Reinvestigating Vivekananda’s Image as a Religious Pluralist and Universalist

Abstract

Religious pluralism and universalism are two inseparable concepts. Religious pluralism is an
approach that not only accepts the diversity in religions, but also culminates their peaceful
existence in a universal religion. In nineteen century Bengal, Vivekananda‘s doctrines of
pluralism and universalism were applauded by the world parliaments of religions. He
symbolizes this plurality of religions with different paths leading to same destination
(realization of God in soul). While his claimed universal religion was so extensive in nature that
it could embrace the spirit all religions and thus it cannot be limited within the boundaries of fix
beliefs and practices. But his pluralism and universalism becomes dubious and demands
reinvestigation of his image as a pluralist and Universalist when he fails to acknowledge the
individuality of each religion. Vivekananda not only tried to adjust these religions (Christianity,
Islam and Buddhism) in evolutionary scheme of Vedanta. But also assign Advaita Vedanta the
crowning place on each religion in the form of universal religion.