Daily inspiration & spiritual quotes
Quotes and context from Ramakrishna, Vivekananda, and Ramana Maharshi. A new quote is featured each day.
Swami Vivekananda
“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
This was his signature call to action, adapted from the Katha Upanishad. He used it most famously during his lecture tours in India (1897) after returning from the West to wake a nation he felt had become spiritually and physically lethargic under colonial rule.
“All power is within you; you can do anything and everything.”
Spoken during a series of talks on 'Practical Vedanta.' He was addressing the common human tendency to feel helpless in the face of destiny or social pressure.
“Stand up, be bold, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders.”
Written in a letter to a disciple who was blaming his failures on external circumstances and 'bad luck.'
“The greatest sin is to think yourself weak.”
A recurring theme in his lectures on 'The Divinity of Man.' He sought to replace the concept of 'original sin' with 'original divinity.'
“Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.”
His opening address at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago (1893), which introduced the West to the concept of religious pluralism.
“The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.”
Discussed during a session on Karma Yoga (the path of action). He was refuting the idea that spirituality requires running away to a cave.
“In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart.”
Spoken to a group of students in London who were struggling with the clash between intellectual logic and spiritual feeling.
“Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man.”
Part of his writings on social reform. He was critical of the colonial education system which he felt 'stuffed' minds with facts without building character.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
“As many faiths, so many paths.”
Said at the Dakshineswar Temple after he had personally practiced Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity, reaching the same divine state in each.
“The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise the sail.”
Answering a disciple who asked why some people realize God and others don't, if God is all-merciful.
“God is in all men, but all men are not in God; that is why we suffer.”
Explaining the difference between the 'omnipresence' of God and the 'realization' of God.
“If you first smear your palms with oil and then break open the jackfruit, the milk will not stick.”
Teaching 'householders' (people with families and jobs) how to survive in the material world.
“God can be realized through all paths. All religions are true.”
From 'The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna,' where he discussed the validity of different sects (Vaishnava, Shakta, etc.).
“Knowledge leads to unity, but ignorance to separation.”
Explaining why people fight over religion, caste, and status.
“The young bamboo can be easily bent, but the full-grown bamboo breaks.”
Discussing the importance of starting spiritual habits early in life.
“Sunlight falls equally on all, but only a mirror reflects it well.”
Explaining why God seems 'absent' to some and 'present' to others.
Ramana Maharshi
“Find out who is asking the question.”
This was his standard response to any philosophical question—about God, the afterlife, or suffering—at his ashram in Arunachala.
“Whatever is destined to happen will happen, do what you may to prevent it.”
Written on a piece of paper for his mother when she came to the ashram, crying and begging him to return to a 'normal' life.
“Happiness is your nature. It is not wrong to desire it.”
Answering a seeker who felt guilty about wanting to be happy while others were suffering.
“Silence is the most potent form of work.”
Responding to critics who said he was 'lazy' because he just sat still and didn't give lectures or build hospitals.
“Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”
To a social reformer who asked, 'How can I help the world if I just sit and meditate?'
“Thoughts come and go. Find out what remains.”
Guiding a disciple who complained that they couldn't stop their mind from thinking during meditation.
“You are already that which you seek.”
To a seeker who was exhausted from years of difficult yoga and breathing exercises.
“If one's mind has peace, the whole world will appear peaceful.”
Explaining the concept of 'Drishti-Srishti' (The world is as you see it).