Swami Premananda Quotes

A young swami – Sri Ramakrishna made you great.

Swami Premananda – No Sri Ramakrishna did not make us great; he made us ‘no body.’ You also have to become no body. Wipe out all vanity and all sense of ego. Not I, not I, but thou, O Lord.

Can one become a great devotee of God simply by dancing and jumping or by quoting plentifully from the scriptures? What is wanted is freedom from selfishness – freedom from egotism. Mere talk will not do in this age of action.

To follow the master means to practice what he taught; otherwise, nobody can advance by just offering a few flowers or through some momentary sentimental out bursts. Not mere theory; actualize it. There has been enough talk and writing. Put the books aside and let your actions speak. The poor, the weak, the fallen and the ignorant – all these you have to make your own. And yet I warn you, that in loving one section of society you must not become hateful of the other, the rich.

Swami Premananda

An explanation of above verse

The statement - can one become a great devotee of God simply by dancing … will not do in this age of action - touches upon the essence of spiritual practice and devotion. It emphasizes the idea that true devotion to God isn't merely about outward displays such as dancing, jumping, or quoting scriptures, but rather about cultivating inner qualities such as selflessness and humility.

While engaging in rituals, prayers, or other religious activities can be meaningful expressions of devotion for many people, the key lies in the sincerity and intention behind those actions. Simply going through the motions without genuine inward transformation may not lead to spiritual growth or realization.

The emphasis on freedom from selfishness and egotism suggests that true devotion involves a deep inner journey of self-awareness, selflessness, and humility. It's about transcending the ego's desires and attachments and aligning oneself with higher principles of love, compassion, and service.

In the modern age, where there is often a focus on external appearances and superficialities, the statement underscores the importance of authenticity and integrity in spiritual practice. Mere talk or outward displays of devotion are not enough; what truly matters is the sincerity of one's heart and the alignment of one's actions with spiritual principles.

Ultimately, the path of devotion is a personal journey, and different individuals may find different ways to express their love and devotion to the divine. However, the underlying principle remains the same – it is the inner transformation and purification of the heart that lead to true devotion and spiritual realization.