Why in the News?
On the 132nd anniversary of his 1893 Chicago address, Swami Vivekananda was remembered for introducing Indian spirituality and Vedanta to the world with a message of tolerance and unity.
About Swami Vivekananda:
- Early life: Born Narendranath Datta in 1863, Kolkata; Chief disciple of Sri Ramakrishna.
- Role: Monk, reformer, and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission (1897).
- Chicago Speech: Rose to global fame with his 1893 Parliament of Religions address in Chicago, calling for religious tolerance and universal brotherhood.
- Teachings: Advocated social service, education, and spiritual sovereignty as means of national regeneration.
- Legacy: Inspired the rise of Vedanta Societies worldwide, spread yoga and meditation in the West, and became a key figure in the Indian renaissance and freedom movement.
What is Vedanta Philosophy?
- Roots: Derived from the Upanishads, especially Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism).
- Oneness of Existence: The universe is one absolute Brahman; all souls are divine.
- Religious Pluralism: All religions are valid paths to the same truth; promotes harmony, not division.
- Self-Realization: The aim of life is to realize and manifest one’s innate divinity.
- Karma Yoga: Selfless service is a spiritual practice — “Jiva is Shiva” (service to man is service to God).
- Practical Vedanta: Application of spiritual wisdom to daily life and social reform, bridging tradition and modernity.
Back2Basics: Indian Classical PhilosophyThere are 6 classical schools of Indian philosophy in the orthodox (Astika) tradition, which accept the authority of the Vedas:
Apart from these, there are also heterodox (Nastika) schools, which do not accept Vedic authority, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka (materialism). |
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