Swami Vivekananda and Practical Vedanta
Raj Madhu, Pallvi Sharma, Gurashish Kour, Asit K. Mantry, Biswabhusan Pradhan
Improving Mental Well-Being at the Intersection of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga April 16, 2026 DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-4187-3.ch007 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Practical Vedanta, reinterpreted by Vivekananda as a lived philosophy, provides a spiritually grounded framework that integrates with psychological concepts to address mental health challenges, proposing inward-directed approaches for emotional clarity and inner freedom. |
Abstract
This chapter explores the relevance of Swami Vivekananda's Practical Vedanta in addressing contemporary mental health challenges. Drawing from core Vedantic principles, such as Atman (the Self), Brahman (ultimate reality), and Advaita (non-dualism), the chapter examines how self-awareness, detachment (Vairagya), and Karma Yoga can transform emotional distress into inner strength. It integrates philosophical insights with psychological concepts like emotional regulation, mindfulness, and resilience, offering a spiritually grounded framework for mental well-being. Through Vivekananda's reinterpretation of Vedanta as a lived philosophy, the chapter argues for inward-directed approaches that transcend symptom management and foster deeper self-realization. This synthesis provides an inclusive, non-sectarian path to emotional clarity and inner freedom in an age of psychological fragmentation.