Swami Vivekananda quotes | 10 famous quotes to inspire you

Swami Vivekananda quotes | Who was he?

Swami Vivekananda was one of the greatest spiritual leaders of India. With his deep insight into spirituality and strong personality, he inspired many of us to look at things differently. Born in 1863 as Narendra Nath Datta, Swami Vivekananda went on to become the disciple of Swami Ramkrishna Paramhansa. Along with being proficient in music, arts, and literature, he has played an instrumental role in introducing yoga and Vedanta to the western world.

The eternal wisdom of Swami Vivekananda transcends time and space, which makes it especially pertinent for anyone thinking about studying abroad. For those stepping into unfamiliar places his lessons on self-realization, fortitude, and accepting one’s actual nature provide direction. Studying overseas necessitates bravery, tenacity, and an open mind—qualities that align with the teachings of Vivekananda. ‘Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is accomplished’ is a powerful message that strikes a chord with students navigating the strange terrain of a foreign educational experience. The transforming process of learning in a new setting is perfectly matched with Vivekananda’s emphasis on self-discovery and awakening the inner potential.

We have enlisted some of the best Swami Vivekananda quotes that are literal gems of wisdom and have impacted minds across the globe.

Top 10 Swami Vivekananda quotes

Swami Vivekanada’s teachings and quotes have continued to inspire millions of people across the globe, and his philosophy on spirituality, self-realization and service to humanity has left an indelible mark on the world. Swami Vivekananda quotes are known for their profound wisdom, practicality, and relevance even in today’s fast-paced world. Whether you are looking for inspiration to overcome life’s challenges or seeking guidance to live a purposeful life, Swami Vivekananda quotes have something for everyone.

1. “Take up an idea, devote yourself, struggle in patience, and the sun will rise.”

When you think of doing something, decide that you are going to work toward it with all you have. Immerse yourself and get through the tough times with patience, because good things do not come easy. Be honest in your efforts and believe that the sun will shine on you.

2. “Arise, awake, and don’t stop till you reach your goal.”

This Swami Vivekananda quote talks about the power of consistency striving towards your goal. It is easy to go off-road and forget why we started doing something. Reminding yourself about it every day and putting in the work will take effort. However, doing the work and doing it consistently are the only things that will get you where you want to go.

3. “The moral, in one word, is that you are divine.” 

The thought of God dwelling in every being and everything around us is empowering. When you see everything including yourself as divine, you are filled with love and belief in yourself. Love and belief are the greatest forces of nature and there’s nothing you cannot achieve with those two in your hands.

4. “In a day, when you don’t come across any problems – you can be sure that you are traveling the wrong path”

Success and progress do not come easy. If it were so, you would learn nothing and you would not grow at all. The first step towards achieving something is accepting that it will not come easy. You have to face challenges. But in the end, it is all going to be worth it!

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

What you think defines who you are. We may feel that we don’t have control over our thoughts, but we actually do. Train your mind and thoughts to serve you. Words can be manipulated and you may not always speak what is on your mind. But your thoughts reflect on your being. They multiply and reach places, so take care of what you think.

6. “Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads and dare to carry that out in your life.”

If you can think about it, you can certainly do it. Have the courage to bring your dreams to fruition. Go after what you desire because that is the only way to make it your reality.

7. “The great secret of true success, of true happiness is this: the man or woman who asks for no return, the perfectly unselfish person is the most successful.” 

True success can only come from selflessness. You cannot pursue something in the hope of attaining certain results, material pleasure, or fame. Your only intention should be to do your work to the best of your ability and believe that the rest will follow. This is the only way to true success and happiness.

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

We are born into consciousness with the ability to learn and do anything. As children, we learn so many things so quickly but as we grow older we begin to limit ourselves. We start making up reasons as to why we can’t do something or why we can’t grow. It doesn’t help when you see yourself as a victim.

Understand that it is important to believe in the strengths we possess. Because the truth is we can access all the powers in the universe only if we open our eyes to them.

9. “If anything turns you weak physically, intellectually, and spiritually, reject it like it’s poison.”

Another one of the powerful Swami Vivekananda quotes, this saying talks about the idea of rejecting all the elements that bring you down, spread negativity, and hurt you. Such things not only divert you from your path towards your goals but also devoid you of your energy. Be mindful of the people you surround yourself with and the kind of things you spend your time doing. Get rid of anything that does not serve you.

10. “Talk to yourself once a day, otherwise, you may miss meeting an excellent person in this world.”

Talking to yourself, which is a lot like checking in with yourself, should be an everyday ritual in your life. Only when you are aware and connected with your being can you do things that will serve you. All the answers you are looking for are within you, but it is you who has to take the initiative.

Key takeaways 

• Vivekananda emphasized the importance of self-realization or the understanding of one’s true nature. He believed that the ultimate goal of human life is to realize the divine within oneself.
• Swami Vivekanand mastered his mind and lead a whole generation to greater consciousness. 
• His famous speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893 changed the way the world saw India as a country.
• He was the founder of the Ramakrishna Mission and worked to enlighten people’s consciousness and uplift the underprivileged. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

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FAQ

Q1. What was the slogan given by Swami Vivekananda?

Answer- A slogan by Swami Vivekananda is ‘arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.’

Q2. Why Swami Vivekananda is an inspiration?

Answer- One reason he was a great inspiration is that he believed in the potential of the youth to change the world. 

Q3. Who said Swami Vivekananda is the maker of modern India?

Answer- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is called Swami Vivekananda the maker of modern India.