Swami Abhedananda (2 October 1866 – 8 September 1939) was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This is a collection of teachings and quotes of Swami Abhedananda
Religion does not mean mere ritual. It does not consist in the external forms. It means self-realisation. Karma Yoga, or the practice of rituals and ceremonials, and other exercises of the body, are helpful in order to attain Chitta Suddhi, purity of the heart.
Religion does not mean mere ritual. It does not consist in the external forms. It means self-realisation. Karma Yoga, or the practice of rituals and ceremonials, and other exercises of the body, are helpful in order to attain Chitta Suddhi, purity of the heart.
When that is attained, all rituals and ceremonials become unnecessary. … When Chitta Suddhi has been attained, real spiritual life begins. True religion begins when we realise God as the Universal Father and the Universal Mother.
Whether we are Vaishnavas, Saivas or Saktas, or followers of any one of the numerous creeds, the fundamental truths are the same. Our business is not to fight about particular theories, doctrines, creeds or cults; it is to attain to God consciousness. There have been many spiritual leaders in the past, there will be many more in the future. God manifests Himself wherever and whenever He thinks it necessary.
It is true that human nature seeks companionship and longs for a suitable match for love; but all mortal companions on this plane are only for the time being.
That craving of the soul will not be absolutely satisfied until the Eternal object of love is discovered. The Eternal object of love can be realized in the finite and concrete man or woman when we rise above the physical plane and understand that each individual soul is divine and immortal.
It is a mere self-delusion to seek the fullness of love in any man or woman. Therefore it is necessary to make the Eternal Ideal the object of all human affection.
Swami Abhedananda Teachings on Destiny and Rebirth
We cannot distinguish where heredity ends and where the law of karma begins. There is some truth in heredity as far as the channel of manifestation is concerned; . . .parents are channels through which the reincarnating souls manifest on this plane. . . Now, why will certain souls seek certain channels and other souls seek other channels? . . . the law of karma determines it. That is, each will go through the channel which it deserves, to which it is drawn by its natural tendency. . . like attracts like. Souls which must gain certain experiences will seek that environment which will give them the experiences they need.
We create our own destiny by our thoughts and desires. What we are today is the result of our past existence. God is not responsible for our condition. We ourselves are responsible, and if we understand this secret or this mystery of the soul, then we can mould our future in such a manner that we will never go down, but will rise higher and higher, until we have reached the goal of our existence.