Representation of Indian Spirituality in The United States: Contributions of Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda

Abstract

The nineteenth century America witnessed an unprecedented growth in philology, while Indian philosophy had found its place in American Academia. For almost a century, American scholars such as Ralph W. Emerson, Henry D. Thoreau, Wilt Wiltman had read, debated, and interpreted Hinduism, the ancient texts and the religious practices of India. But the actual representation of ancient Indian spirituality and its meaning became possible only when spiritual leaders from India reached America.