Swami Vivekananda called the religion of Upanishads a Universal Religion of the future humanity. For the future humanity will be full of knowledge, both scientific and spiritual. Upanishads have no fear of any truth whether of external world (science) or of internal world (spirituality). The Upanishads are free from all such superstitious elements. “It will kill all superstitions.” Says Swamiji: “Strength, O man, strength, say the Upanishads, stand up and be strong. Ay, it is the only literature in the world where you find the word ‘Abhayam’, ‘fearless’, used again and again.”

Real social reformation will come when Atman is made to manifest in everyone. That is done when selfishness is given up through renunciation and loving service. In carrying out reforms, Swamiji advised, “Carry the light and hope of Vedanta to every door and rouse up the divinity that is hidden within every soul. In this is centred the salvation of humanity there and hereafter.”

Hence, after reading a rough translation of Upanishads, Schopenhaure, the great German philosopher of 19th century, remarked, “In the whole world there is no study so beneficial and so elevating as that of the Upanishads. It has been the solace of my life; it will be the solace of my death.” This is the message of strength given by the Upanishads. The world needs strength and fearlessness and this comes from realising our oneness with each other in and through God.

— Ramakrishna Vivekananda Vedanta Society