Swami Vivekananda Quotes: 10 Famous Quotes To Inspire You

Swami Vivekananda Quotes | Who Was He?

Swami Vivekananda was one of the resounding 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.

Explore: Inspirational Leadership Quotes | Top Quotes for Future Leaders

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 in 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 about what is on your mind. But your thoughts reflect on your being. They multiply and reach places, so take care of what you think.

Read about: History | Incredible facts about the subjects you must learn

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. The truth is that 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.

Discover: Motivational Quotes for Students to Study Hard

11. “All power is within you; you can do anything and everything.” 

This is like having your own personal cheerleader in your head. He’s reminding us that we often look outside for strength when we’ve had it inside all along – kind of like Dorothy and her ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz!

12. “In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart.” 

Here’s a timeless nugget about trusting your gut. While your brain might be busy making pros and cons lists, sometimes your heart just knows what’s right. It’s like choosing between a job that looks good on paper and one that makes your eyes light up.

13. “Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead; if you lose, you can guide.” 

It’s saying there’s no such thing as failure – just different kinds of winning. Either you succeed and show others the way, or you learn valuable lessons that help others avoid the same pitfalls.

14. “You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.” 

This isn’t about religion as much as it is about self-trust. Think of it like trying to help others when you’re running on empty – you’ve got to fill your own cup first.

15. “Each work has to pass through these stages: ridicule, opposition, and then acceptance.” 

Remember this when people doubt your dreams! It’s like a roadmap for any new idea – first they laugh, then they fight it, and finally they act like it was obvious all along.

Explore: Life Quotes in Hindi

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 led 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. 

Liked this blog? Then read: Cartography – A brief history and overview

FAQs

Ques 1: What was the slogan given by Swami Vivekananda?

Answer 1: A slogan by Swami Vivekananda is ‘arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.’

Ques 2: Why is Swami Vivekananda an inspiration?

Answer 2: One reason he was a great inspiration is that he believed in the potential of the youth to change the world. 

Ques 3: Who said Swami Vivekananda is the maker of modern India?

Answer 3: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is called Swami Vivekananda the maker of modern India. 

Ques 4: What are Swami Vivekananda’s Quotes for students?

Answer 4: Here are some Swami Vivekananda quotes for students:

1. “The greatest sin is to think yourself weak.”
2. “The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.”
3. “Education is the manifestation of perfection already existing in man.”
4. “Cowards never win victories. We have to fight fear and troubles and ignorance if we expect them to flee before us.”

Ques 5: What are Swami Vivekananda Quotes in Hindi?

Answer 5: Listed below are Swami Vivekananda quotes in Hindi:

1. “कभी मत सोचिये कि आत्मा के लिए कुछ असंभव है, ऐसा सोचना सबसे बड़ा विधर्म है, अगर कोई पाप है, तो वो यही है, ये कहना कि तुम निर्बल हो या अन्य निर्बल हैं।”
2. “अगर धन दूसरों की भलाई करने में मदद करे, तो इसका कुछ मूल्य है, अन्यथा, ये सिर्फ बुराई का एक ढेर है, और इससे जितना जल्दी छुटकारा मिल जाये उतना बेहतर है।”
3. “जिस समय जिस काम के लिए प्रतिज्ञा करो, ठीक उसी समय पर उसे करना ही चाहिये, नहीं तो लोगो का विश्वास उठ जाता है।”
4. “उस व्यक्ति ने अमरत्त्व प्राप्त कर लिया है, जो किसी सांसारिक वस्तु से व्याकुल नहीं होता।”
5. “हम वो हैं जो हमें हमारी सोच ने बनाया है, इसलिए इस बात का धयान रखिये कि आप क्या सोचते हैं। शब्द गौण हैं, विचार रहते हैं, वे दूर तक यात्रा करते हैं।”
6. “जब तक आप खुद पे विश्वास नहीं करते तब तक आप भागवान पे विश्वास नहीं कर सकते।”

Ques 6: What are Swami Vivekananda’s quotes on success?

Answer 6: Here are some of his famous quotes on success:

1. “Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads, and dare to carry that out in your life. ”
2. “Great work requires great and persistent effort for a long time. Character has to be established through a thousand stumbles.”
3. “Take up an idea, devote yourself to it, struggle on in patience, and the sun will rise for you.”
4. “You must have an iron will, if you would cross the ocean. You must be strong enough to pierce mountains.”

Ques 7: What are Swami Vivekananda’s quotes on education?

Answer 7: Listed below are his famous quotes on education:

1. “Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man.”
2. “The end and aim of all education is man-making and character-making.”
3. “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.”
4. “The education which does not help the common mass of people to equip themselves for the struggle for life, which does not bring out strength of character, a spirit of philanthropy, and the courage of a lion—is it worth the name?”
5. “Real education is that which enables one to stand on one’s own legs.”

Ques 8: What are Swami Vivekananda’s quotes for Youth?

Answer 8: Here are his quotes for the youth:

1. “Feel like Christ, and you will be a Christ; feel like Buddha and you will be a Buddha.”
2. “Strength is the sign of vigor, the sign of life, the sign of hope, the sign of health, and the sign of everything that is good.”
3. “The remedy for weakness is not brooding over weakness, but thinking of strength.”
4. “You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.”
5. “Youth is the best time. The way in which you utilize this period will decide the nature of coming years that lie ahead of you.”

Ques 9: What are Swami Vivekananda’s quotes on knowledge?

Answer 9: Discover these famous quotes of Swami Vivekananda on knowledge:

1. “Knowledge can never be created, it can only be discovered; and every man who makes a great discovery is inspired. Only, when it is a spiritual truth he brings, we call him a prophet; and when it is on the physical plane, we call him a scientific man, and we attribute more importance to the former, although the source of all truth is one.”
2. “Knowledge can only be got in one way, the way of experience; there is no other way to know.”
3. “Knowledge does not come by sacrifice, but by seeking, worshipping, knowing the Atman.”
4. “Knowledge exists, man only discovers it.”
5. “Knowledge is God Himself.”
6. “Knowledge is nothing but finding unity in the midst of diversity”

Ques 10: What are Swami Vivekananda’s quotes on humanity?

Answer 10: Check out the quotes below by Swami Vivekananda on humanity:

1. “Blessed are those whose bodies get destroyed in the service of others.”
2. “Service to man is service to god.”
3. “All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.”
4. “How difficult it is to look through each other’s eyes, and that is the bane of humanity. That is the basis of hatred and jealousy, of quarrel and of fight.”

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Study Abroad Expert

`