Swami Vivekananda’s response towards religious fanaticism
Swami Vivekananda is one of the modern age philosophers of India who has commented on various subjects. As a follower of universal religion, at many times he has criticized orthodoxy and rigid nature of religion. He proposed Sarvajanika Dharma and criticized conservatism in religion. While doing this he has assessed fanaticism in religion. This paper examines his views on fanaticism and evaluates his reaction towards it. He has not only discussed the causes and effects of fanaticism but also suggested some remedies for its cure. While giving causes of fanaticism he discusses how ignorance and bad faith are responsible for origin of it. Regarding the influence of it on human world he says that fanaticism is most hard barrier for development of true religion and is responsible for destruction of human civilizations. When we study his ideas and views on it we can see that his viewpoints are still relevant today. Today in the age of growing disparity, fundamentalism and violence his suggestions can be good tools for creating the environment which will change the situation of the world. An attempt is made in this paper to understand and interpret his ideas and see it they are relevant today or not.
Pradeepkumar Mane, PhD Research scholar, Department of Philosophy, University of Pune.
First Session of SPPIS, Haryana 
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