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Swami Vivekananda was a revered Hindu monk, philosopher and spiritual guide, celebrated for his insights on self-discovery, spiritual awakening and the empowering role of youth.
Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is observed on January 12. (Image: Shutterstock)
Swami Vivekananda Jayanti 2025: Swami Vivekananda was a distinguished Hindu monk, philosopher and spiritual leader, renowned for his teachings on self-realisation, spiritual enlightenment and the transformative potential of the youth. Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, celebrated on January 12, honours his birth anniversary. He was instrumental in spreading the spiritual teachings of Hinduism to the West, especially through his iconic speech at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893, where he presented the ideals of universal brotherhood and tolerance to the global audience.
Quotes and Teachings by Swami Vivekananda
- “Arise, awake and stop not until the goal is reached.”
Swami Vivekananda encouraged individuals to pursue their goals with unwavering determination and persistence. He believed that success comes only when you overcome obstacles with perseverance and continue moving forward without giving up, no matter how difficult the journey.
- “You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.”
This teaching emphasises the importance of self-belief as the foundation of spiritual growth. Vivekananda urged that true faith in a higher power can only be realised once a person recognises their strength, worth and potential.
- “In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart.”
Vivekananda believed that intuition and passion often lead to more fulfilling outcomes than purely rational decisions. By following your heart, you align yourself with your true desires and purpose, leading to deeper fulfilment and authenticity.
- “The greatest sin is to think yourself weak.”
This teaching encourages individuals to recognise their inherent power and abilities. Weakness is a mindset and self-doubt hinders personal growth while acknowledging one’s strength leads to self-empowerment and progress.
- “Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead; if you lose, you can guide.”
Swami Vivekananda advocates embracing challenges and risks as opportunities for growth. Even in failure, there is wisdom to be gained and those who fail can offer valuable guidance to others on their journey.
- “We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think.”
Our thoughts shape our actions, behaviours and ultimately our lives. Vivekananda stressed that maintaining positive and constructive thoughts is essential to achieving success, happiness and peace in life.
- “The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.”
Life presents constant challenges that serve as opportunities to build resilience and strength. Vivekananda viewed these challenges as training grounds where we develop mentally, emotionally and spiritually, just like physical workouts in a gym.
- “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Swami Vivekananda believed that transformation starts with the individual. Instead of waiting for others to change, he urged people to embody the values and qualities they wish to see in the world, thus leading by example.
- “Strength is life, weakness is death.”
This teaching focuses on the importance of mental, emotional and physical strength. Vivekananda believed that true strength brings vitality and power, while weakness, both mental and physical, leads to stagnation and missed opportunities.
- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Swami Vivekananda emphasised that self-realisation comes through selflessness. Serving others, without expectation of reward, helps to transcend the ego, fostering a sense of unity with the world and leading to true personal growth.
