RELIGIOUS REFORMATION: Ramakrishna
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-86) was the greatest personality of the nineteenth century. He practiced different forms of religion including Islam and Christianity to demonstrate their fundamental unity. He decried dogmatism and proclaimed that all religions have so many paths but they are leading to the same God.

Sri Ramakrishna believed that divinity was manifested in human forms. He wanted fuller development of latent divinity in man. He also looked upon womenfolk as manifestations of Divine Energy as human forms of the Mother of the universe. This new light on the nature of woman helped to change social attitude to womenfolk. Sri Ramakrishna did not actually believe in caste system. He saw shadow of God in all human beings. Thus by him caste distinction was removed and Hindu religion was invigorated. He had no so-called formal education, yet he ceaselessly talk about deep spiritual truths and people of all levels of the society listened to him spellbound.

To even men like Keshab Chandra, Swami Dayananda, Vidyasagar and Sasadhar Tarkachuramani he was a source of veritable wonder. Before his advent Hinduism had lost its appeal. It was subjected to harsh criticism by Christian missionaries, the Young Bengal and others. But by his unprecedented spiritual exercises and

unique teachings he infused a new strength into Hinduism. People began to put faith in Hinduism once again. Hinduism regained its former glory.

Prev Page