40. Swami Vivekananda’s Neo-Vedantism and it’s Practical Application 

Bibek Manna
Research Scholar, Dept. of Philosophy
Calcutta University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Email: mannabibek66@gmail.com

Abstract: Swami Vivekananda’s Neo-Vedantism represents a notable re-interpretation of Advaita Vedānta, designed to confront the spiritual, social, and cultural difficulties of modern civilization. Vivekananda’s viewpoint, grounded in the non-dualistic tenets of the Upaniṣads, surpassed simple intellectual conjecture to emphasize its practical and transformative relevance in everyday life. He reconceptualized Vedānta as a dynamic philosophy of action, highlighting the intrinsic divinity inside each individual and advocating for service to humanity as the paramount manifestation of worship. His concept of “Practical Vedānta” linked spirituality with social responsibility. He asserted that religion ought to encompass more than just ideology or practice; it should also involve a mode of conduct. Under his leadership, Neo-Vedantism transformed into a vehicle for personal liberation and a stimulus for national revitalization, promoting interfaith unity, the empowerment of disenfranchised groups, and the cultivation of worldwide brotherhood. This dissertation rigorously examines the philosophical aspects of Vivekananda’s Neo-Vedantism, its reinterpretation of old Advaita, and its enduring effects on ethics, education, and social change. This research situates Vivekananda within the broad framework of Indian and global philosophy, highlighting the enduring relevance of his vision in addressing contemporary challenges related to pluralism, social justice, and spiritual humanism.

Keywords: Swami Vivekananda; Neo-Vedantism; Practical Vedānta; Religious Pluralism; Social Reform; Spiritual Humanism; Indian Philosophy.