Thus, it can be said regarding the writings of Dada Bhagwan that an illiterate will find it easy to understand and a scholar will find complex reasoning in his writing. The paper comprises of the narration and clarifications of Dada Bhagwan’s theory of Akrama Vijnana. Here, fate and freedom of soul, emancipation of soul is discussed with reference to the use of intellect. Dada Bhagwan elaborately gives the specific definition of Faith, Fate, Freedom, Intellect, Knowledge, Decisive knowledge, Prajna etc. Further it is expressively seen in Dada Bhagwan’s writings that the whole effort is done not only for intellectual pleasure, but for the purpose of Sadhana or spiritual practices for the attainment of salvation. Firstly, we will see his basic brief concept of Akrama Vijnana according to Dada Bhagwan and then his detailed definitions, concepts and practices will be discussed, with his views on the necessity and limitations of intellect.

Goddess, Guru, and Sanghajanani: The Authority and Ongoing Appeal of the Holy Mother Sarada Devi

Saradamani Mukhopadhyay (1853–1920), more widely known as Sarada Devi and, to her devotees, the Holy Mother, presents an illuminating case study of the various means by which, in many respects, a highly traditional and typical rural Hindu woman of her time, operating from within the categories of Bengali Hindu society, was able to navigate these categories in ways that did not undermine, but rather enhanced, her agency, enabling her to shape her social reality in creative and transformative ways. Inhabiting the traditional role of mother and nurturer while carrying it out in a highly non-traditional manner, Sarada Devi played a central, often behind-the-scenes, role as a major influencer of an important modern Hindu spiritual movement—indeed, the first such movement to be able to boast an international following. Having no biological children of her own, Sarada Devi became the mother to this movement and to the monastic order dedicated to carrying forward the vision of her husband, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–1886), as interpreted both by herself and his disciples, the most prominent of whom was Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), who is well known for having brought Ramakrishna’s teachings to the Western world through his lectures in America, including at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893 and his founding of the first Vedanta Societies, starting in New York in 1894.

Estimation of Oleanolic Acid by HPTLC and HPLC Methods in Successive Leaf Extracts of Leucas aspera and Tridax procumbens and their In vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Aims: The study was started with the goal of quantifying the oleanolic acid from consecutive leaf extracts of Leucas aspera and Tridax procumbens using a marker oleanolic acid by utilizing HPTLC and HPLC techniques, as well as to perform an evaluation of their antiinflammatory activity.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out between October 2022 and June 2023 in the Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Pharmacognosy, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore-44, Tamil nadu, India.
 Methodology: The extraction of leaves is done using successive extractions by Continuous hot percolation method using soxhlet extractor. Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol fractions for which the phytochemical analysis were conducted. Standardization of oleanolic acid was performed by using HPTLC and HPLC techniques. Quantification of oleanolic acid in the two plants sequential leaf extracts were done. In vitro study of antiinflammatory activity was performed by Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity in the ethyl acetate fraction.
 Results: Alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, and proteins were all found in the two plant extracts by using phytochemical screening. In HPTLC method, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol leaf extracts of Leucas aspera and Tridax procumbens were developed in suitable mobile phase of toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (7:3:0.2%v/v/v) followed by derivatizing with anisaldehyde sulphuric acid derivatizing agent and scanned under 530nm. HPLC of standard marker and successive leaf extracts of Leucas aspera and Tridax procumbens were carried out using methanol: 25mM phosphate buffer (pH-3) in the ratio of 90:10% v/v at flow rate of 1ml/min and chromatograms were recorded at 202nm. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of combined leaf extracts of ethyl acetate showed IC50 value of 0.026μg/ml. 
 Conclusion: Standardization of oleanolic acid was conducted by HPTLC and HPLC methods and linearity were found to be 0.9964 and 0.9998 respectively. Quantification of oleanolic acid in successive leaf extracts of the two plants were conducted. In vitro study using xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity showed that combined extracts of ethyl acetate fractions exhibited better antiinflammatory property than the individual extracts of the selected plants.

Practical use of smartphone cameras in rip current monitoring studies

The present study focuses on detection and analysis of rip currents through a low-cost smartphone-based beach monitoring system (SBMS) by taking the advantage of multiple in-built cameras and on-board memory. The famous tourist destination, Rama Krishna (RK) beach, in East coast of India has been chosen for the study, as it is experiencing high number of drownings (525 causalities since 2006). Videos of 20-min duration were collected covering different time frames of 2022 and an open-source Quantitative Coastal Imaging Toolbox (QCIT) toolbox has been used to process the videos. Rectified Timex images are generated and utilised to analyse the morphodynamic changes of the beach. Several rip currents have been observed along the coast, with strongest being maximum length of 242 m with a width of 55 m. Beach modal states have been computed to determine the rip current hazard associated with it. Sequential transect data indicated the existence of waves at infra-gravity motions within the rip current channels. During the study period, the beach is dominated by Transverse Bar and Rip (TBR) beach type, which is known for its rip current danger. Rhodamine dye experiments have been conducted to practically measure the strength of the rip currents using video data and field data synergistically. The study is first of its kind in exploring the potential application of low-cost smartphones to scientifically monitor rip currents at any beach. Our study would help in further extending this work for beach sites and can be applied to projects where limited funds are available. We suggest to apply this methodology as a preliminary study before setting up permanent video monitoring station.

Embracing Oneness: Exploring Ramkrishna’s Syncretic Philosophy and its Role in Shaping a Universal Religion for the Modern World

This research paper delves into the profound philosophy of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, a revered mystic and spiritual luminary of 19th-century India, known for his message of universal harmony and spiritual oneness. The paper examines the syncretic nature of Ramakrishna’s teachings, which seamlessly integrated various religious traditions, emphasizing the underlying unity of all faiths. Through an exploration of Ramakrishna’s life, spiritual practices, and encounters with diverse religious paths, this study seeks to elucidate the essence of his philosophy and its relevance in shaping a universal religion for the modern world. By analysing key aspects of Ramakrishna’s syncretic approach, such as his belief in the essential unity of all religions, his experiential realization of the divine through multiple spiritual paths, and his advocacy for tolerance and acceptance of diverse faith traditions, this paper aims to underscore the transformative potential of his teachings in fostering interfaith understanding and global unity. Furthermore, it investigates the practical implications of Ramakrishna’s philosophy in addressing contemporary challenges of religious intolerance, cultural divisions, and spiritual alienation in the modern world. Through a comprehensive examination of primary sources, scholarly interpretations, and comparative religious studies, this research paper strives to illuminate the enduring significance of Ramakrishna’s syncretic philosophy as a beacon of hope and inspiration for building a more inclusive, harmonious, and interconnected world. By embracing the profound wisdom of oneness advocated by Sri Ramakrishna, this study envisions a vision of a universal religion that transcends boundaries, fosters mutual respect, and nurtures a deep sense of spiritual interconnectedness among all beings.

Demographic profile and risk factors of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma in west Tamil Nadu: A cross-sectional observational study

ABSTRACT JOURNAL/crsat/04.03/02201859-202306020-00007/figure1/v/2023-08-03T140821Z/r/image-tiff JOURNAL/crsat/04.03/02201859-202306020-00007/figure2/v/2023-08-03T140821Z/r/image-tiff Background: Head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) comprise 30% of all cancer cases in India. The risk factors for HNSCC include tobacco and alcohol consumption. Objectives: Our primary objective was to evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with HNSCC in the western Tamil Nadu population. Our secondary objective was to assess the association of the epidemiological profile with different anatomical sites and risk factors. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of data compiled from the clinical records of Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research Department, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu, India) from January 2018 to December 2021. Clinicodemographic data like age, sex, primary tumor site, clinical staging, family history, and exposure to risk factors (smoking, tobacco chewing, alcohol) were collected from patients with histologically confirmed HNSCC using a specially designed questionnaire. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status was determined by p16 immunohistochemistry and validated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by employing consensus primers for HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Results: We enrolled 150 patients. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1. The mean age was 54.4 ± 10.2 years; majority of patients (59 [39.3%]) were aged between 51 and 60 years. The most frequently affected site was the oral cavity (58 [38.7%]). Tobacco chewing was the most common and the only risk factor observed among female patients (23 [62.2%]), while smoking along with alcohol consumption was commonly observed among male patients (24 [21.2%]). Smoking in combination with other risk factors (44 [29.3%]) was more common than smoking alone (9 [8%]). Tobacco chewing was a predominant risk factor for nasopharyngeal (4 [63.6%]) and oral cavity cancer (19 [32.8%]), while smoking was a predominant risk factor for laryngeal cancer (3 [30%]). Smoking with alcohol consumption was largely seen in oropharyngeal cancer (5 [33.3%]), while all three risk factors were observed in hypopharyngeal cancer (4 [14.3%]). Out of 38 samples tested, only four were positive for HPV (10.5%). Conclusions: The most affected demographic group with regard to HNSCC is middle-aged men (51–60 years), and the oral cavity is the most commonly affected site. Tobacco chewing is the most prevalent risk factor among women while smoking and alcohol consumption are the most common risk factors among men. Spreading awareness about the risk factors of HNSCC and their prevention is crucial to optimizing disease control.

Jesus and Spirituality in Interreligious Perspectives

Rarely do members of diverse religions engaged in interreligious dialogue find agreement on metaphysics and doctrine, though such conversations may be very fruitful and lead to greater understanding and mutual illumination. In the area of religious experience, however, recognition of commonality may be much more readily apparent, and in such encounters, the life and spirituality of Jesus provide a meeting ground. This essay examines Jesus as a catalyst for spiritual inspiration and transformation from Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and nontraditional perspectives. As an integral figure in Islam, Jesus appears in the writings of the likes of Ibn Arabi, Rumi and more contemporary Sufi teachers. Hindus and Buddhists, too, have embraced him, from Sri Ramakrishna and Gandhi to Thich Nhat Hanh. This essay will explore the integral role Jesus plays in such interreligious contexts, embodying self-sacrifice, wisdom and active love and interweaving personal transformation, contemplative practice and social engagement in the pursuit of liberating spiritual realization. In so doing, the essay will argue that such interreligious perspectives are an essential element in a full accounting of Jesus’ place in the spiritual lives of diverse human beings.

A Study to Analyze knowledge regarding respectful maternity care among OBG nurses at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital Coimbatore

Objectives: 1. To identify if any form of disrespect or abuse prevailing during childbirth in Sri Ramakrishna Hospital by nursing staff. 2. To improve our quality of care to promote dignified maternal health services. 3. To achieve Safe motherhood. Methodology: The design was observational design. Target Population was parturient women admitted for delivery. The sample size was 75. Convenient Sampling Technique was used. Observation was evaluated by using analyzing questioners (WHO) National Standards. Quantitative analyses were used in order to interpret the data. The data in turn is interpreted in a bar diagram using scoring system. Result: The study results are Dignity and respect 95%, Communication and autonomy 92%, Supportive care 93%, Privacy and Confidentiality 96% and Facility and environment 95%. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, direct relationship was observed between respectful maternity care and positive childbirth experience.

Concepts of the Divine in the Works of B.K.S. Iyengar as a Reflection of the Ideas of the Founders of Neo-Vedanta

The article discusses concepts of the Divine in the works of the modern yoga school founder, B.K.S. Iyengar. The center of interest is the basic accents put by Iyengar on various aspects of the Divine. The author gives the comparative analysis of the ideas about the Divine of Iyengar and founders of neo-vedanta and the world-famous reformers of Hinduism, such as Ram Mohan Rai, Swami Dayananda, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda. To disclose the specifics of views on the problems of the search for and knowledge of God, the presentation of proofs of the existence of God, the relationship between God and the soul the methods of historic-philosophical reconstruction and comparative analysis were used. The author shows that it is impossible to determine whether Iyengar's teaching belongs to a particular school of Vedanta. Iyengar’s beliefs share the views of the Advaita Vedanta and Vishishta Advaita philosophers. The conclusion that Iyengar philosophical views are an uncritical mixing of the ideas of Western and Eastern religious and philosophical teachings and continue the Neo-Vedanta tradition is done.

Website analysis of physical education institutions in India

The paper was to analyze the websites of recognized Physical Education institutions of NCTE in India. The paper examines, the website page size (in bytes) and the Number of Web Pages, Total Links, Self Links, External Links and Backlink or Incoming Links also data were calculated as simple links web impact factor, self-links web impact factor, external links web impact factor and revised web impact factor, ranking to 100 websites of recognized Physical Education institutions of NCTE. VassarStats is online statistics software-Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to establish the association or closeness in ranking based on R-WIF and SWIF. Also this study, SocSciBot 4.0 has been used for created link topology. This study revealed main four aspects, 1) Simple Web Impact Factor (Website Quality), Gitanjali College of Physical Education-Sainthia was the first position with 1751.41 SWIF. 2) Revised Web Impact Factor (Website Popularity), Sri Ramakrishna Mision Vidyalaya Maruthi College of Physical Education-Coimbatore was the first position with 1580.00 is RWIF. 3) Pearson correlation coefficient (r) value is r = -0.0048 = this value meaning is ‘Moderate Negative Correlation’. among Physical Education institutions of NCTE. 4) Link Topology, Website of Physical Education institutions was not well connected.

The Comparative Plaque Removal Efficacy of Charcoal Based and Non Charcoal Based Manual Toothbrushes: A Clinical Study

Background: The studyaimed to compare the plaque removal efficacy of a novel- charcoal-based and a non-charcoal-based manual toothbrush of standardised toothbrush design. Materials And Methods: Sixteen undergraduate students of Sri Ramakrishna Dental College and hospital, Coimbatore, were included in this clinical study. This is a randomised clinical trial with a split-mouth design in which the quadrants that undergo tooth brushing using charcoal-based (test) and non-charcoal-based (control) toothbrushes are randomly selected by tossing a coin. The subjects were asked to refrain from all kinds of oral hygiene practices for 48 hours, following which pre-brushing and post-brushing plaque scores were evaluated by Turesky Gilmore modification of Quigley-Hein plaque index using a two-tone disclosing solution. Tooth brushing was performed by the examiner for a standard time (45sec/quadrant) using the Modified Bass brushing technique with fluoridated toothpaste. Results: The study's results showed no statistical significance between the values. However, the correlation between the total plaque scores and the assigned toothbrushes was also analysed, and a positive correlation was observed between the total plaque score and the test toothbrush. Conclusion: The plaque removal efficacy of charcoal bristled manual toothbrushes with 0.01mm diameter was found to be more or less the same compared with the similar non-charcoal-based counterpoint (1.89,1.39) respectively. Key-words: Charcoal-based toothbrush, Modified Bass brushing technique

"Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Bark of Pterocarpus Marsupium Silver Nanoparticles Against Streptozotocin and Nicotinamide Induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats"

J Bagyalakshmi*, B Sai Krishna Priya and C Bavya Author Affiliations Department of Pharmaceutics, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, India Received: March 25, 2022 | Published: April 06, 2022 Corresponding author: J Bagyalakshmi, Department of Pharmaceutics, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Paramedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, India DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2022.43.006853

An Integral Advaitic theodicy of spiritual evolution:karma, rebirth, universal salvation, and mystical panentheism

AbstractThis article outlines and defends an ‘Integral Advaitic’ theodicy that takes its bearings from the thought of three modern Indian mystics: Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Sri Aurobindo. Their Integral Advaitic theodicy has two key dimensions: a doctrine of spiritual evolution and a panentheistic metaphysics. God has created this world as an arena for our moral and spiritual evolution in which evil and suffering are as necessary as good. The doctrine of spiritual evolution presupposeskarma, rebirth, and universal salvation. The doctrines ofkarmaand rebirth shift moral responsibility for evil from God to His creatures by explaining all instances of evil and suffering as the karmic consequence of their own past deeds, either in this life or in a previous life. The doctrine of universal salvation also has important theodical implications: the various finite evils of this life are outweighed by the infinite good of salvation that awaits us all. After outlining this Integral Advaitic theodicy, I address some of the main objections to it and then argue that it has a number of comparative advantages over John Hick's well-known ‘soul-making’ theodicy.

Preface

The 7th International Conference on Man Machine Systems (ICoMMS) 2021 was held virtually on 19-20 October 2021 due to the travel restrictions imposed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. ICoMMS 2021 was organized by the Mechatronic Engineering Programme, Faculty of Electrical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis.ICoMMS 2021 aims to provide opportunities for all participants to exchange new innovative ideas and application experiences as well as to provide a platform where possible innovators can think of new ventures, generate contacts and networks for future collaboration, specifically in the domain of Man-Machine Systems. The conference tracks include Man-Machine Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Applications, Internet of Everything, Signal and Circuits Systems, and Industrial Design and Automation. With the theme of ‘Man-Machine Systems as Catalyst for Future Solutions’, ICoMMS 2021 has received more than 80 papers from all around the world and after a rigorous peer-review process, only 76 papers were accepted.On behalf of the conference organizers, we would like to thank the Faculty of Electrical Engineering Technology and Universiti Malaysia Perlis for the continuous support. Our gratitude also goes to all reviewers for their time and effort in reviewing the papers. Their feedbacks to the authors have been excellent and useful to ensure high quality papers for the conference. Our appreciation to all keynote speakers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology, India, and Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Germany for sharing their thoughts and experiences with respect to various topics in Man-Machine Systems. Not forgetting our International Steering Committee for their collaboration and provision, as well as to our co-organizer, Centre of Excellence for Advanced Sensor Technology (CEASTech), Universiti Malaysia Perlis. Our sincere thanks also go to our main sponsor, IDEARIA Sdn. Bhd. for their generosity, and to all hundreds of attendees from all around the world for participating in the conference. Last but not least, we would like to thank the organizing committee members for their hard work, cooperation and insights in ensuring the success of this conference.List of Editors is available in this pdf.

Cutting the Knot of the World Problem: Sri Aurobindo’s Experiential and Philosophical Critique of Advaita Vedānta

This article proposes to examine in detail Aurobindo’s searching—and often quite original—criticisms of Advaita Vedānta, which have not yet received the sustained scholarly attention they deserve. After discussing his early spiritual experiences and the formative influence of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda on his thought, I outline Aurobindo’s philosophy of “realistic Adwaita”. According to Aurobindo, the sole reality is the Divine Saccidānanda, which is not only the static impersonal Brahman but also the personal, dynamic Cit-Śakti (Consciousness-Force), which manifests as everything in this universe. At various points in his corpus, Aurobindo criticizes Advaita Vedānta on three fronts. From the standpoint of spiritual experience, Aurobindo argues that Śaṅkara’s philosophy is based on a genuine, but partial, experience of the Infinite Divine Reality: namely, the experience of the impersonal nondual Absolute and the corresponding conviction of the unreality of everything else. Aurobindo claims, on the basis of his own spiritual experiences, that there is a further stage of spiritual experience, when one realizes that the impersonal-personal Divine Reality manifests as everything in the universe. From a philosophical standpoint, Aurobindo questions the logical tenability of key Advaitic doctrines, including māyā, the exclusively impersonal nature of Brahman, and the metaphysics of an illusory bondage and liberation. Finally, from a scriptural standpoint, Aurobindo argues that the ancient Vedic hymns, the Upaniṣads, and the Bhagavad-Gītā, propound an all-encompassing Advaita philosophy rather than the world-denying Advaita philosophy Śaṅkara claims to find in them. This article focuses on Aurobindo’s experiential and philosophical critiques of Advaita Vedānta, as I have already discussed his new interpretations of the Vedāntic scriptures in detail elsewhere. The article’s final section explores the implications of Aurobindo’s life-affirming Advaitic philosophy for our current ecological crisis.

The Socio-Political Magnitude of Humanism of Swami Vivekananda

Between 1872 and 1886, when Sri Ramakrishna took his last breath, Belur became a new pilgrimage for people from all walks of life, from the upper classes of English educated Bengalis to the completely uneducated, and Sri Ramakrishna filled the spiritual thirst of everyone who came with true desire. But it was unusual that Sri Ramakrishna's first pick was young people, mostly English educated, and he became the backbone of his spiritual teachings and disseminated his message to the entire globe. Sri Ramakrishna selected Narendra Nath Datta, or simply ‘Noren,' as their leader, and he charged all of these young people with forming a new band of Sanyasins to disseminate the word of Vedanta to every part of the globe. Swami Vivekananda was inducted into his new function by Sri Ramakrishna following a roughly six-year spiritual training from 1881 to 1886. Armed with all of Sri Ramakrishna's divine energy, which he received at Kashipur when he took a vow to fulfill the work of 'Mother' (Divinely ordained task), he ready himself for the new chosen duties, the task of spreading the forest philosophy of Vedanta, the man-making philosophy of the old Indian system, which was held hostage by a few Sanskrit-knowing priests. Swami Vivekananda was a bridge figure among both East and West because of his English education, prior Brahma Samajist connection, and spiritual instruction under Sri Ramakrishna. After reviewing the existing socio-religious and economic situation for nearly seven years (August 1886-May 1893) and visiting every nook and cranny of the country, he discovered that the country was drenched in deep dogmatism, superstition, and ignorance spread in the name of religion, and was more dead than alive. People's thoughts were captivated with local rituals and superstitions in the guise of spirituality and religion, and they were thoroughly immersed in lethargy and unable to accomplish any real work. Slavery for hundreds of years and the imparting of British education had permanently shattered their confidence. People's physical power has been reduced by abject poverty, preventing them from having higher and noble thoughts.