Vivekananda Flashcards
Give four facts about vivekananda
- Disciple of Ramakrishna who brought his ideas to the public eye. 2. Originally brahmo samaj, but a religious experience with Ramakrishna changed his views. 3. Achieved samadhi and was inspired to bring his views to others. 4. Combined the thinking of Roy and Ramakrishna.
What were Vivekananda’s four key messages?
- The divine is present in all people. 2. All people should be treated as equals. 3. All religions are interpretations of the same ultimate reality, we should be tolerant to all. 4. A balance can be struck between the science of the west and spirituality of the east.
How did vivekananda see science?
Influenced deeply by it, believed it was possible to make advaita philosophy compatible with science.
What did vivekananda say about scientific laws?
Scientific laws were timeless and impersonal, just like the vedas. The advaita teaching of the realization of knowledge of Brahman is a method for the discovery of spiritual facts, just as scientists discover scientific facts.
What did vivekananda do at the parliament of world religions 1893?
Put forward ideas about religious tolerance, forced the west to take Hinduism seriously. Presented Hinduism as the ultimate religion as it already preached tolerance and unity.
What were the consequences of vivekananda’s actions at the parliament of world religions?
He made the west take Hinduism seriously and attacked missionaries who came to India to convert people, instead he preached about how spirituality should be about service to mankind. He stayed in the west and founded the Vedanta society in 1895.
How did vivekananda see caste?
Was not opposed to it, saw it as natural order. However, he opposed the ‘evil’ oppression within the caste system.
How did vivekananda see idol worship?
He defended it- critics should look to the success of Ramakrishna. However, worshiping god as formless is a superior type of worship.
What were vivekananda’s views on women?
The neglect of women was partially to blame for India’s downfall, the message of the holy mother is crucial to the uplift of women.
What are the Ramakrishna math and mission?
- Worldwide non political and spiritual organizations which carry out humanitarian services. 2. Set up by Vivekananda in 1897, inspired by Vedanta ideas of renunciation and service. 3. Devotes serve millions of people regardless of caste, race or gender.
What five things do Ramakrishna monks dedicate themselves to?
- Helping society through education, healthcare and reform. 2. Realizing advaita Vedanta. 3. Devotion to Ramakrishna. 4. The unity of religions. 5. For one’s own salvation and the welfare of the world.
How has vivekananda’s movement helped with women’s equality?
1954- monastic order of women Sri sarada math set up. 1960- Ramakrishna sarada mission to carry out charitable services amongst women and children.
Explain the influence vivekananda’s movement has had around the world
Has 187 centers in India, USA, Russia, UK, South Africa and many more countries.
Give two points to show the influence of vivekananda’s movement
- Emphasis on tolerance has great appeal amongst western liberal ideas and is still popular. 2. It allows for an Indian national identity, with room for other traditions and beliefs.
Give two more points to show the influence of vivekananda’s movement
- Followers see Hinduism as a world religion. 4. It grew after vivekananda’s death and is one of the most important reform movements.
