Religion is above reason, supernatural.
Faith is not belief, it is the grasp on the Ultimate, an illumination.
First hear, then reason and find out all that reason can give about the Atman; let the flood of reason flow over It, then take what remains. If nothing remains, thank God you have escaped a superstition.
When you have determined that nothing can take away the Atman, that It stands every test, hold fast to this and teach it to all.
- Swami Vivekananda, Inspired Talks
There is being, "x", which is manifesting itself as both mind and matter. Its movements in the seen are along certain fixed lines called law.
As a unity, it is free; as many, it is bound by law. Still, with all this bondage, an idea of freedom is ever present, and this is Nivritti, or the "dragging from attachment".
The materialising forces which through desire lead us to take an active part in worldly affairs are called Pravritti.
- Swami Vivekananda, Inspired Talks
All we can do is put down all desires, hates, differences; put down the lower self, commit mental suicide, as it were;
keep the body and mind pure and healthy, but only as instruments to help us to God; that is their only true use.
Seek truth for truth's sake alone, look not for bliss. It may come, but do not let that be your incentive. Have no motive except God.
Dare to come to Truth even through hell.
- Swami Vivekananda, Inspired Talks
Neither seek nor avoid, take what comes.
It is liberty to be affected by nothing; do not merely endure, be unattached.
Remember the story of the bull. A mosquito sat long on the horn of a certain bull. Then his conscience troubled him, and he said, "Mr. Bull, I have been sitting here a long time, perhaps I annoy you. I am sorry, I will go away."
But the bull replied, "Oh no, not at all! Bring your whole family and live on my horn; what can you do to me?"
- Swami Vivekananda, Inspired Talks
