Vivekananda: Indian Swami and Global Guru

This article seeks to integrate the “Indian swami” with “global guru” and reflects upon why Vivekananda’s teaching was conveyed so differently different audiences. It argues that distinctive form of “counter-preaching” had its roots in Adhikari-bheda, a tradition tailor spiritual instruction needs capacities individual aspirants. I will show how he applied this technique larger audiences because believed “truth” relative dimension account for cultural difference. investigate Hindu “man-making” democracy India matched by lessons designed counter “muscular Christianity” Euro-America. Vivekananda wanted both reinforce vision eastern wisdom western (and at times Indian) prejudices, whilst also attempting shift entrenched but fallacious generalizations each arena. In working within seeming contradiction, his nationalism universalism were inextricable, tied innovative formulations Advaita Vedanta, karma yoga, especially “practical Vedanta”. conclude explaining methods generally sought pull away from extremes. The kaleidoscopic qualities teachings, suggest, explain legacy has been variously deployed right left contemporary Indian political culture.