Inspirational Quotes by Indian Spiritualists & Philosophers

Swami Vivekananda

Swami Vivekananda, born as Narendra Nath Datta, was a monk, philosopher, and spiritual leader in 19th century India. He was a disciple of the great saint and mystic Sri Ramakrishna. Swami Vivekananda's teachings and ideas continue to inspire people worldwide.

One of the most famous stories about Swami Vivekananda is his address at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893. He began his speech with the words "Sisters and Brothers of America," which immediately captivated the audience. In his speech, he spoke about the unity of religions and emphasized the importance of tolerance and universal brotherhood. He received a standing ovation and became an overnight sensation in America.

Here are the 12 quotes I like from him:

1. "Arise, awake and stop not until the goal is reached."

2. "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."

3. "Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea."

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

5. "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."

6. "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."

7. "The only way to come out of suffering is to go through it."

8. "Purity, patience, and perseverance are the three essentials to success, and above all, love."

9. "We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think."

10. "The only true teacher is he who can immediately come down to the level of the student."

11. "Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true."

12. "The greatest sin is to think yourself weak."

Sri Aurobindo

Sri Aurobindo was an Indian philosopher, poet, and spiritual leader. He was a prolific writer and his teachings emphasized the evolution of human consciousness and the pursuit of a higher spiritual consciousness. Sri Aurobindo's philosophy integrated Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, and his vision of a divine life on Earth has influenced many modern spiritual movements. He was also a political leader and played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.

Here are the 12 quotes I like from him:

1. "All life is yoga."

2. "To be fully conscious is to be alive."

3. "The first principle of true teaching is that nothing can be taught."

4. "The power of thought can produce almost any result man wants or needs."

5. "The first and most essential thing for a sadhaka is to get a settled peace and a one-pointed concentration."

6. "The true aim of yoga is to prepare us to enter into the divine consciousness."

7. "True knowledge is not attained by thinking. It is what you are; it is what you become."

8. "The secret of life is to be found in living for a purpose that is larger than oneself."

9. "To be divine is not a special state, it is the true nature of man."

10. "The world is not a prison-house, but a kind of spiritual kindergarten where millions of kindergarten children are trying to spell God with the wrong blocks."

11. "The Divine does not evolve; it is always the same, but its manifestation in the universe is progressive."

12. "The Divine is not only timeless and spaceless, but also actionless."

Sri Ramanuja

Ramanuja (1017-1137 CE) was an Indian philosopher and theologian, considered one of the most important figures in the Bhakti movement of Hinduism. He was born in modern-day Tamilnadu and is known for his interpretation of the Vedas and Upanishads, as well as his emphasis on devotion (bhakti) as the path to salvation. He is also famous for his teachings on Vishishtadvaita, a school of Vedanta philosophy that emphasizes the oneness of the individual soul (Atman) with the Supreme Being (Brahman), while acknowledging the existence of individual souls and the material world. Ramanuja's philosophy had a major impact on the development of Hinduism, especially in South India.

Here are the 12 quotes I like from him:

1. "Love and compassion are the essence of spiritual practice."

2. "The path of righteousness is the path to God."

3. "It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection."

4. "True wisdom lies not in seeing things as they are, but in seeing them as they truly are."

5. "The highest form of spiritual practice is to see the Lord in all beings and serve them with love."

6. "A true seeker must have a great humility, a heart full of faith and an unflinching devotion to God."

7. "Self-control and detachment lead to spiritual growth."

8. "The ultimate goal of human life is to achieve union with God."

9. "The true nature of the self is eternal and divine."

10. "All living beings are the children of the Supreme Lord and must be treated with love and respect."