Swami Vivekananda and Advaita Vedanta: An Agreement in Enlightenment

Swami Vivekananda, a renowned saint and philosopher, is perhaps most well-known for his oratory skills and spiritual teachings at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago in 1893. He was a profound proponent of Advaita Vedanta, a spiritual philosophy that emphasizes the unity of all existence and the non-duality of reality. However, his agreement with the principles of Advaita Vedanta goes beyond just dogma and extends into the very fabric of his being.

Theoria and Praxis of Advaita Vedanta

The core of Advaita Vedanta is the realization of one's true divine nature, or Atman, as being inseparable from Brahman, the supreme reality. This realization is often described as a nirvikalpa samadhi - a state of absolute purity and non-dual awareness. Many spiritual masters achieve this through rigorous spiritual practices and the guidance of a guru. Swami Vivekananda, having experienced this state often, quoted it extensively in his Complete Works.

Swami Vivekananda was not just a spiritual teacher but also a scholar, having studied numerous domains, including science, and was deeply familiar with a broad range of religions. This makes his alignment with Advaita Vedanta not just a theoretical stance but a personal one, grounded in profound understanding and experiential knowledge. It's this comprehensive perspective that makes his teachings so compelling and inspiring.

The Dualism–Advaita Imperative

Swami Vivekananda recognized the importance of teaching the principles of Advaita Vedanta directly to the world. In his teachings, he often spoke about the necessity of higher and lower aspects. This can be seen in his concept of higher and lower varna (caste) as upheld in Hinduism. While traditionally these concepts were built on rigid hierarchical structures, Vivekananda suggested a more nuanced approach where the lower caste could still adhere to the principles of Varna Ashrama Dharma (dharma, artha, kama, and moksha), just as the higher varnas should.

Beyond the institutional aspect, Vivekananda emphasized the immediate dualism–Advaita theory as a pathway to achieving Moksha (liberation). He believed that every individual should aspire to realign their actions and consciousness with the divine, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and the world, irrespective of one's social or religious background.

Opening the Doors of Hinduism

Swami Vivekananda believed in the necessity of spreading Advaita Vedanta beyond the confines of Hinduism. He saw it as a universal truth that transcends mere religious boundaries. This was a significant departure from the usual practice of Hindu gurus, who typically avoided opening the doors of their teachings to non-Hindus. Vivekananda understood that if these teachings were kept within the fold of Hinduism, the potential for destruction and materialistic growth, as seen in the past, would continue. His actions and teachings helped galvanize the Western world towards embracing philosophical and spiritual realities that are universal and timeless.

The True Message of Advaita Vedanta

The true message of Advaita Vedanta, as understood by Swami Vivekananda, lies in transforming the individual and the society. It is a call to action, urging us to move beyond religious and social divisions towards a state of universal unity. His teachings have significant relevance in today's world, where the quest for unity, harmony, and spiritual fulfillment continues to resonate across cultures and faiths.

Bibliography

Swami Vivekananda's Complete Works

Further Reading

For a deeper dive into the writings and teachings of Swami Vivekananda, consider the following resources:

Vivekananda: A Biography

Explore how Swami Vivekananda's visionary teachings and actions continue to inspire millions around the world.