Guru Purnima

In studying books we are sometimes deluded into thinking that thereby we are being spiritually helped; but if we analyse the effect of the study of books on ourselves, we shall find that at the utmost it is only our intellect that derives profit from such studies, and not our inner spirit. 

This inadequacy of books to quicken spiritual growth is the reason why, although almost every one of us can speak  most wonderfully on spiritual matters, when it comes to action and the living of a truly spiritual life, we find ourselves so awfully deficient. 

To quicken the spirit, the impulse must come from another soul.

The person from whose soul such impulse comes is called the Guru -- the teacher; and the person to whose soul the impulse is conveyed is called the Shishya -- the student. 

To convey such an impulse to any soul, in the first place, the soul from which it proceeds must possess the power of transmitting it, as it were to another; and in the second place, the soul to which it is transmitted must be fit to receive it.

                         - Swami Vivekananda, Bhakti-Yoga

Raja-Yoga - The Rationale of all Worship

Take Up One Idea

Raja-Yoga without Chastity is Dangerous

Only Way to Divine Wisdom

Beware of Dancing & Jumping Sects

All over the world there have been dancing and jumping and howling sects, who spread like infection when they begin to sing and dance and preach; they also are a sort of hypnotists.
They exercise a singular control for the time being over sensitive persons, alas! often, in the long run, to degenerate whole races.

Ay, it is healthier for the individual or the race to remain wicked than be made apparently good by such morbid extraneous control.

One's heart sinks to think of the amount of injury done to humanity by such irresponsible yet well - meaning religious fanatics. They little know that the minds which attain to sudden spiritual upheaval under their suggestions, with music and prayers, are simply making themselves passive, morbid, and powerless, and opening themselves to any other suggestion, be it ever so evil.

Little do these ignorant, deluded persons dream that whilst they are congratulating themselves upon their miraculous power to transform human hearts, which power they think was poured upon them by some Being above the clouds, they are sowing the seeds of future decay, of crime, of lunacy, and of death. Therefore, beware of everything that take away your freedom.

Know that it is dangerous, and avoid it by all the means in your power.
                                             - Swami Vivekananda ,
                                             Raja-Yoga (Classes in New York)

No Mystery-mongering

Know the Cause to know the Effect