Words Worth Thinking Over – Swami Vivekananda

"Words Worth Thinking Over" is a compilation of quotes and thoughts attributed to Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Indian Hindu monk and a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. Swami Vivekananda is known for his profound wisdom and inspiring messages that emphasize spiritual growth, self-realization, and service to humanity.

The mind cannot be easily conquered. Minds that rise into waves at the approach of every little thing at the slightest provocation or danger, in what a state they must be! What to talk of greatness or spirituality, when these changes come over the mind? This unstable condition of the mind must be changed.

We must ask ourselves how far we can be acted upon by the external world, and how far we can stand on our own feet, in spite of all the forces outside us. When we have succeeded in preventing all the forces in the world from throwing us off our balance, then alone we have attained to freedom, and not before. That is salvation. It is here and nowhere else; it is this moment.

Analyze yourselves and you will find that every blow you have received, came to you because you prepared yourselves for it. You did half, and the external world did the other half: that is how the blow came. That will sober us down. At the same time, from this very analysis will come a note of hope, and the note of hope is: ‘I have no control of the external world, but that which is in me and nearer unto me, my own world, is in my control. If the two together are required to make a failure, if the two together are necessary to give me a blow, I will not contribute the one which is in my keeping; and how then can the blows come? If I get real control of myself, the blow will never come.

Arise, Awake, and Stop Not till the Goal is Reached

This quote encourages perseverance and determination in the pursuit of one's goals.

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.

Vivekananda highlights the importance of self-discovery and inner growth.

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

This emphasizes the value of intuition and emotion in making decisions.

Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead! If you lose, you can guide!

Encouraging boldness and viewing every experience as a learning opportunity.

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

Life's challenges are seen as opportunities to build strength and character.

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

An empowering message about the limitless potential within each individual.

The greatest sin is to think yourself weak.

A reminder to always believe in one's strength and capabilities.

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

This speaks to the multifaceted nature of truth and the importance of perspective.

Be not afraid of anything. You will do marvelous work. It is fearlessness that brings heaven even in a moment.

Encourages overcoming fear to achieve great things.

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

This highlights the power of thoughts in shaping our reality and future.

Swami Vivekananda's teachings often revolve around themes of courage, self-reliance, and spiritual enlightenment. His words continue to inspire and motivate people around the world to live with purpose and integrity.

Swami Vivekananda