Swami Vivekananda’s 60 life changing quotes
1. Self-Confidence and Inner Strength
Swami Vivekananda emphasized the importance of self-confidence as the foundation of success. His teachings inspire individuals to believe in their inner strength, reminding us that true power comes from within.
“Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”
“All power is within you; you can do anything and everything.”
“Believe in yourself and the world will be at your feet.”
“Stand up, be bold, and take the blame on your own shoulders.”
“Talk to yourself once in a day, otherwise you may miss meeting an excellent person in this world.”
“Be a hero. Always say, ‘I have no fear.’ Tell this to everyone—’Have no fear.'”
“Strength is life; weakness is death.”
“Whatever you think, that you will be. If you think yourselves weak, weak you will be; if you think yourselves strong, strong you will be.”
“If you think that you are bound, you remain bound; if you know that you are free, you are free.”
“Hold your head high; look the world straight in the eye.”
2. Self-Realization and Spiritual Growth
Vivekananda advocated for self-realization as the path to spiritual enlightenment. He encouraged individuals to seek deeper understanding and connection with their true self, leading to inner peace and growth.
“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual.”
“The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves!”
“In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart.”
“You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.”
“When an idea exclusively occupies the mind, it is transformed into an actual physical or mental state.”
“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.”
“Feel nothing, know nothing, do nothing, have nothing, give up all to God.”
“Let people say whatever they like, stick to your own convictions, and rest assured, the world will be at your feet.”
“If I love myself despite my infinite faults, how can I hate anyone at the glimpse of a few faults?”
“Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads, and dare to carry that out in your life.”
3. Wisdom and Philosophy of Life
Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy of life is rooted in the belief that knowledge, wisdom, and a balanced mind lead to fulfillment. His teachings provide guidance on how to live a purposeful, meaningful, and harmonious life.
“The fire that warms us can also consume us; it is not the fault of the fire.”
“We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think.”
“That man has reached immortality who is disturbed by nothing material.”
“When there is conflict between the heart and the brain, let the heart be followed.”
“Purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success.”
“The will is not free—it is a phenomenon bound by cause and effect—but there is something behind the will which is free.”
“As different streams having different sources all mingle their waters in the sea, so different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to God.”
“Truth does not pay homage to any society, ancient or modern.”
“Every successful man must have behind him somewhere tremendous amounts of moral, intellectual, and physical support.”
“Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so.”
4. Motivation and Inspiration
Swami Vivekananda’s motivational messages inspire individuals to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. His words encourage persistence, resilience, and the pursuit of higher goals, lighting the way for personal and societal transformation.
“Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead; if you lose, you can guide.”
“Be not afraid of anything. You will do marvelous work.”
“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life.”
“The best way to serve God is to serve mankind.”
“The more I live, the more I become convinced that truth is a great thing.”
“The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.”
“Do one thing at a time, and while doing it put your whole soul into it to the exclusion of all else.”
“The only way to clear the doubts and mistakes in life is to confront them.”
“We reap what we sow. We are the makers of our own fate.”
“Fill the brain with high thoughts, highest ideals, place them day and night before you.”
5. Service and Compassion
For Vivekananda, selfless service was the highest form of spirituality. His teachings emphasize that compassion and service to humanity lead to a life of fulfillment, creating a better world through acts of kindness and love.
“The more we come out and do good to others, the more our hearts will be purified.”
“If you have faith in all the three hundred and thirty million of your mythological gods… but still have no faith in yourselves, there is no salvation for you.”
“Neither money pays, nor name pays, nor fame; it is character that can cleave through adamantine walls of difficulties.”
“Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.”
“Be free; hope for nothing from anyone.”
“To worship God even for the sake of salvation or any good to oneself, is equally degenerate.”
“When there is conflict between the heart and the brain, let the heart be followed.”
“Learn everything that is good from others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it.”
“Talk to yourself once in a day, otherwise you may miss meeting an excellent person in this world.”
“Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so.”
6. Courage and Fearlessness
Swami Vivekananda instilled courage and fearlessness in his followers. He believed that facing life’s challenges with boldness and determination is key to achieving greatness, urging individuals to overcome fear and live with conviction.
“Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”
“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life.”
“Stand up, be bold, and take the blame on your own shoulders.”
“Be not afraid of anything. You will do marvelous work.”
“Fearlessness is the mark of truth.”
“The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.”
“Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead; if you lose, you can guide.”
“Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads, and dare to carry that out in your life.”
“Neither money pays, nor name pays, nor fame, nor learning; it is character that cleaves through walls of difficulties.”
“Be free; hope for nothing from anyone.”
FAQ’s
1. What are some key themes in Swami Vivekananda’s life-changing quotes?
Swami Vivekananda’s quotes cover a wide range of themes including self-confidence, spirituality, service to humanity, courage, wisdom, and motivation. He encouraged individuals to embrace their inner strength, live with purpose, and serve others selflessly.
2. How can Swami Vivekananda’s quotes help in personal growth?
Swami Vivekananda’s quotes emphasize self-belief and self-realization, which are crucial for personal growth. By following his teachings, individuals can develop inner strength, overcome obstacles, and pursue a life of fulfillment and purpose.
3. How do Swami Vivekananda’s teachings relate to spirituality?
Vivekananda’s quotes focus on spiritual awakening and self-realization. His teachings encourage individuals to connect with their true self, transcend material desires, and realize the divinity within, leading to spiritual growth and inner peace.
4. What is the role of service and compassion in Swami Vivekananda’s quotes?
Swami Vivekananda placed great emphasis on selfless service to humanity. His quotes teach that true spirituality lies in serving others with compassion, which leads to personal fulfillment and contributes to the welfare of society.
5. How can Swami Vivekananda’s wisdom motivate me to face challenges?
Swami Vivekananda’s quotes inspire individuals to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. His words promote fearlessness and courage, teaching us that we should face difficulties head-on with determination and unwavering faith in our abilities.
6. Can Swami Vivekananda’s quotes help in finding inner peace?
Yes, Swami Vivekananda’s teachings stress the importance of controlling the mind, which is the key to finding inner peace. By following his guidance on meditation and self-discipline, individuals can cultivate a calm mind and experience peace from within.
7. How do I incorporate Swami Vivekananda’s quotes into my daily life?
To incorporate Swami Vivekananda’s quotes into your life, practice the principles of self-belief, kindness, and courage. Use his wisdom as daily affirmations, remind yourself of his teachings when facing challenges, and serve others with compassion.
8. Why is Swami Vivekananda considered an inspirational figure?
Swami Vivekananda is considered an inspirational figure because of his transformative ideas on spirituality, self-realization, and service to humanity. His ability to motivate people to live with purpose, courage, and wisdom makes his teachings timeless.
9. Where can I find more quotes by Swami Vivekananda?
You can find more of Swami Vivekananda’s quotes in his books, speeches, and online collections. Some of his most famous works include Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, and The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda.
10. How did Swami Vivekananda influence modern philosophy?
Swami Vivekananda’s teachings blended Eastern and Western philosophies, emphasizing the unity of all religions, the power of the human mind, and the importance of self-realization. His ideas have had a lasting influence on modern spirituality, personal development, and social reforms.
