Swami Vivekananda and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,

 Swami Vivekananda, a prominent disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, is often regarded as a modern figure compared to his teacher Sri Ramakrishna. This differentiation in their perception as modern and traditional figures is based on various factors, including their approaches to spirituality, their messages, and their impact on society during their lifetimes. Here are some perspectives that might illustrate why Swami Vivekananda is often considered more modern:

Worldly Engagement and Social Reform:

Swami Vivekananda had a strong emphasis on social service, education, and uplifting the masses. He aimed to combine spirituality with social welfare and emphasized the importance of practicality and service to humanity. His teachings inspired a modern approach to spirituality that involved active engagement in the world. He said:

"We want the education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet."

Emphasis on Rationality and Science:

Vivekananda advocated the harmony between science and spirituality. He believed that scientific inquiry and spiritual exploration should go hand in hand. He said:

"Science can never solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the last analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve."

Universalism and Religious Tolerance:

Vivekananda propagated the idea of religious harmony and universality of religions. He addressed the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he spoke about religious acceptance and tolerance:

"Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair."

While Swami Vivekananda introduced a more contemporary and universal approach to spirituality, Sri Ramakrishna, his teacher, represented a more traditional and deeply mystical aspect of Hindu spirituality. Sri Ramakrishna's teachings were rooted in direct spiritual experiences and often expressed through parables and stories, emphasizing the path of devotion and direct communion with the divine.

Both figures, Vivekananda and Ramakrishna, played essential roles in shaping modern Hindu thought, but Vivekananda's emphasis on social reform, scientific temper, and universal spirituality often categorizes him as more modern in his approach and teachings.