Possibility and relevance of universal religion: as envisaged by Swami Vivekananda

Abstract

In India, religion has a pivotal role to shape the humanity and society as well. Indian cultural milieu is unique in character and pluralistic in nature. Basically it is a land of spirituality and cross fertilization. Here religion is not merely a weekly congregation rather; it is an inevitable part of human daily life. Hence, it can be considered as the code of life which motivated people to acquire divine felicity. Swami Vivekananda, the champion of Hindu revivalism preached for the pragmatic utility of religion which is essential to construct both human life and society as well. His universalistic approach of religion is beyond any sectarian division. His quest for Truth and unsurpassed love towards humanity is to be considered as an inherent propensity of human being that elevated a man from beastly stage to the stage of humanity and ultimately in the state of Divinity. He was not only considered it in his faith but he practiced it deliberately throughout in his life. Therefore, his religious teachings are familiar as Practical Vedanta or Neo-Vedanta which is not merely confined to metaphysical or mythological contents but also the practicality of human life and that he disseminated towards all and sundry without any distinction of caste, creed and religion. This universalistic approach of Swami Vivekananda is the crying need of the society to provide them peace and solace in their lives. Here lies the relevancy of his universalistic approach.