Religion is the enquiry into the beyond that marks the difference between the lives of human and animals. This is how Swami Vivekananda explained the essence of religion. He said: “So if man rests content with the present and gives up all search into the beyond, mankind will have to go back to the animal plane.” Religion is a complex human phenomenon encompassing various spiritual practices. It throws light into the inner world as well as engages in exploring answers to timeless, existential questions.

Religious feelings descend from one generation to the next. Swami Vivekananda held that the lowest stage of religion is the religion of fear when people turn to God and perform rituals and religious practices to protect themselves from harm. These are the external forms of devotion through

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