Essay on Swami Vivekananda and Internationalism
By
Shreyas B.S
Almost 130 years back, the Parliament of Religions at the city of Chicago, a
religious gathering across the globe, witnessed a divine spirit from India. The
greatest Indian Monk and Philosopher Swami Vivekananda captivated the
religious representatives with his opening note, "Sisters and brothers of
America". Swami Vivekananda’s spiritual grit garnered a standing ovation from
the crowd present there. Who else can represent Hinduism other than Swami
Vivekananda himself? His teachings opened up a forum for oneness through a
religious lens. Vivekananda’s thoughts took him far across the globe. He
travelled transversely for a Spiritual regeneration- a promise made to his
master Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
Universality is a central theme between Swami Vivekananda and
Internationalism. While Vivekananda taught values of Unification through
religion, Internationalism, on the other hand, stressed a cooperative
arrangement of States. So, one thing is common- Amalgamation of moral
thoughts and deeds. The term Internationalism is often allied to Economic
exchanges, Treaties, Conventions, Policies, etc. This essay highlights the
influence of Swami Vivekananda’s conscious and collective effort to unite the
world.
Although Internationalism is Political, Swami Vivekananda explored humanist
approaches to sort out global differences. His religious teachings were in tune
with criteria to attain key objects of Internationalism; Freedom, Equality,
Nationalism, Social justice, and Peace. Most of Vivekananda’s works spoke on
Collective Responsibility, a much-prioritized agenda today on global forums.
We have heard about Indian Philosophers inspired by Western thinkers, but
Swami Vivekananda had lakhs of Western followers inspired by his teachings.
Is this not the power of Hinduism? Both his father and Grandfather studied law
and later advanced their life towards a spiritual path. So, Vivekananda
inherited a unique blend of Legal and Spiritual outlook in life. All these made
Vivekananda imbibe the values of nature, law, ethics, and morality in his
works. The following passages focus on Swami Vivekananda’s efforts to
facilitate Internationalism under religious background.
There was a purpose behind Swami Vivekananda’s message to the world. He
conveyed the essence of Hinduism with a universal philosophy. Despite
hegemonic ideologies, Swami Vivekananda never endorsed nor propagated
any dogmas. He was of the firm opinion that religion is only a realization and
nothing more. He was proud to represent Hinduism and often felt that Bharath
(India) was the most auspicious land on the entire earth. The dharmic culture
taught him to accept the reality of universal acceptance. Coming to the
concept of Freedom, Swami Vivekananda insisted on the right knowledge and,
it is possible through proper practice and consultation. On Equality,
Vivekananda worked to promote shared cultural exchanges to unify thoughts
and actions of varied classes. He further argued that equality is all about being
pure and strong, nothing else.
The futuristic thoughts of Vivekananda had enormous belief in Indian youths.
His Nationalistic ideas aimed to strengthen confidence and ignite an
intellectual fire in the young. For social justice, Vivekananda suggested women
empowerment through quality education. He knew a nation couldn't abolish
the caste system, but never forget that there is no such religion greater than
humanity. Therefore, he said Brahmin is not a class, but humanity. While the
nations are war footed to enjoy all the fruits of sovereignty, Vivekananda
accentuated peace and social order. States should strive hard to bring in joy
setting aside their Authoritative stand on matters of public concern.
Swami Vivekananda, with his teachings, explored varied disciplines that can
offer solutions to insistent global issues. Just as Sun turns Orange in the
absence of sufficient light in the sky, Swami Vivekananda in a Saffron outfit
bought spiritual light to gain expert knowledge on the earth. As India
celebrates Azadi Ka Amruth Mahotsav and, to mark Swami Vivekananda
Jayanti, let us pledge for a “Spiritual Saffronization” in India. We all shall make
Bharath proud once again with the profound and priceless teachings of Swami
Vivekananda, an epitome of Spiritual unity and integrity.
JAI HIND-JAI BHARATH
