Swami Vivekananda Quotes

A collection of quotes by Swami Vivekananda.

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was a highly influential spiritual leader and a key figure in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. Born as Narendra Nath Datta in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, he displayed exceptional intellect and spiritual inclination from a young age.

Vivekananda was deeply inspired by his guru, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who emphasized the importance of direct experience of God. After the passing of his guru, he embarked on a journey to spread the teachings of Vedanta and Hinduism, aiming to revitalize the spiritual and cultural values of India.

In 1893, Vivekananda represented India at the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Chicago. His speech, which began with the famous phrase "Sisters and brothers of America," mesmerized the audience and introduced them to the wisdom of Hinduism. This event catapulted him to international recognition and laid the foundation for his future work as a global spiritual ambassador.

Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission and the Ramakrishna Math, institutions dedicated to the service of humanity and the promotion of spiritual growth. He tirelessly traveled across India, actively addressing social issues, advocating for educational reforms, and uplifting the marginalized sections of society.

He was a prolific writer and orator, leaving behind a vast collection of teachings, lectures, and letters, which continue to inspire millions. Known for his message of tolerance, unity, and self-realization, Swami Vivekananda's teachings remain relevant in today's world and continue to ignite the spirit of transformation among spiritual seekers worldwide.

The will is not free - it is a phenomenon bound by cause and

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


When an idea exclusively occupies the mind, it is transforme

When an idea exclusively occupies the mind, it is transformed into an actual physical or mental state.

Swami Vivekananda


Never think there is anything impossible for the soul. It is

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


All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind

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

Swami Vivekananda


All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we wh

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.

Swami Vivekananda


Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so.

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


In one word, this ideal is that you are divine.

In one word, this ideal is that you are divine.

Swami Vivekananda


Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached.

Arise! Awake! and stop not until the goal is reached.

Swami Vivekananda


That man has reached immortality who is disturbed by nothing

That man has reached immortality who is disturbed by nothing material.

Swami Vivekananda


If money help a man to do good to others, it is of some valu

If money help a man to do good to others, it is of some value but if not, it is simply a mass of evil, and the sooner it is got rid of, the better.

Swami Vivekananda


We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about w

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

Swami Vivekananda


You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, no

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


Strength is the sign of vigor, the sign of life, the sign of

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. As long as the body lives, there must be strength in the body, strength in the mind, strength in the hand.

Swami Vivekananda

Life Health Strength Mind

If you want to have life, you have to die every moment for i

If you want to have life, you have to die every moment for it. Life and death are only different expressions of the same thing looked at from different standpoints; they are the falling and the rising of the same wave, and the two form one whole.

Swami Vivekananda

Life Death

The great secret of true success, of true happiness, is this

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.

Swami Vivekananda

Inspirational Religious Hinduism Etc

The greatest truths are the simplest things in the world, si

The greatest truths are the simplest things in the world, simple as your own existence.

Swami Vivekananda

Truth Simplicity Existence Hinduism

The power is with the silent ones, who only live and love an

The power is with the silent ones, who only live and love and then withdraw their personality. They never say me and mine ; they are only blessed in being instruments.

Swami Vivekananda

Power Love

All love is expansion, all selfishness is contraction. Love

All love is expansion, all selfishness is contraction. Love is therefore the only law of life. He who loves lives, he who is selfish is dying. Therefore love for love's sake, because it is the only law of life, just as you breathe to live.

Swami Vivekananda

Love Law

Of one hundred persons who take up the spiritual life, eight

Of one hundred persons who take up the spiritual life, eighty turn out to be charlatans, fifteen insane, and only five, maybe, get a glimpse of the real truth. Therefore beware.

Swami Vivekananda

Truth Spirituality

All truth is eternal. Truth is nobody's property; no race, n

All truth is eternal. Truth is nobody's property; no race, no individual can lay any exclusive claim to it. Truth is the nature of all souls.

Swami Vivekananda

Truth Nature Race