Quotes

To attain what is missing — peace, harmony and brotherhood — it is necessary to realize that the entire universe is the creation of God, that all life is one, and that all are children of love.

— Shri Dhyanyogi

To live a single day and hear a good teaching is better than to live a hundred years without knowing such teaching

— The Buddha

If love remains for the sake of love, without any attachments to it, without any preconditions, then you will find happiness in the true sense of the word.

— Shri Anandi Ma

A man is truly free, even here in this embodied state, if he knows that God is the true agent and he by himself is powerless to do anything.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Bondage is of the mind; freedom too is of the mind. If you say ‘I am a free soul. I am a son of God who can bind me’ free you shall be.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Disease is the tax which the soul pays for the body, as the tenant pays house-rent for the use of the house.

— Sri Ramakrishna

A man can reach the roof of a house by stone stairs or a ladder or a rope-ladder or a rope or even by a bamboo pole. But he cannot reach the roof if he sets foot now on one and now on another. He should firmly follow one path. Likewise, in order to realize God a man must follow one path with all his strength.

— Sri Ramakrishna

God is everywhere but He is most manifest in man. So serve man as God. That is as good as worshipping God.

— Sri Ramakrishna

God is in all men, but all men are not in God; that is why we suffer.

— Sri Ramakrishna

If you desire to be pure, have firm faith, and slowly go on with your devotional practices without wasting your energy in useless scriptural discussions and arguments. Your little brain will otherwise be muddled.

— Sri Ramakrishna

If you first fortify yourself with the true knowledge of the Universal Self, and then live in the midst of wealth and worldliness, surely they will in no way affect you.

— Sri Ramakrishna

If you must be mad, be it not for the things of the world. Be mad with the love of God.

— Sri Ramakrishna

If you want to go east, don’t go west.

— Sri Ramakrishna

It is easy to talk on religion, but difficult to practice it.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Longing is like the rosy dawn. After the dawn out comes the sun. Longing is followed by the vision of God.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Many are the names of God and infinite the forms through which He may be approached.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Many good sayings are to be found in holy books, but merely reading them will not make one religious.

— Sri Ramakrishna

More are the names of God and infinite are the forms through which He may be approached. In whatever name and form you worship Him, through them you will realise Him.

— Sri Ramakrishna

One must be very particular about telling the truth. Through truth one can realize God.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Pray to God that your attachment to such transitory things as wealth, name, and creature comforts may become less and less every day.

— Sri Ramakrishna

The fabled musk deer searches the world over for the source of the scent which comes from itself.

— Sri Ramakrishna

The world is indeed a mixture of truth and make-believe. Discard the make-believe and take the truth.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Through love one acquires renunciation and discrimination naturally.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Through selfless work, love of God grows in the heart. Then through his grace one realize him in course of time. God can be seen. One can talk to him as I am talking to you.

— Sri Ramakrishna

To work without attachment is to work without the expectation of reward or fear of any punishment in this world or the next. Work so done is a means to the end, and God is the end.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Travel in all the four quarters of the earth, yet you will find nothing anywhere. Whatever there is, is only here.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Unalloyed love of God is the essential thing. All else is unreal.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Unless one always speaks the truth, one cannot find God Who is the soul of truth.

— Sri Ramakrishna

When one has love for God, one doesn’t feel any physical attraction to wife, children, relatives and friends. One retains only compassion for them.

— Sri Ramakrishna

When the divine vision is attained, all appear equal; and there remains no distinction of good and bad, or of high and low.

— Sri Ramakrishna

When the flower blooms, the bees come uninvited.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Work, apart from devotion or love of God, is helpless and cannot stand alone.

— Sri Ramakrishna

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, that is way great spiritual giants are produced.

— Swami Vivekananda

Never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is the greatest heresy to think so. If there is sin, this is the only sin — to say that you are weak, or others are weak.

— Swami Vivekananda

You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.

— Swami Vivekananda

You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.

— Swami Vivekananda

The first sign of your becoming religious is that you are becoming cheerful

— Swami Vivekananda

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

— Swami Vivekananda

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

— Swami Vivekananda

The will is not free – it is a phenomenon bound by cause and effect – but there is something behind the will which is free.

— Swami Vivekananda

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.

— Swami Vivekananda

All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.

— Swami Vivekananda

Be thankful that you are allowed to exercise your power of benevolence and mercy in the world, and thus become pure and perfect.

— Swami Vivekananda

GOD is to be worshipped as the one beloved, dearer than everything in this and next life.

— Swami Vivekananda

God must be the alpha and omega of whatever is done. When reading, read about Him, when talking, talk of Him and when singing, sing His praises.

— Swami Vivekananda

To find fault with others creates obstacles for everyone all around : for him who criticises, for him who is blamed, as well as for those who listen to the criticism. Whereas, what is said in a spirit of appreciation is fruitful to everybody.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Meditation should be practised every day of one’s life. Look, what is there in this world? Absolutely nothing that is lasting; therefore direct your longing towards the Eternal.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Pray that the work done through you, His instrument, may be pure. In every action remember Him. The purer your thinking, the finer will be your work.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

By your japa and meditation those who are close to you will also benefit through the helpful influence of your presence.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Some severe blow of fate will drive you towards God. This will be but an expression of His Mercy; however painful, it is by such blows that one learns one’s lesson.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

The obstinacy of the mind must be curbed with resoluteness. Whether the mind co-operates or not, you must be adamant in your determination to do a certain amount of practice without fail – simply because sadhana is man’s real work.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

The natural impulse to have faith in something, which is deep-rooted in man, develops into faith in God. This is why human birth is such a great boon.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

God, . . . now and again administers to man a mild beating – this is but a token of His Mercy. From the worldly standpoint such blows are considered extremely painful, but actually they bring about a change of heart, and lead to Peace: by disturbing worldly happiness they induce man to seek the path to Supreme Bliss.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

There are two kinds of pilgrims on life’s journey: the one, like a tourist, is keen on sight-seeing, wandering from place to place, flitting from one experience to another for the fun of it. The other treads the path that is consistent with man’s true being and leads to his real home, to Self-knowledge.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

A man’s belief is greatly influenced by his environment; therefore he should choose the company of the Holy and Wise.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

There are instances of Self-realization occurring by the Grace of God, whereas at other times it can be seen that He awakens in some a feverish yearning after Truth. In the first case attainment comes spontaneously, in the second it is brought about by trials. But all is wrought solely by His Mercy.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

When in spite of all efforts one fails to catch a train, does this not make it clear from where all one’s movements are being directed? Whatever is to happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, is all fixed by Him; His arrangements are perfect.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Indeed the whole world is yours, of your Self, your very own – but you perceive it as separate, just as you see ‘others.’ To know it to be your own gives happiness, but the notion that it is apart form you causes misery.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Everything is in God’s hands, and you are His tool to be used by Him as He pleases. Try to grasp the significance of ‘all is His’, and you will immediately feel free from all burdens. What will be the result of your surrender to Him? None will seem alien, all will be your very own, your Self.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

When prayer does not spontaneously flow from your heart, ask yourself: “Why do I find pleasure in the fleeting things of this world?”

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

If you crave for some outer thing or feel specially attracted to a person, you should pause and say to yourself: “Look out, you are being fascinated by the glamour of this!

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Family life, which is the Ashrama of the householder, can also take you in His direction, provided it is accepted as an asrama. Lived in this spirit, it helps man to progress towards Self-realization.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

You, a scion of the Immortal, can never become reconciled to the realm of death, neither does God allow you to remain in it. He Himself kindles the sense of want in you by granting you a small thing, only to whet your appetite for a greater one. This is His method by which He urges you on.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

The traveler on this path finds it difficult and feels troubled, but one who has eyes to see can clearly perceive that the pilgrim is advancing. The distress that is experienced burns to ashes all pleasure derived from worldly things. This is what is called ‘tapasya’.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

What obstructs one on the spiritual path bears within itself seeds of future suffering. Yet the heartache, the anguish over the effects of these obstructions, are the beginning of an awakening to Consciousness.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Be ever convinced that at all times and without exception He will do and is doing what is best for you. Reflect thus: In order to aid me, He has revealed Himself to me in this particular guise.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

It is for the Guru to point out the method; he will show you the way to understanding and instruct you in your sadhana. It is for you to keep on practising it faithfully. But the fruit comes spontaneously in the form of Self-revelation.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Therefore, never relax your efforts until there is Enlightenment. Let no gaps interrupt your attempt, for a gap will produce an eddy, whereas your striving must be continuous like the flowing of oil, it must be sustained, constant, an unbroken stream.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

. . . your aim should be, not to allow any interval in the performance of your saddhana. Do you not see that whatever you require in the way of food and sleep, each at its own appointed hour, is with out exception an ever recurring need? In exactly the same manner must you aspire at uninterruptedness where the search after Truth is concerned.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Nobody is able to predict when for any particular individual this fateful Moment will reveal itself; therefore keep on striving ceaselessly

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

The decisive Moment is bound to manifest as soon as by your attitude of mind, as well as by your actions, you are ready for it. Therefore try to follow closely the path indicated by the Guru, and you will see how everything just happens spontaneously.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Within the twenty-four hours of the day, some time must be definitely dedicated to God. Resolve, if possible, to engage regularly in japa of a particular Name or mantra while sitting in a special posture, and gradually add to the time or the number of repetitions.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

The more ardent your pursuit, the vaster the possibilities that will open out for you, and in proportion to your advance, suffering will diminish and not increase again. It is also said, is it not, that karma is extinguished by karma – that is to say, the effects of past actions are neutralized by counter actions.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Gradually you will get more and more deeply absorbed in Him – He and He alone will preoccupy your thoughts and feelings. For the mind ever seeks that which gives it proper sustenance, and this cannot be provided by anything save the Supreme Being Himself.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

When vairagya becomes a living inspiration, one begins to discriminate as to the true nature of the world, until finally, with the glowing certainty of direct perception the knowledge of its elusiveness arises.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Now that you are advancing towards that which is beyond time, the semblance of happiness brought about by mundane things is being consumed. As a result, the question – “ What actually is this world?” will arise. So long as the world seems enjoyable to you, such a query does not present itself.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

The Guru knows which is the right line of approach for any individual.

— Sri Anandamayi Ma

Be gentle with yourself on this remarkable journey. . . Though we humans have a ways to go, we are luminous still.

— Judith Orloff, M.D.

If there are errors in other religions, that is none of our business. God, to whom the world belongs, takes care of that

— Sri Ramakrishna

You have been born in this world as a human being to worship God; therefore try to acquire love for His Lotus Feet. Why do you trouble yourself to know a hundred other things? What will you gain by discussing philosophy? Look here, one ounce of liquor is enough to intoxicate you. What is the use of your trying to find out how many gallons of liquor there are in the tavern?

— Sri Ramakrishna

One cannot be spiritual as long as one has shame, hatred, or fear.

— Sri Ramakrishna

All will surely realize God. All will be liberated. It may be that some get their meal in the morning, some at noon, and some in the evening; but none will go without food. All, without any exception, will certainly know their real Self.

— Sri Ramakrishna

The Pure Mind and the Pure Ātman are one and the same thing. Whatever comes up in the Pure Mind is the voice of God.

— Sri Ramakrishna

He is born in vain, who having attained the human birth, so difficult to get, does not attempt to realise God in this very life.

— Sri Ramakrishna

In a day when you don’t come across any problems—you can be sure that you are traveling in the wrong path.

— Swami Vivekananda

Let positive, strong, helpful thoughts enter into your brains from very childhood. Lay yourselves open to these thoughts, and not to weakening and paralysing ones.

— 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

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

What we say a man “knows,” should, in strict psychological language, be what he “discovers” or “unveils”; what man “learns” is really what he discovers by taking the cover off his own soul, which is a mine of infinite knowledge.

— Swami Vivekananda

“Face the brutes.” That is a lesson for all life—face the terrible, face it boldly. Like the monkeys, the hardships of life fall back when we cease to flee before them.

— Swami Vivekananda

A tremendous stream is flowing toward the ocean, carrying us all along with it; and though like straws and scraps of paper we may at times float aimlessly about, in the long run we are sure to join the Ocean of Life and Bliss.

— Swami Vivekananda

In a day when you don’t come across any problems — you can be sure that you are traveling in the wrong path.

— 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”. Have that sort of energy, that sort of will; work hard, and you will reach the goal.

— Swami Vivekananda

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

— Swami Vivekananda

Mountain-high though the difficulties appear, terrible and gloomy though all things seem, they are but Maya. Fear not, and it is banished. Crush it, and it vanishes. Stamp upon it, and it dies.

— Swami Vivekananda

Let us calmly and in a manly fashion go to work, instead of dissipating our energy in unnecessary frettings and fumings. I, for one, thoroughly believe that no power in the universe can withhold from anyone anything he really deserves.

— Swami Vivekananda

The whole life is a succession of dreams. My ambition is to be a conscious dreamer, that is all.

— Swami Vivekananda

Each soul is potentially divine. The goal is to manifest this divinity within, by controlling nature, external and internal. Do this either by work, or worship, or psychic control, or philosophy — by one, or more, or all of these — and be free. This is the whole of religion.

— Swami Vivekananda

Give me few men and women who are pure and selfless and I shall shake the world.

— Swami Vivekananda

Take up an idea, devote yourself to it, struggle on in patience, and the sun will rise for you.

— Swami Vivekananda

Never mind failures; they are quite natural, they are the beauty of life, these failures. What would life be without them? It would not be worth having if it were not for struggles. Where would be the poetry of life

— Swami Vivekananda

Let positive, strong, helpful thoughts enter into your brains from very childhood. Lay yourselves open to these thoughts, and not to weakening and paralysing ones.

— Swami Vivekananda

The powers of the mind are like the rays of the sun when they are concentrated they illumine.

— Swami Vivekananda

The scriptures state that the true guru is not the physical body but the energy of God that works through the guru.

— Shri Anandi Ma

Through purity and practice, the more you meditate and do japa of the mantra, the more you expand your capacity to inherit and be showered with His [Dhyanyogiji’s] grace, love, and compassion.

— Shri Anandi Ma