Swami Vivekananda and Non-Hindu Traditions: A Universal Advaita

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was a Hindu thinker who preached Vedanta and formulated a hierarchical and inclusive framework of Hinduism based on his interpretations of Yoga. This book demonstrates that Vivekananda was a thoughtful, complex inclusivist who understood his formulation of Vedanta to be universal and applied it freely to non-Hindu traditions, demonstrating his consistent criticism of 'low level spirituality' within both Hinduism and non-Hindu traditions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Swami Vivekananda, a renowned Hindu thinker who lived from 1863 to 1902, holds a significant place in both India and the Western world. His remarkable life and teachings have made him an influential figure, particularly for propagating the philosophy of Vedanta. However, the scholarship surrounding Vivekananda is largely influenced by hagiography, which tends to idealize and exaggerate his achievements. At the same time, some modern Hindu nationalists have portrayed him as a narrow exclusivist, disregarding his inclusive and universalistic views.

This book aims to challenge these prevailing narratives and present a more nuanced understanding of Vivekananda. It demonstrates that Vivekananda was not a simplistic pluralist, as portrayed in hagiographical texts, nor a narrow exclusivist, as suggested by some modern Hindu nationalists. Instead, he was a thoughtful and complex inclusivist.

The book explores Vivekananda's formulation of Hinduism, which he based on his interpretations of a four-fold system of Yoga. It argues that Vivekananda understood his Vedanta philosophy to be universal and applied it freely to non-Hindu traditions. This demonstrates that Vivekananda was consistently critical of 'low-level spirituality' not only in non-Hindu traditions but also within Hinduism.

By placing Vivekananda within the context of 'Advaitic primacy,' rather than 'Hindu chauvinism,' the book offers a fresh perspective on his life and teachings. It will be of interest to scholars of Hinduism, South Asian religion, and the South Asian diaspora communities, as well as religious studies more broadly.

In conclusion, this book seeks to provide a more comprehensive and accurate portrayal of Swami Vivekananda, challenging the idealized and narrow narratives that have been prevalent in the scholarship surrounding him. It sheds light on his multifaceted personality, his universalistic views, and his critical engagement with both Hinduism and non-Hindu traditions. By understanding Vivekananda in this broader context, we can gain a deeper appreciation of his contributions to spirituality, philosophy, and cultural exchange.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472483751