Nirjher Kumar Patel
Swami Sivananda is widely regarded as a profound spiritual teacher, both in India and around the world, not only for his exemplary conduct, cheerful demeanor, and the positive impact he had on everyone he encountered but also for his remarkable literary contributions. His prolific output, encompassing over 300 books, offers a treasure trove of wisdom. In this article, we shall explore some of his most insightful quotes, and see how each of them can offer guidance on various aspects of life.
“The divine within you is stronger than anything that is without you. Therefore, be not afraid of anything.”
This quote means that the inner strength and divine essence within each person are far more powerful than any external obstacles or challenges they may face.
In essence, this quote encourages us to recognize and trust in our own inner resources, which include our inherent capabilities, values, and spiritual essence. By doing so, we can confront and overcome external difficulties with confidence and resilience. The quote suggests that the real source of power and courage comes from within, not from external circumstances. When people are able to understand and harness this inner strength, they can face fears and challenges with far greater fortitude and assurance.
“Man has made his own destiny by his own thinking and acting. He can change his destiny. He is the master of his own destiny. There is no doubt of this. By right thinking and strong exertion, he can become the master of his destiny.”
We are what we think. What we think ‘we become ‘. Here Swami Ji tried to explain that if a man’s thoughts and actions match his goals then he can achieve anything. Hence he is a master of his destiny. So, thinking right and having a firm determination are fundamental to becoming successful in life.
“Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret and depression. Do not repeat them in the future.”
This Swami Sivananda’s quote advises against dwelling on past mistakes, as doing so can lead to negative emotions and hinder one’s personal growth. Instead, he encourages learning from past errors without being overwhelmed by them.
For instance, imagine a student who failed an important exam. If they obsess over their failure, they might feel discouraged and anxious, which can affect their future performance. However, if they focus on understanding what went wrong, such as inadequate study methods or time management issues, and then make adjustments for future exams, they can move forward constructively. By learning from the past but not letting it dominate their thoughts, they pave the way for improvement and success.
“Desire nothing, give up all desires and be happy.”
As Buddha said ‘desires are the main cause of sorrows’, similarly Swami Ji puts desires main cause of sadness. He in a way guides us towards keeping control of desires and leads us towards a non-materialistic life. In today’s world, this is more relevant as people are not happy and always chasing new and new things and damaging their thoughts, body, and environment. There is no end goal to this rat race.
“Just as a mother who has lost nine children loves the only surviving son so dearly, so also you will have to develop boundless love for all beings.”
Swami Sivananda’s quote uses the poignant image of a mother who, having lost nine children, loves her surviving son with immense and boundless affection. This analogy highlights the depth and unconditional nature of the love one should cultivate for all beings.
The quote suggests that just as the mother’s love for her only remaining child is profound and selfless, individuals should develop a similar, boundless love for all beings. This kind of love transcends ordinary attachments and extends to everyone, recognizing the inherent value and connection shared with all forms of life. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating an expansive, unconditional love that mirrors the depth and purity of the mother’s devotion to her surviving child.
Thus, to summarize Swami Sivananda’s quotes, they offer profound insights into leading a spiritually fulfilling life. Not only they emphasize the importance of inner strength, selfless service, but they also emphasize on sefless and unconditional love. By recognizing the divine essence within us and others, and by practicing wisdom, devotion, and selfless action, we can overcome external challenges and foster personal growth. His teachings encourage us to embrace our true nature, serve others with compassion, and pursue a deeper connection with the divine. Ultimately, applying these principles help us navigate life with greater purpose, clarity, and fulfillment.
