Social philosophy of Swami Vivekananda

by Baruah Debajit | 2017 | 87,227 words

This study deals with Swami Vivekananda’s social philosophy and his concept of religion. He was the disciple of the 19th-century Indian mystic Ramakrishna. Important subjects are discussed viz., nature of religion, reason and religion, goal of religion, religious experience, ways to God, etc. All in the context of Vivekananda....

Chapter 4.4 - Conclusion (universal religion)

From the above discussion it has been seen that though to overcome the religious violence we think of a common religion which is called universal religion, we can not have it as a totally new and independent religion. Swami Vivekananda also did not try to establish any new religion which may be called his own. His view is simple but is very significant. If we want to express his concept of universal religion in just one or two statement it can be expressed thus ‘Since spiritual realization is the goal of all religion, therefore every religion has the right to achieve that goal by their respective paths assuring the equal rights to others. This is the only recognition of universality.’ According to Swami Vivekananda, true religion is a direct, transcendental experience of the Ultimate Reality. This idea of the realization of the Ultimate Reality is common to all religions. Universal Religion is nothing except realization of God in the Soul. If there is one Universal Truth, in all religions, according to Vivekananda, it is the realization of God. Ideals and methods may differ from religion to religion, but this is the main point to be noted. Swami Vivekananda spoke on the oneness of all religions with regard to the transcendental aspect of each religion. Differences among religions would not be the cause of conflict; we have to understand them to be mutually complementary. For Swami Vivekananda, religion is a total concept and all the religions of the world together constitute one whole. For him, there existed only one Eternal Religion. All other religions are only variations of that Eternal religion.

Universal religion should not be treated as one more religion including the many existing from beforehand. Rather it should be treated as the only religion preexistent by nature all over the world which will be acceptable to and followed by all religious persons alike. This religion will become the religion of all men, and it will be not of one specific group or society. Universal religions will, in this way, become the universally accepted religion. It has been a matter of feeling that once universal religion is realized from within, all bloodshed and enmity in the name of religion will be fully over and the real role of religion then will be one thread of universal brotherhood. Practically viewing, such an environment may highly be beneficial for the world people and so it may be highly desirable.

Vivekananda’s concept of universal religion is, therefore, not a new religion with a new Scripture and new liturgy; it is a new approach to religion, a new spiritual and moral ideal. It not merely prescribes tolerance, it stresses on acceptance of other religions as true thereby making religion a principle of human harmony. The concept of universal religion by Vivekananda is a beautiful discovery of universality in all the religions of the worlds.

Universal religion does not consist in following a creed, or in believing in dogmas, doctrines or scriptural writings, nor it can be found in the banner of some particular prophet, by joining a sect or denomination, rather its objective is to upgrade the individual soul above the limitations of senses and bring it in close contact with the infinite and to make it realize the absolute freedom from the bondage of ignorance, delusion, egoism, pride ambition and all other imperfections that point out human nature characteristically and keep us down in this world of transitory existence. Truly speaking, universal religion is not only a belief in an aggregate of doctrines or dogmas, or in personal God. This religion does not denote a mere worship of some form of the Divinity and it is only fear of, or reverence for God. It is not depending upon absolute obedience to the Divine commands, but it remains, in the perception of the Infinite through all such revelations as are capable of influencing the moral character of man. The perception of the Infinite or the Absolute Being, worshipped by different forms names, is essential points of all religions.

Vivekananda reflected on the necessity of the concept of universal religion for the society. He realized the nature of man, according to which mankind in the whole world has been trying to look beyond in the quest of his ultimate destiny or search for God. Therefore, whole of the world community is expecting a religion, which is acceptable to all.

Different social organizations are representing different needs of the man, and they endeavor to practice humaneness in society. Religions, on the other hand, represent the spiritual aspirations and struggles of mankind. The unpleasant reality, however, is that various world religions have been indulging in mutual criticisms, vilification, and persecutions. We have seen how some religions in the world, claiming universal empire in the field of religion over all mankind, have engaged themselves in ruthless wars and bloodshed to achieve this end. Vivekananda has observed these two mutually opposing aspects of religion. Vivekananda deeply felt the importance of religion, as well its crucial role in the human life. To improve this situation, some intellectuals and peace workers are searching a way to establish peace among the religions. Vivekananda views that we must understand all of those religions have proved their strength, their worth, and their necessity for mankind. Therefore, he underscored the equal status of all the religions and the religious plurality in human society.

If all mankind today realize only a bit of that great truth, the aspect of the whole world will be changed, and, in place of fighting and quarrelling, there would be a reign of peace. This outlook -the spiritual outlook is absolutely essential to the present age. There will be no place in a world of untold power and knowledge for anything but the broadest acceptance of all human cultures of all individuals, of all the varied ways in which human being search for truth. The future world will brook no barriers between persons, genders, creeds, races, cultures, and nations; for in the truth in the vast ocean of life there are no barriers, and truth alone will be able to survive in a world where no knowledge will be withheld from any person.

We have seen a growing indifference to all spiritual values and the complete irrelevance of religious thought in the political life of all advanced nations, and also the menacing growth of religious fundamentalism in the different parts of the world, threatening freedom of expression and alternative viewpoints. We have also seen the phenomenal growth of popular religions promising false hopes and legitimizing superstitions; and politicians, in connivance with theologians and priests, using religion to muzzle all voices of dissent. The quality of life of man will depend upon the relationship between different religions as well on the extent of space that each religion can create to ensure and encourage freedom to question.

In one sense, religion is universal and one, and the particularities, dogmas of religions, have nothing to do with the essence of religion. In each of the religions, the universal religion is working and we have only to find out the essential and the fundamental element. There is no need for any special world-faith to work as the universal religion. Religion, properly understood, is nothing if it is not universal, and our search for a world-religion should be directed to find out the truth of religion itself which, when discovered, will reveal itself to be the one universal religion which has been the cherished dream of many visionaries.

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: