Vedic Humanism and Global Ethics: Relevance of Swami Dayananda’s Thought in Multicultural Societies

Abstract

Purpose: The present multicultural society encounters various ethical challenges because it requires institutions which will connect shared values to cultural diversity acceptance. This paper investigates how Vedic Humanism from Maharishi Dayananda Saraswati provides an ethical framework which works for these specific situations. Dayananda used reason to reinterpret Vedic thought while promoting ethical principles which apply to all people and social equality to eliminate superstition and ritualistic practices and discriminatory social structures. His belief that dharma exists through moral actions instead of birth or religious beliefs or ritual practices creates an ethical framework which works for societies with multiple religious groups.

Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper.

Analysis/ Results: This paper demonstrates that Dayananda's philosophical ideas contained elements which match contemporary global ethical principles through his defence of human dignity and his promotion of rational thinking and educational development and his belief in universal moral duties. His philosophical method combines spiritual knowledge with logical moral rules which stop him from choosing between complete dogmatic beliefs and completely flexible moral standards.

Originality/ Values: The study applies thematic analysis to dharma and equality and reason and education to show how Vedic Humanism supports dialogue between cultures and develops democratic leadership and ethical administration in diverse communities. The study concludes that Swami Dayananda’s thought provides an indigenous yet globally relevant ethical framework capable of addressing contemporary moral crises without erasing cultural plurality.

Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.