Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda are among the gems who despite their widespread following and fame, did not attract any detractors. They are beloved worldwide for people of diverse races, castes, creeds, religions, and identities. While their impact on and contributions to human civilisation are immeasurable, their relevance expands with each passing day. Though their lives and messages were deeply spiritual, viewing them solely as spiritual leaders would be a significant mistake. The Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement was not just limited to philosophical explorations, but also revolutionised service by extending its reach to humanity in every possible way.
Mahatma Gandhi is a figure who needs no introduction. He is widely recognised for his role in the freedom movement and commitment to non-violence. His presence on Indian currency and in photographs in government buildings throughout the country, makes him more visible than anyone else.
Many people may not know much about his life and principles, but they form opinions based on what they see and hear, particularly in the age of social media. The academic world is no exception, as scholars often view him through various lenses influenced by their perspectives, inclinations, and choices.
However, it is also true that understanding figures like Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda, and Mahatma Gandhi from a holistic point of view, is a humongous task for any individual. There is always more than what is written in history. History often reveals complexities beyond written records, making it challenging to fully conceptualise historical figures or events with just the available sources.
This work explores the influence of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda on Gandhiji, offering content creators and narrative setters a fresh perspective on his life and legacy. Examining these influences encourages a more nuanced understanding of Gandhiji, enriching the dialogue around his contributions and philosophies. This new viewpoint can lead to a deeper appreciation of his multifaceted character, and the diverse elements that shaped his thoughts and actions. This work can serve as a foundation to revolutionise future studies concerning Gandhiji.
Despite facing invasions through history, India is one of the few civilisations that has continued its great cultural tradition. Several religions have tried to conquer this land of wisdom, but its spiritual consciousness has helped it endure innumerable vicissitudes.
Around the 18th century, after winning the Battles of Plassey (1757) and Buxar (1764), the British secured a comfortable position to rule India. They systematically devastated the country in every aspect, from economic exploitation to educational setbacks, and cultural invasion through Christianity. This strategy was aimed not only at political dominance, but also sought cultural subjugation, ensuring British rule over the land for decades. In such an environment, two sons of the soil, Sri Ramakrishna and his chief disciple Swami Vivekananda, sought to awaken the Hindu mind to its inherent strengths and capacities, amidst relentless attacks from all sides. Sri Ramakrishna successfully mentored a disciple who could single. handedly confront the British and effectively protect the country from the cultural invasion of the West. The legacy of both the spiritual giants has enlightened the lives of thousands of people across the globe.
It is interesting to note that several social and political leaders have sought inspiration from spiritual figures. Mahatma Gandhi was not immune to this as well. He was among those deeply influenced by spiritual figures, including Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, who illuminated his life and perspectives in various aspects.
This work focuses on exploring the profound influence of the Ramakrishna Vivekananda movement on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Despite never meeting these spiritual leaders, Gandhiji drew immense inspiration from their works. He not only studied their literature extensively, but also frequently visited the Ramakrishna Mission, bringing him closer to the movement. Throughout this work, I have identified and documented instances when Mahatma Gandhi referenced, gave examples of, and quoted their teachings on various platforms. This highlights the profound impact these spiritual giants had on his life and philosophy.
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