Here’s a collection of 30 quotes from various Hindu scriptures, stories, gurus, and saints on the theme of simplicity, emphasizing the value of keeping life, thoughts, and actions simple.
From Hindu Scriptures:
Bhagavad Gita 2.47
"You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."
(Keep your actions simple, without attachment to the outcomes.)Bhagavad Gita 12.16
"He who is free from malice, friendly and compassionate, free from possessiveness and ego, equanimous in pain and pleasure, and forgiving, is dear to Me."
(A simple heart, free from ego and malice, is beloved to the Divine.)Isha Upanishad 1
"Everything in the universe belongs to the Lord. Therefore, take only what you need, that is set aside for you. Do not take anything more, for you know to whom it belongs."
(Live simply, with contentment, and without greed.)Bhagavad Gita 17.16
"Serenity of mind, gentleness, silence, self-restraint, and purity of heart – these are called austerity of the mind."
(Mental simplicity leads to peace.)Bhagavad Gita 6.8
"A person is said to be established in self-realization and is called a yogi when he is satisfied with knowledge and wisdom, and does not get disturbed by dualities like gain and loss."
(Simplicity lies in contentment and non-attachment to dualities.)Manu Smriti 4.30
"Let a wise man seek the simple, pure, and honest path, neither too much nor too little, for this alone brings happiness."
(Moderation and simplicity in life lead to happiness.)Rig Veda 10.117.6
"One who hoards wealth and does not share it with others is devoid of happiness. True simplicity lies in sharing with those in need."
(Simple living includes generosity and selflessness.)Taittiriya Upanishad 2.9
"Speak the truth. Practice virtue. Do not neglect your daily duties. Be simple, be righteous."
(Simplicity in life is found in honesty and virtue.)Bhagavad Gita 18.53
"Having abandoned ego, force, pride, desire, anger, and possessiveness, a person becomes serene and attains peace."
(Inner simplicity comes by abandoning ego and desires.)Chandogya Upanishad 8.7.1
"Simplicity is higher than austerity. Simplicity of heart and mind leads to self-realization."
(True simplicity is a spiritual quality.)
From Hindu Gurus and Saints:
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
"God is in the simple. One need not be learned to realize God. Only a simple heart, full of devotion, is needed."Swami Vivekananda
"The simpler you become, the greater will be your power. Simplicity is a sign of spiritual strength."Ramana Maharshi
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. The more you simplify your mind, the easier it becomes to recognize the truth."Paramahansa Yogananda
"Simplicity means to empty yourself of unnecessary desires and concerns and let Divine love flow through you freely."Mahatma Gandhi
"Live simply so that others may simply live."Swami Sivananda
"A simple life is a life of happiness. Give up all unnecessary luxuries and live a pure, contented life."Sri Aurobindo
"The path to divine realization is through simplicity and sincerity. The complicated mind cannot grasp the truth."Swami Chinmayananda
"Complexity arises when we attach ourselves to the world. Simplicity comes when we are detached, free from desires."Sathya Sai Baba
"Simplicity is a great virtue. In the simple heart resides truth, love, and compassion."Neem Karoli Baba
"Keep your mind and heart simple. God loves simplicity. Where there is simplicity, there is peace."
From Hindu Stories and Parables:
Story of Sudama and Krishna
"The friendship between Lord Krishna and the humble Sudama shows that simplicity of heart is more valuable than wealth or status."
(Krishna valued Sudama's simple offering of puffed rice over any material riches.)The Story of Kabir
"Kabir lived a simple life as a weaver, teaching that spiritual wisdom can be attained through a life of humility and simplicity."
(Kabir’s simplicity and wisdom touched all, irrespective of social standing.)Story of Rishi Valmiki
"Valmiki's transformation from a thief to the author of the Ramayana came from embracing simplicity and devotion."
(Simplicity in action and devotion leads to spiritual greatness.)Story of the Buddha's Renunciation
"Before attaining enlightenment, Siddhartha realized that true peace comes not from indulgence or asceticism, but from simplicity and moderation."
(The Middle Path is the essence of simplicity in life.)The Story of Dhruva
"Dhruva, through his simple devotion and focus, attained the highest spiritual stature. His simplicity in thought made him a great sage."
(Simplicity of mind and unwavering focus on God brings divine grace.)The Story of the Sage and the Mouse
"A sage transformed a mouse into a lion, but it remained fearful. The sage reminded it to keep its nature simple, without greed or pride."
(Simplicity of nature is key to remaining true to oneself.)Story of King Janaka
"King Janaka lived as a wise and just ruler but remained detached and simple at heart. His simplicity earned him the title of 'Raja Rishi'."
(Even in power, one can live simply by remaining detached and focused on dharma.)The Story of Lord Rama
"Though he was a prince, Rama chose the simple life of exile in the forest to uphold righteousness."
(Rama’s life exemplifies simplicity, humility, and adherence to dharma.)Story of the Pandavas
"The Pandavas, despite being princes, lived simply and endured hardship with dignity during their exile, always adhering to virtue."
(Their simplicity and adherence to dharma were key to their eventual victory.)Story of Harishchandra
"King Harishchandra sacrificed everything, including his kingdom, for the sake of truth. His simplicity and adherence to truth made him immortal in Hindu lore."
(Truth and simplicity go hand in hand on the path to righteousness.)
These quotes and stories from Hinduism emphasize that simplicity is not only a way of living but also a spiritual discipline. It helps one connect with the divine and lead a life of contentment, truth, and peace.