60 Swami Vivekananda Quotes for Wisdom and Timeless Insight

This is a post by Danielle Dahl, Wisdom Quotes’ first contributing author.

Spiritual Quotes – Self-Discovery Quotes – Compassion Quotes – Educational Quotes – Yoga Quotes – Empowerment Quotes – Swami’s Teachings – Further Readings

Embark on a journey through the profound teachings of Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world.

Swami Vivekananda’s quotes have helped me through my spiritual journey.

His focus on self-reliance and resilience has resonated with me during many tough times in my life.

He interpreted Vedantic concepts in a way that was accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences, both in India and abroad.

Vedanta is a spiritual and philosophical system derived from the Upanishads, which are part of the latter portion of the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. The term “Vedanta” literally means “the end of the Vedas,” signifying the culmination of Vedic thought.

Vedanta primarily deals with the nature of reality and the individual’s relationship with the ultimate reality or Brahman. It explores concepts like Dharma (duty/righteousness), Karma (action and its consequences), Moksha (liberation), and Atman (the true self or soul).

While Vedanta provides the philosophical framework and understanding of the ultimate reality, Yoga offers practical techniques for achieving spiritual growth.

Vivekananda integrated the practice of Yoga with Vedantic principles, viewing Yoga as a practical means to achieve the spiritual goals outlined in Vedanta.

So, are you ready for the best Swami Vivekananda quotes?

Let’s get started!

Swami Vivekananda Quotes on Spiritual Enlightenment

Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached. Swami Vivekananda

In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart. Swami Vivekananda

The fire that warms us can also consume us; it is not the fault of the fire. Swami Vivekananda

Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true. Swami Vivekananda

The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong. Swami Vivekananda

The more we come out and do good to others, the more our hearts will be purified. Swami Vivekananda

Where can we go to find God if we cannot see Him in our own hearts and in every living being? Swami Vivekananda

Ask nothing; want nothing in return. Give what you have to give; it will come back to you but do not think of that now. Swami Vivekananda

Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this Divinity within by controlling nature, external and internal. Swami Vivekananda

Feel nothing, know nothing, do nothing, have nothing, give up all to God, and say utterly, ‘Thy will be done.’ We only dream this bondage. Swami Vivekananda

Self-Discovery Through Swami Vivekananda Quotes

Comfort is no test of truth. Truth is often far from being comfortable. Swami Vivekananda

You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself. Swami Vivekananda

The earth is enjoyed by heroes — this is the unfailing truth. Be a hero. Always say, ‘I have no fear.’ Swami Vivekananda

The more we grow in love, virtue, and holiness, the more we see love, virtue, and holiness outside. Swami Vivekananda

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark. Swami Vivekananda

You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. Swami Vivekananda

All knowledge that the world has ever received comes from the mind; the infinite library of the universe is in our own mind. Swami Vivekananda

We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary. Thoughts live; they travel far. Swami Vivekananda

Stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders, and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. Swami Vivekananda

The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves. Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda Quotes: Compassion and Service

They alone live, who live for others. Swami Vivekananda

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Swami Vivekananda

Help and not fight, assimilation and not destruction, harmony and peace and not dissension. Swami Vivekananda

If you want to find God, serve man. To reach Narayana (God), you must serve the Daridra Narayanas (the poor). Swami Vivekananda

It is the cheerful mind that is persevering. It is the strong mind that hews its way through a thousand difficulties. Swami Vivekananda

The world is in need of those whose life is one burning love, selfless. That love will make every word tell like a thunderbolt. Swami Vivekananda

If money helps a man to do good to others, it is of some value; but if not, it is simply a mass of evil, and the sooner it is got rid of, the better. Swami Vivekananda

Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If you cannot, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way. Swami Vivekananda

Do not stand on a high pedestal and take five cents in your hand and say, ‘Here, my poor man,’ but be grateful that the poor man is there to give you the opportunity of doing him good. Swami Vivekananda

In doing evil, we injure ourselves and others. In doing good, we bless ourselves and others. Swami Vivekananda

Related

Educational Insights: Swami Vivekananda Quotes

Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man. Swami Vivekananda

The end of all education, all training, should be man-making. Swami Vivekananda

The very reason for nature’s existence is for the education of the soul. Swami Vivekananda

Knowledge can only be got in one way, the way of experience; there is no other way to know. Swami Vivekananda

Books are infinite in number and time is short. The secret of knowledge is to take what is essential. Swami Vivekananda

All the wealth of the world cannot help one little Indian village if the people are not taught to help themselves. Swami Vivekananda

What we want are Western science coupled with Vedanta, Brahmacharya as the guiding motto, and also shraddha and faith in one’s own self. Swami Vivekananda

The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you; depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed. Swami Vivekananda

We want that 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. Swami Vivekananda

The only service to be done for our lower classes is to give them education, to develop their lost individuality. Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda Quotes on Yoga and Meditation

If you want to have life, you have to die every moment for it. Swami Vivekananda

In one word, this ideal is that you are divine. Swami Vivekananda

In meditation, the mind is turned back upon itself. Swami Vivekananda

Meditation can turn fools into sages but unfortunately fools never meditate. Swami Vivekananda

Yoga is restraining the mind-stuff (Chitta) from taking various forms (Vrittis). Swami Vivekananda

When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a lamp in a windless place. Swami Vivekananda

The more we come out and do good to others, the more our hearts will be purified, and God will be in them. Swami Vivekananda

Concentration is the essence of all knowledge, nothing can be done without it. Yoga teaches us how to concentrate the mind. Swami Vivekananda

To succeed, you must have tremendous perseverance, tremendous will. ‘I will drink the ocean,’ says the persevering soul; ‘at my will mountains will crumble up.’ Swami Vivekananda

The very essence of education is concentration of mind, not the collecting of facts. Swami Vivekananda

Empowerment and Wisdom: Swami Vivekananda Quotes

Neither seek nor avoid, take what comes. Swami Vivekananda

The goal of mankind is knowledge… now this knowledge is inherent in man. Swami Vivekananda

The greatest truths are the simplest things in the world, simple as your own existence. Swami Vivekananda

The older I grow, the more everything seems to me to lie in manliness. This is my new Gospel. Swami Vivekananda

Strength is Life, Weakness is Death. Expansion is Life, Contraction is Death. Love is Life, Hatred is Death. Swami Vivekananda

In a day, when you don’t come across any problems – you can be sure that you are travelling in a wrong path. Swami Vivekananda

The world is ready to give up its secrets if we only know how to knock, how to give it the necessary blow. The strength and force of the blow come through concentration. Swami Vivekananda

The Vedanta recognizes no sin it only recognizes error. And the greatest error, says the Vedanta is to say that you are weak, that you are a sinner, a miserable creature, and that you have no power and you cannot do this and that. Swami Vivekananda

Anything that makes weak – physically, intellectually and spiritually, reject it as poison. Swami Vivekananda

Conclusion

Stand up and express the divinity within you. Swami Vivekananda

What are the 4 teachings of Swami Vivekananda?

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings were vast and profound, but four key principles stand out:

Strength and self-reliance: He emphasized the importance of inner strength and self-reliance, encouraging individuals to believe in themselves and their divine nature.
Service to others: He advocated for service to humanity, stating that serving people was equivalent to serving God.
Religious harmony: Vivekananda promoted religious tolerance and the acceptance of all religions as different paths to the same truth.
Education and knowledge: He stressed the importance of education in achieving national and individual progress, advocating for a balance between Western scientific knowledge and Indian spirituality.

Last words On Swami Vivekananda’s Quotes

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and quotes continue to guide and inspire individuals on their path to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization.

His profound wisdom encourages us to seek inner strength, embrace universal brotherhood, and pursue knowledge with determination. Let these 60 quotes be a source of motivation and a beacon of light in your journey of life.

His eloquence at the 1893 Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago marked a seminal moment, bringing Eastern spirituality to global consciousness. Despite passing away at the young age of 39 on July 4, 1902, Vivekananda left an indelible mark on spiritual thought.

His early demise, attributed to a ruptured blood vessel in his brain alongside ailments like asthma and diabetes, was hastened by his intense spiritual practices and the rigors of his mission.

This collection of Swami Vivekananda quotes captures the essence of his teachings, offering insights into spirituality, self-realization, and the power of the human mind.

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