The Radical Monk: Social and Political Philosophy of Swami Vivekanand

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Vivekananda’s Chicago address. 3. Deconstruction of Hinduism. 4. Idea of religious pluralism. 5. Interrogating modernity. 6. Interpreting the Bhagavad Gita. 7. Ideal society. 8. Vivekananda’s social and political philosophy.Conclusion. Bibliography. Index. 

Swami Vivekanana (1863-1902)is one of the major thinkers of modern India. The unknown monk of India suddenly leap into fame at the Parliament of religions held in Chicago in 1893, at which he represented Hinduism. His vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture as well as his deep spiritual  insight, enchanting eloquence, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, colourful personality, and handsome figure made an irresistible appeal to the millions of people all over the world.

In the west Vivekananda’s mission was the interpretation of India’s spiritual culture, especially in its Vedantic setting. In his own motherland Vivekananda is regarded as the patriot saint of modern India and an inspirer of her dormant national consciousness. He wanted to obtain from the West money, scientific knowledge, and technical help for the regeneration of the Indian masses, and in turn, to give to the west the knowledge of the Eternal Spirit to endow their material progress with significance.

The author has offered a clear and accessible, appreciative but not uncritical account of the whole range of  Vivekana’s thinking in this bold and challengingly provocative book the author charts the shifting dynamics of religion community, nationalism, colonialism and modernity.