ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the central argument of the work – that Vivekananda was a hierarchical inclusivist who promoted ‘Advaitic primacy’ rather than ‘Hindu chauvinism’. It addresses recent scholarship on Vivekananda, and analyses the complexity of primary sources for Vivekananda’s own writings and lectures. The chapter positions Vivekananda within the tradition of Modern Vedanta, and argues that his understanding of religion in general, rather than Hinduism per se, requires a hitherto unexplored understanding of his treatment of non-Hindu traditions.
