Radical Monk: Social and Political Philosophy of Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda (1863 – 1902) is one of the major thinkers of modern India. The unknown monk of India suddenly leapt 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 Vivekanda’s thinking in this bold and challengingly provocative book the author charts the shifting dynamics of religion, community, nationalism, colonialism and modernity. It is hoped that after reading The Radical Monk others will be persuaded to follow the path of Swami Vivekananda and will reject religious fundamentalism, jingoistic nationalism, crash materialism and false patriotism in favour of creating and nurturing a healthy and humane society based on universal brotherhood.