Note Extracts from my reading of Aparokshanubhuti by Adi Sankaracharya: Such treatises as aim at serving as introductions to a more advanced study of a system of philosophy are generally known as ‘Prakarana Granthas’. Besides giving an outline of the system, each of them emphasizes some one or other of the main features. Aparokṣānubhūti is … Read more
Note Extracts from my reading of Vedanta-Sara by Adi Sankaracharya: Vedāntasāra is one of the best known epitomes (Prakaraṇa Granthas) of the philosophy of the Upaniṣads as taught by Śaṅkarācārya, whose followers are said to number the largest in India. Māyā and Avidyā are generally used synonymously, though Māyā is sometimes said to be the … Read more
Swami Vivekananda on Rituals: In the world’s ritualistic symbols we have an expression of the religious thought of humanity. It is easy to say that there is no use of rituals and temples and all such paraphernalia; every baby says that in modern times. But it must be easy for all to see that those … Read more
Swami Vivekananda on Teachers and Teaching: It is an insult to a starving people to offer them religion; it is an insult to a starving man to teach him metaphysics. The whole gist of this teaching is that you should work like a master and not as a slave; work incessantly, but do not do … Read more
Swami Vivekananda on Truth: Man is not travelling from error to truth, but from truth to truth, from lower to higher truth. Love, truth, and unselfishness are not merely moral figures of speech, but they form our highest ideal, because in them lies such a manifestation of power. And what is truth? That I am … Read more
Swami Vivekananda on Strength: The only way to rise is by doing the duty next to us, and thus gathering strength go on until we reach the highest state. The infinite strength of the world is yours. Drive out the superstition that has covered your minds. Let us be brave. Know the Truth and practice … Read more
Swami Vivekananda on Religion: We know that all religions alike, from the lowest fetishism to the highest absolutism, are but so many attempts of the human soul to grasp and realise the Infinite. It is an insult to a starving people to offer them religion; it is an insult to a starving man to teach … Read more
Swami Vivekananda on Love: Love unselfishly for love’s sake. Love, truth, and unselfishness are not merely moral figures of speech, but they form our highest ideal, because in them lies such a manifestation of power. Every act of love brings happiness; there is no act of love which does not bring peace and blessedness as … Read more
Swami Vivekananda on Mind: All knowledge, therefore, secular or spiritual, is in the human mind. Like fire in a piece of flint, knowledge exists in the mind. Work, but let not the action or the thought produce a deep impression on the mind. Working as master of our own mind gives rise to the bliss … Read more