Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda
Author: Rita D. Sherma
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 293
Release: 2021-01-11
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1498586058

With historical-critical analysis and dialogical even-handedness, the essays of this book re-assess the life and legacy of Swami Vivekananda, forged at a time of colonial suppression, from the vantage point of socially-engaged religion at a time of global dislocations and international inequities. Due to the complexity of Vivekananda as a historical figure on the cusp of late modernity with its vast transformations, few works offer a contemporary, multi-vocal, nuanced, academic examination of his liberative vision and legacy in the way that this volume does. It brings together North American, European, British, and Indian scholars associated with a broad array of humanistic disciplines towards critical-constructive, contextually-sensitive reflections on one of the most important thinkers and theologians of the modern era.

Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda
Author: Makarand Paranjape
Publisher: Harper Collins
Total Pages: 283
Release: 2019-12-25
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9353570891

Arguably, the greatest achievement of Swami Vivekananda, one of the most celebrated icons of modern India, was the reconstruction of Hinduism. This he accomplished by reforming the religion in India and changing its image in the West. Indeed, the Hinduism that Vivekananda expounded at the Parliament of World's Religions in Chicago was a new, progressive version of an ancient tradition, devoid of the superstitions and distortions with which it had come to be associated. He revolutionized Hindu faith traditions by turning them into a repository of rational, universal philosophy. This book tries to get to the heart of Swami Vivekananda's legacy and his relevance in the contemporary world. It examines hitherto lesser-known aspects of Swamiji's life and work including his contributions to practical Vedanta, universal religion, science-spirituality and inter-religious dialogue, dharmic secularism, educational philosophy, poetry, and, above all, to the problem of Indian modernity. Despite the abundance of literature available on him, Swami Vivekananda is still not understood adequately, remaining somewhat of an enigma. A fresh reading of the life and times of the Swami by someone who has studied him closely, Makarand R. Paranjape's detailed, thought-provoking account shows that in Vivekananda's visionary thoughts lay the seeds of the creation of a modern India. This book reclaims Swami Vivekananda's stature as a pioneer of contemporary Hindu thought and nationalism.

Swami Vivekananda and the Modernisation of Hinduism

Swami Vivekananda and the Modernisation of Hinduism
Author: William Radice
Publisher:
Total Pages: 324
Release: 1999
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN:

Bringing together fourteen papers, this book gives new depth to our understanding of the aims and achievements of Swami Vivekananda. It invites us to relate him to movements and individuals outside his native Bengal; it shows how modernizing trends in Indian society wrestled with traditional features of Hinduism such as caste; and it links his religious and social ideals to thinkers and theologians in the West. The book firmly distances Swami Vivekananda from chauvinist or communal misinterpretations of his work.

Hinduism

Hinduism
Author: Swami Nikhilananda
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 138
Release: 2021-11-29
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1000480062

First Published in 1959, Hinduism written specifically for the modern readers describes and interprets one of the world’s chief religions. For thousands of years Indian sages have speculated on man, creation, and the universe. One result has been an astonishing amount of myth and ritual, of art, asceticism, and philosophy. Swami Nikhilananda provides a brief account of Hinduism in both its theoretical and its practical aspects. It is written mainly from the point of view of non-dualism which the author argues is the highest achievement of India’s mystical insights and philosophical speculation, and her real contribution to world culture. The volume deals with themes like Hindu Ethics; Karma-Yoga; Bhakti-Yoga; Jnana- Yoga; Raja-Yoga; and Tantra. This complete survey of Hindu beliefs and customs is indispensable for scholars and researchers of Hinduism, religion, Indian philosophy, Indian culture, and heritage.

Social Philosophy of Vivekananda and Indian Nationalism

Social Philosophy of Vivekananda and Indian Nationalism
Author: Sebastian Velassery
Publisher: Brown Walker Press
Total Pages: 183
Release: 2021-05-01
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 1599426188

Among the galaxy of scholars, Swami Vivekananda stands out as a majestic tower of light who has given a new tempo to the building up of a new sense of nationalism in modern India. The uniqueness of Vivekananda was his endeavour to translate every ounce of Vedanta into a social living and was never a cold theoretician or an abstract metaphysician. He was aware that India's life is governed by her sovereign sense of the infnite and inclusiveness which nourished her national life and India has been a spiritual strength for her people, implanting the seeds that have continuously sprouted and flowered in her art, literature, religion, philosophy, science and politics. It is a civilization that should be seen, not as a closed system or as a finished product, but as a dynamic and unfolding process. Whatever the differences, India's spiritual heritage should be recognized as the focal point and to be appropriated in the conception of a new resurgent India. Regrettably, what we had been glorifying as the central value of this culture and civilization is disorientated today due to the brutal exhibition of barbarous instincts which were exhibited through the rivalry between religious groups. What is being experienced is the loss of inherited values and our inability in reinventing new values. By virtue of its characteristic pluralism and its continuously evolving synthesis, India represents a nation which is continuously unfolding its civilizational potentialities. In making of such an Indian ethos, the foundational ideal which has been the basis of Indian culture and civilization is the concept of Dharma and Vivekananda was able to comprehend and articulate the relation between morality (dharma) and human affairs which are the concerns of practical Vedanta.

Swami Vivekananda and Non-Hindu Traditions

Swami Vivekananda and Non-Hindu Traditions
Author: Stephen E. Gregg
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2019-03-15
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1317047435

The Hindu thinker Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was and remains an important figure both within India, and in the West, where he was notable for preaching Vedanta. Scholarship surrounding Vivekananda is dominated by hagiography and his (mis)appropriation by the political Hindu Right. This work demonstrates that Vivekananda was no simplistic pluralist, as portrayed in hagiographical texts, nor narrow exclusivist, as portrayed by some modern Hindu nationalists, but a thoughtful, complex inclusivist. The book shows that Vivekananda formulated a hierarchical and inclusivistic framework of Hinduism, based upon his interpretations of a four-fold system of Yoga. It goes on to argue that Vivekananda understood his formulation of Vedanta to be universal, and applied it freely to non-Hindu traditions, and in so doing, demonstrates that Vivekananda was consistently critical of ‘low level’ spirituality, not only in non-Hindu traditions, but also within Hinduism. Demonstrating that Vivekananda is best understood within the context of ‘Advaitic primacy’, rather than ‘Hindu chauvinism’, this book will be of interest to scholars of Hinduism and South Asian religion and of South Asian diaspora communities and religious studies more generally.

Lectures From Colombo To Almora

Lectures From Colombo To Almora
Author: Swami Vivekananda
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
Total Pages: 292
Release: 2021-01-01
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN:

Lectures from Colombo to Almora by Swami Vivekananda: Embark on a spiritual journey and gain profound insights into the teachings of Swami Vivekananda with Lectures from Colombo to Almora. This collection of lectures delivered by the revered spiritual leader encompasses a wide range of topics, including philosophy, spirituality, social reform, and the essence of human existence. Key Points: Presents Swami Vivekananda's eloquent and enlightening lectures, offering a deep understanding of Eastern philosophy and Vedanta. Explores the principles of self-realization, the unity of all religions, and the potential for personal and societal transformation. Inspires readers to explore their own spiritual path, embrace universal values, and lead a life of purpose and service. Swami Vivekananda, an iconic spiritual leader, philosopher, and author, is regarded as one of India's most influential figures in modern history. Born in Calcutta, he played a pivotal role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world through his profound speeches and writings. Vivekananda's works, such as Raja Yoga and Lectures from Colombo to Almora, explore the realms of spirituality, self-realization, and the unity of all religions. His eloquence, intellect, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity continue to inspire millions, making him a revered figure in both literary and spiritual spheres. Swami Vivekananda, an iconic spiritual leader, philosopher, and author, is regarded as one of India's most influential figures in modern history. Born in Calcutta, he played a pivotal role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world through his profound speeches and writings. Vivekananda's works, such as Raja Yoga and Lectures from Colombo to Almora, explore the realms of spirituality, self-realization, and the unity of all religions. His eloquence, intellect, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity continue to inspire millions, making him a revered figure in both literary and spiritual spheres.