Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was a 19th-century Contemporary Indian monk, Nationalist as well as a Philosopher. He was the closest disciple of Mystic saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. On his guidance, Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Math. Vivekananda Chicago conference on World Religions has awakened the world and gave a new direction to the Meaning of Life.
Epistemology
Everything in the world should have some reason, even Religion.
So, Vivekananda approach to life is Rationalistic. It could be made clearer by the following phrase:
“For it is better that mankind should turn atheist than blindly believing in 200 billion Gods on the authority of anybody”
Metaphysics
Vivekananda believes in the Theory of the origin of the Universe as explained in the Theory of Samkhya and Vedanta Philosophy.
Religious Views
Though Religious views of Swami Vivekananda is vast and divine. We have tried to compress it to be effective for the welfare of Humanity.
According to Vivekananda, “the service to Humanity is equal to the Worship of God.”
Religion goes to the roots of the matter. If it is right, all is right. He believed that the true religious were no-where followed. If religions were followed truly, then it is the most suitable path of all miseries.
“Old religions said that he is an atheist, who doesn’t believe in God. The new religions say that he is an atheist, who doesn’t believe in himself.”
Vivekananda taught Humanity to be aware of self and be compassionate for the problems of other people.
‘Atmano Mokshartham, Jagat Hithaya Cha’ (for the salvation of the self and the welfare of Humanity).
Educational views
“Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man.” – Swami Vivekananda
Human freedom depends on the knowledge of Upanishads about the world process. The Upanishadic teachings taught us to be fearless and adopt a free state of mind. Freedom and fearlessness could develop the human spirit. Therefore, Education is a kind of ladder to spiritual development.
Views on Freedom
According to Vivekananda, “Freedom is the only condition of growth.”
As a result, the growth of an individual resists when one is not free. For example, flowing water is always fresh and aromatic, but the stagnant water stinks.
Approach of Fearlessness
“Fear is not the root of Hinduism, it is love, it is the thirst for knowledge, it is a fearless enquiry into truth.”
Hinduism tells man that he has to become immortal here and now, and he can find real and absolute happiness in this very existence. He must be fearless for all the deadly things he faces in life. When he turns fearless, the values of love, knowledge and truth blossoms.
Process of Social Evolution
According to Swami Vivekananda, the Western countries are mostly materialistic and Eastern counties are spiritualistic in their dealings towards life. Swami Vivekananda believes in rejecting materialism and developing Spirituality as the only means to discover the true self and to achieve peace of mind.
It should also be noted that a Hungry soul can have no religion. Before going towards the path of spirituality, one’s basic instinct (mostly hunger, thirst, sleep) must be satisfied.
Cultural View
No Nation can live by holding itself apart from the community of others. The one cause of downfall and degeneration of India was the building of a wall of custom. “Expansion is life, contraction is death.”
So, Humans should never show intolerance towards other thoughts, cultural views, and religious beliefs.
Vivekananda Socialist cause
‘Daridra Narayana’ and ‘Daridra Devo Bhava’
Vivekananda says that others should be conscious of their duty towards poor people and take up their cause. Mahatma Gandhi Harijan Seva was the continuation of the practice of Swami Vivekananda.
Vivekananda Sayings on Socialism
“I am a socialist not because it is a perfect system, but because I believe that half a loaf is better than no bread.”
Vivekananda believes in Socialism because its correct approach could fulfil the basic needs of people. Once the basic need is facilitated, humans could move towards spirituality, love and faith.
Bibliography
Marx and Vivekananda: A comparative study- P.Parameswaran
PhiloTreat 
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