Dharma and Moral Duty: A Study of Ethics in the Thought of Swami Vivekananda

Abstract

This research paper explores the ethical philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, focusing on the concepts of dharma and moral duty as the foundation of personal and social responsibility. Vivekananda’s thought presents ethics not as abstract theorization but as an actionable framework, emphasizing the integration of virtue, knowledge, and selfless action. He maintains that moral life is realized through conscious engagement in duties, guided by principles of truth, compassion, and universal welfare. This approach links personal growth with social responsibility, highlighting that ethical conduct has both inward and outward dimensions, nurturing character while promoting justice and harmony in society. The study further examines Vivekananda’s emphasis on karma, character development, and the universality of dharma, illustrating how ethical principles apply across individual, societal, and global contexts. Scholars such as Sharma and Gupta underscore the relevance of his vision for contemporary ethical challenges, including social inequality, environmental responsibility, and intercultural understanding. Vivekananda’s philosophy advocates that ethical action should be guided by awareness, virtue, and empathy, thereby fostering moral courage and socially responsible behaviour. This paper demonstrates that Vivekananda’s ethics provides a holistic and timeless framework for moral life, where knowledge, virtue, and duty converge to shape ethical practice. His thought offers valuable guidance for addressing modern moral dilemmas, emphasizing the inseparable relationship between personal integrity and social welfare. The study highlights the enduring relevance of Vivekananda’s moral philosophy for contemporary individuals and communities seeking ethical clarity and purposeful action.