In Mahabharat, Karna asks Lord Krishna - "My mother left me the moment I was born.

Is it my fault I was
born an illegitimate child? I did not get the education from Dhronacharya because I was considered not a
Kshatriya. Parsuraam taught me but then gave me the curse to forget everything. A cow was accidentally
hit by my arrow & its owner cursed me for no fault of mine. I was disgraced in Draupadi's Swayamvar. Even
Kunti finally told me the truth only to save her other sons. Whatever I received was through Duryodhana's
charity. So how am I wrong in taking his side???"

Lord Krishna replies, "Karna, I was born in a jail. Death was waiting for me even before my birth. The night I
was born I was separated from my birth parents. From childhood, you grew up hearing the noise of swords,
chariots, horses, bow, and arrows. I got only cow herd's shed, dung, and multiple attempts on my life even
before I could walk! No Army, No Education. I could hear people saying I am the reason for all their
problems. When all of you were being appreciated for your valour by your teachers I had not even received
any education. I joined Gurukula of Rishi Sandipani only at the age of 16! You are married to a girl of your
choice. I didn't get the girl I loved & rather ended up marrying those who wanted me or the ones I rescued
from demons. I had to move my whole community from the banks of Yamuna too far off Sea shore to save
them from Jarasandh. I was called a coward for running away!!If Duryodhana wins the war you will get a lot
of credit. What do I get if Dharmaraja wins the war? Only the blame for the war and all related
problems...Remember one thing, Karna. Everybody has Challenges in life to face. LIFE IS NOT FAIR & EASY
ON ANYBODY!!!But what is Right (Dharma) is known to your Mind (conscience). No matter how much
unfairness we got, how many times we were Disgraced, how many times we Fall, what is important is how
you REACTED at that time. Life's unfairness does not give you license to walk the wrong path...Always
remember, Life may be tough at few points, but DESTINY is not created by the SHOES we wear but by the
STEPS we take...

1) Quality Over Quantity (Krishna vs. Narayani Sena)

One of the important lessons from Mahabharata will be that always choose quality over quantity. Before the war, both the
Pandavas and Kauravas had reached Dwarka to seek help from Yadavas. Krishna had clearly mentioned that he will not use
weapons in this war. Duryodhana (from Kauravas) and Arjuna (from Pandavas) were asked to choose between Krishna
(weapon-less) and powerful Narayani Sena (Krishna army). Arjuna had chosen Krishna and Duryodhana chose Narayani Sena
considering that they are huge in numbers which will help him to win the Mahabharata war. But as the war progressed, it
turned out to be a wrong decision for Duryodhana. Krishna, without even using weapons, led the Pandavas to the victory. 

2) Learning Never Ends

Another important lesson Mahabharata teaches us is that learning is a never-ending process. We should keep learning
whatever comes in our way at any phase of life at any time. Pandavas and Kauravas started their learning from Guru Drona in
Gurukula in their teenage and learned many skills. But once they returned to Hastinapura, Kauravas hardly learned anything
else. But at the same time, Pandavas continued to learn new things and improve their skills. Arjuna worshipped Lord Shiva
and learned Pashupatastra. He even got divine weapons from Indra. Bheema (one of the Pandavas) also worshipped Lord
Hanuman and found new ways to increase his strength and other important lessons. Their learnings helped Pandavas win the
Mahabharata war.

Similarly, you should never stop learning. Keep on learning new technologies or tools which can help you in improving your
goal. You never know when a small thing can do a big change and can open new doors of opportunities.
3) Networking is Power (Have Powerful Allies)

Networking is very important for anything we do. Having good and loyal friends/allies can help you win anywhere. Kauravas
had extreme power and a prosperous kingdom – Hastinapura (the greatest empire of the time). But Pandavas had no wealth,
no power, and no kingdom. Before the Mahabharata battle, both sides reached out to various other kingdoms to have allies
with them.

On one hand, Kauravas could manage a few allies from old relations like Gandhara (Shakuni), Sindhu (Jayadrath), and Shalya
(by deceiving him). On the other hand, despite having nothing, Pandavas got many powerful allies – Panchala (through
Marriage with Draupadi), Dwarka (through marriage with Arjuna and Subhadra), Matsya (through the marriage of Abhimanyu
and Uttara) and The Rakshasas (through the marriage of Bhima and Hidimba). It was the loyal networking power that helped
Pandavas in Mahabharata yudh.

4) Half Knowledge Is Dangerous

This is a very popular saying. In the Mahabharata also, we come across this example. Duryodhana was very adamant about
killing Arjuna’s son – Abhimanyu so Kauravas plotted the Chakravyuh (an invincible army formation that is deadly enough to
finish the war in one day) to kill him in absence of Arjuna. Arjuna knew how to tackle the vyuh but he was not available in
Kurukshetra as he had to go and fight with the army approaching Matsya kingdom (one of the Pandavas’ allies). Abhimanyu
only knew how to enter the Chakravyuha, but he didn’t know how to come out of it. Had Abhimanyu not gone inside the
vyuh, Kauravas had defeated the Pandavas army and won the battle. Hence, Abhimanyu decided to break the vyuh knowing
that he will have to face the wrath of Kauravas Maharathis (likes of Karna, Guru Drona, Duryodhana, Ashwathama,
Dushasana, and Shakuni) alone. His death at the hands of six great warriors was one of the more tragic and unrighteous acts
committed in the Mahabharata war. He was brave and courageous which show his great character but half knowledge cost
him his life.This story gives us the lesson that if you want to be successful you need to be well prepared for the task at hand.

5)Motivation Is the Key To Success

Just before the starting of the war, Arjuna denied killing Bheeshma Pitaamah and other relatives. He asked Krishna if he was
committing any sin by slaying his dear ones just because of a piece of land. Lord Krishna stood up and motivated him. That
was the time Bhagwat Geeta was formed. Krishna told him the truth of life.  One of the most quoted Bhagwad Geeta
quotes is – Karmanye Vadhikaraste, Ma Phaleshu Kada Chana. It tells us that we should only perform our duty and should not
be entitled to the fruits of action. Those who acquire knowledge only to achieve something else will never be able to extract
the true virtue of it. It was the strong motivation provided by Krishna which led to the Pandavas victory. 

This shows that when you are motivated you can do anything and can achieve your goal. Motivation is the driving force that
drives you to accomplish goals and it’s necessary for all types of success. Everyone has their own reasons and ways to get
motivated – Giving yourself a reward and find reasons why you should succeed, etc.

6) Sometimes Smaller Sacrifices Have To Be Made

After Arjuna killed Jayadratha with the help of Lord Krishna, Kauravas decided to attack Pandavas camp in the night itself to
kill Arjuna. Karna had got the deadliest weapon from Indra which could kill Arjuna so they wanted to bring Arjuna in front of
Karna at any cost. Krishna knew this strategy and asked Bheema to take help from his devil son – Gatotkachcha.
Gatotkachcha started destroying Kauravas’ army. Krishna wanted to save Arjuna and he knew Karna will be forced to use that
weapon on Gatotkachcha to save Kauravas instead of Arjuna. Krishna sacrificed Gatotkachcha’s life to save Arjuna’s life.

Similarly, success does not come without any price. We also need to sacrifice a few things at times to achieve our goal.

Krishna Lesson #1: Importance of Karma (duty)

Krishna describes the Karma in Chapter 2, Verse 47 of Bhagavad-Gita as under

कर्मण्ये वाधिकारस्ते  मा फले षु कदाचन |
मा कर्मफलहे तुर्भूर्मा ते  सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि || 47 ||
karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi
Meaning: Do your duty and be detached from its outcome, do not be driven by the end product, enjoy the
process of getting there. (Krishna Quotes)

In the battle of Kurukshetra, Arjun’s conscience was haunted by the thoughts of killing his own kith and kin,
ancestors and gurus. He refused to fight, and then Krishna delivered the philosophical epic called Bhagavad
Gita. He said, “I am the sole creator of this universe. If, I wish, I can kill the enemies in a moment with
‘Sudarshan Chakra’. But I want to teach the importance of Karma (performing own duty) to coming
generation.” He further added,” Do your duty and be detached from its outcome, do not get driven by the
result, enjoy the journey of reaching there.” In the end, he convinced Arujna to fight and destroy the
enemies.
If you will not work or perform your duty, you will not get the things or result out of the blues. This is one
of the best learning from the teachings of Lord Krishna. You must perform your duty without anticipating
the outcome or end result. While I say this it does not mean, having hopes or being optimistic is wrong, but
without actions, your path will be dreadful. The trick is not to concentrate too much on the final result and
just enjoy the process of reaching there. Being process oriented instead of result oriented improves your
overall productivity.
Being in the present moment (mindfulness) i.e. concentrating on your Karma (the work you are doing right
now) also improves your overall mental health. Arjuna could not maintain his emotional intelligence. By
teaching him to concentrate on the present Krishna enlightened him.

Krishna Lesson #2: There is always a cause or reason

In Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna said that everything happens for a cause or good reason. Whatever happens in life
happen for good and there is always a cause or reason behind that. He also mentioned that we all are
children of God, the one creator. God is supreme power and this world is governed by him. And since, we
all are god’s children, nothing evil can happen to us. Hence, it is best to not cry over things that have
happened or over things that we do not have control of. We need to let go and accept things.
Krishna Lesson #3: Mindfulness

Here again Krishna teaches us to live in present moment. He was conscious about the future, but he chose
to live in the present moment without worrying. Even though he knew what would happen in coming
future, still he stayed in present moment. Mindfulness is all about staying in present and being aware
about present moment. Mindfulness is life changing and makes a difference in quality of life. Living in
present and paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental well-being.
It’s possible more often to get hindered by challenging circumstances, but staying mindful and living in
present moment can make things much easier. We need to learn, how to focus on the present, and not on
the future or the past.

Krishna Teaching #4: Control your anger

Lord Krishna describes the anger in Chapter 2, Verse 63 of Bhagavad-Gita as under

 क् रोधाद्भवति सम्मोह: सम्मोहात्स्मृ तिविभ्रम: |
् नाशो बुदधि
स्मृ तिभ्रंशाद् बुदधि ् नाशात्प्रणश्यति ||63||
krodhād bhavati sammohaḥ sammohāt smṛiti-vibhramaḥ
smṛiti-bhranśhād buddhi-nāśho buddhi-nāśhāt praṇaśhyati
Meaning: Anger leads to clouding of judgment, which results in bewilderment of the memory. When the
memory is bewildered, the intellect gets destroyed; and when the intellect is destroyed, one is ruined.
Anger affects you capability of judgment; in turn memory and intellect. Without intellect, a decision making
gets affected. Therefore, anger is the fundamental cause of all kind of failures in a person’s life. One must
try to control and side-track anger while keeping the mind at peace.

Krishna Lesson #6: Humbleness or modesty

Even though Krishna was the king of splendid Dwarka and the god of all creation, he was still
humble and always showed tremendous respect to his elders – whether they were his parents or
teachers. He was always eager to give pleasure to them. Because of this, people were always willing
to help him where ever he went.

During the Kurukshetra war, Krishna donned the role of lowly charioteer. Shri Krishna was the
embodiment of simplicity and his role as a charioteer is a testament of that.

Being humble or modest is one of the most important characteristic of personality. Like Krishna
you too must be humble in life. It helps you to cultivate genuine relationship with honest people.
Be modest enough to give people more reasons to be happy in their life.
Krishna Lesson #7: No job is big or small

Lord Krishna could have won the battle of Kurukshetra all by himself. But he chose to guide Arjuna
and drove his chariot for him. He says job is a job; there is no big or small job. No labour is without
dignity. You must love your job and give your best while at your job, does not matter how big or
small it is. Your job fills a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to respect
all kind of jobs and accept them.

Shri Krishna Lesson # 8: Best or true friends

Sudhama was Krishna’s childhood friend. Unlike Krishna he was a deprived man and his financial
conditions were not good. His family could hardly arrange food for twice in a day. He once visited
to meet Shree Krishna hoping to ask for some support or assistance. But, once he met Krishna, he
could not have courage or had heart to share his problems to his friend Krishna. When Sudama
returned back to his home, he was surprised by the lavish house, beautiful clothes and expensive
jewelry. Being a true and genuine friend, Krishna understood Sudhama’s problems, even without
uttering a word by Sudama regarding his problems. That is the true meaning of friendship.
Now a days, it is well-established fact that having real, genuine and trustworthy friends is good for
you . This life is about the people you share it with; make the most of it. Surround yourself with
good friends and always be a good friend in return.
  Think with a calm mind: Lord Krishna says: Undoubtedly, O Arjuna, the mind is restless and difficult to restrain,
but it is subdued by any constant vigorous spiritual practice -- such as meditation -- with perseverance, and by
detachment.
The first step to gaining clarity on any situation is developing a clear, calm and collected mind. This takes a lot of effort.
One way is meditation, another is by distancing yourself from the situation - not physically but mentally - where you
look at it as an outsider and have a bird's eye view of it.
  Give up on results: You have control over doing your respective duty only, but no control or claim over the
results. The fruits of work should not be your motive, and you should never be inactive.
Often referred to as “nishkam karma”, doing action without expecting reward. Most of our decisions get affected
because we wonder about their outcomes and consequences. But when you realize that you have little control over the
final outcome and when you don't focus on the gains, your efforts will be filled with more meaning. What's more you
will also look at every gain as a bonus and appreciate the rewards more.

 Treat everyone equally: A person is considered superior who is impartial towards companions, friends, enemies,
neutrals, arbiters, haters, relatives, saints, and sinners.
People make up our lives and it's difficult not to get influenced by them or by our equations with them. But that's exactly
what Lord Krishna says. Treat everyone with the same lens of impartiality. A son shouldn't take on his father's business
by virtue of being his son, but, because he is an able and competent worker. Likewise just because someone has picked
a fight with you, don't write them off for good... the event isn't the person.

 Don't give in to stress: The one by whom others are not agitated and who is not agitated by others, who is free
from joy, envy, fear, and anxiety, is also dear to Me.
Rid yourself of excessive worry, don't take on more than you can cope with and add enough me-time in your day to help
you de-stress. I often walk back home from work and just being by the garden, and watching kids playing and have a
walk with myself, helps me get rid of the tensions of the day.

 Be ready for change: Arjuna, when inertia is predominant; ignorance, inactivity, carelessness, and delusion arise.
Adding change and excitement to your activities helps give them a boost. Every once in a while, when you feel yourself
slipping into lethargy or a state of inertia, stir yourself up, change direction, give yourself a new challenge. I remember
when I taught in a school, we'd often rearrange the way the children sat in class... we'd make them get up, move the
tables around and sit in a new place. This kept them alert and also helped them make more friends. Similarly if you get
stuck in one way of thinking, you're unlikely to come up with good solutions; be open to new views of learning and
doing things.

 Act with conviction: Whatever is done without faith - whether it is sacrifice, charity, austerity, or any other act --
is useless. It has no value here or hereafter.
There's a common story about villagers who had come out of their homes to pray for the much-awaited rain. Amid all
these people, there was one small boy who had carried an umbrella. This little boy had true "faith". Setting out to do
anything is an action, but being ready for it is faith. Before you undertake any action, think about how strongly you
believe in it. If you don't need to justify it in anyway or draw on any extra reserves for it, then it's an act of conviction and
the right decision for you.

 Set high standards: Because whatever noble persons do, others follow. Whatever standard they set up, the world
follows. (influenced me the most)
Once you've decided on your course of action, set your own standards of excellence, benchmark your own success, and
then create newer highs. The greatest achievers have kept pushing themselves for gaining greater levels of mastery.
They compete with themselves and continue learning in all areas of their lives. They meet with success and failure but
still keep growing. And their journeys continue to inspire us and give light to our lives

भगवत गीता के सु विचार shrimad bhagavad gita quotes in hindi -:

~ सदै व सं देह करने वाले व्यक्ति के लिए प्रसन्नता ना इस लोक में है ना ही कहीं और।

~ जो मन को नियं त्रित नहीं करते उनके लिए वह शत्रु के समान कार्य करता है ।

~ कोई भी इं सान जन्म से नहीं बल्कि अपने कर्मो से महान बनता है ।

~ प्रबु द्ध व्यक्ति के लिए, गं दगी का ढे र, पत्थर और सोना सभी समान हैं ।
~ कर्म मु झे बां धता नहीं, क्योंकि मु झे कर्म के प्रतिफल की कोई इच्छा नहीं।

~ मे रा ते रा, छोटा बड़ा, अपना पराया, मन से मिटा दो, फिर सब तु म्हारा है और तु म सबके हो।

~ फल की अभिलाषा छोड़कर कर्म करने वाला पु रुष ही अपने जीवन को सफल बनाता है ।

~ परमात्मा को प्राप्ति के इच्छुक ब्रम्हचर्य का पालन करते है ।

~  जन्म ले ने वाले के लिए मृ त्यु उतनी ही निश्चित है , जितना कि मृ त होने वाले के लिए जन्म ले ना। इसलिए जो अपरिहार्य है
उस पर शोक मत करो।

~ वह जो सभी इच्छाएं त्याग दे ता है और “मैं ” और “मे रा ” की लालसा और भावना से मु क्त हो जाता है उसे शान्ति प्राप्त
होती है ।

~ लोग आपके अपमान के बारे में हमे शा बात करें गे । सम्मानित व्यक्ति के लिए, अपमान मृ त्यु से भी बदतर है ।

~ तु म्हारा क्या गया जो तु म रोते हो, तु म क्या लाए थे जो तु मने खो दिया, तु मने क्या पै दा किया था जो नष्ट हो गया, तु मने जो
लिया यहीं से लिया, जो दिया यहीं पर दिया, जो आज तु म्हारा है , कल किसी और का होगा। क्योंकि परिवर्तन ही सं सार का नियम
है ।

~ धरती पर जिस प्रकार मौसम में बदलाव आता है , उसी प्रकार जीवन में भी सु ख-दुख आता जाता रहता है ।

~ जो हुआ वह अच्छा हुआ, जो हो रहा है वह अच्छा हो रहा है , जो होगा वो भी अच्छा ही होगा।

~ एक ज्ञानवान व्यक्ति कभी भी कामु क सु ख में आनं द नहीं ले ता।

~ इतिहास कहता है कि कल सु ख था, विज्ञान कहता है कि कल सु ख होगा, ले किन धर्म कहता है कि, अगर मन सच्चा और दिल
अच्छा हो तो हर रोज सु ख होगा।

~ मैं सभी प्राणियों को एक समान रूप से दे खता हं ,ू मे रे लिए ना कोई कम प्रिय है ना ही ज्यादा। ले किन जो मनु ष्य मे री
प्रेमपूर्वक आराधना करते हैं वो मे रे भीतर रहते हैं और मैं उनके जीवन में आता हं ।ू

~ मैं धरती की मधु र सु गंध हँ ,ू मैं अग्नि की ऊष्मा हँ ,ू सभी जीवित प्राणियों का जीवन और सन्यासियों का आत्मसं यम हँ ।ू

् में होता है ,
~ जो होने वाला है वो होकर ही रहता है और जो नहीं होने वाला वह कभी नहीं होता, ऐसा निश्चय जिनकी बु दधि
उन्हें चिं ता कभी नही सताती है ।

~ जिस तरह प्रकाश की ज्योति अँ धेरे में चमकती है , ठीक उसी प्रकार सत्य भी चमकता है । इसलिए हमे शा सत्य की राह पर
चलना चाहिए।

~ अपने आपको ईश्वर के प्रति समर्पित कर दो, यही सबसे बड़ा सहारा है । जो कोई भी इस सहारे को पहचान गया है वह डर,
चिं ता और दुखों से आजाद रहता है ।

~ अच्छे कर्म करने के बावजूद भी लोग केवल आपकी बु राइयाँ ही याद रखें गे , इसलिए लोग क्या कहते हैं इस पर ध्यान मत दो,
तु म अपना कर्म करते रहो।

~ तु म क्यों व्यर्थ में चिं ता करते हो ? तु म क्यों भयभीत होते हो ? कौन तु म्हे मार सकता है ? आत्मा न कभी जन्म ले ती है और न
ही इसे कोई मार सकता है , ये ही जीवन का अं तिम सत्य है ।

~ जब जब इस धरती पर पाप, अहं कार और अधर्म बढ़े गा। तो उसका विनाश कर धर्म की पु न: स्थापना करने हे तु, मैं अवश्य
अवतार ले ता रहं ग
ू ा|
मं जिल उन्हीं को मिलती है , जिनके सपनों में जान होती है , पं ख से कुछ नहीं होता, हौसलों से उड़ान होती है

लहरों से डर कर नौका पार नहीं होती ,

कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती ।
,
नन्हीं चींटीं जब दाना ले कर चलती है ,
,
चढ़ती दीवारों पर सौ बार फिसलती है ।
,
मन का विश्वास रं गो में साहस भरता है ,
, ,
चढ़कर गिरना गिरकर चढ़ना कभी ना अखरता है ।
आखिर उसकी मे हनत बे कार नहीं होती ,
,
कोशिश करने वालों की कभी हार नहीं होती ।
असफलता एक चु नौती है , स्वीकार करो,
,
क्या कमी रह गयी दे खो और सु धार करो ।
,
जब सफल न हो नींद चै न को त्यागो तु म ,
, ,​
सं घर्षो का मै दान छोड़ कभी मत भागो तु म
कुछ किये बिना ही, जय-जयकार नहीं होती,
कोशिश करने वालों की, कभी हार नही होती ।

         ~हरिवं श राय बच्चन

On Truth

Swami Vivekananda told—

 All truth is eternal. Truth is nobody’s property; no race, no individual can lay any exclusive claim to it.
Truth is the nature of all souls.
 Be sincere and do your duty. Everything will come all right Truth must triumph. . .
 “Comfort” is no test of truth; on the contrary, truth is often far from being “comfortable.” [Source]
 Dare to seek Truth even through hell.
 Everything can be sacrificed for truth, but truth cannot be sacrificed for anything.
 Follow truth wherever it may lead you; carry ideas to their utmost logical conclusions. Do not be cowardly
and hypocritical. You must have a great devotion to your ideal, devotion not of the moment, but calm,
persevering, and steady devotion, like that of a Chataka (a kind of bird) which looks into the sky in the
midst of thunder and lightening and would drink no water but from the clouds. Perish in the struggle to
be holy; a thousand times welcome death. Be not disheartened. When good nectar is unattainable, it is no
reason why we should eat poison. There is no escape. Thisworld is as unknown as the other.
 “God is true. The universe is a dream. Blessed am I that I know this moment that I [have been and] shall
be free all eternity; … that I know that I am worshipping only myself; that no nature, no delusion, had any
hold on me. Vanish nature from me, vanish [these] gods; vanish worship; … vanish superstitions, for I
know myself. I am the Infinite. All these — Mrs. So-and-so, Mr. So-and-so, responsibility, happiness,
misery — have vanished. I am the Infinite. How can there be death for me, or birth? Whom shall I fear? I
am the One. Shall I be afraid of myself? Who is to be afraid of [whom]? I am the one Existence. Nothing
else exists. I am everything.”[Source]
 Good is near Truth, but is not yet Truth.
 Great is the tenacity with which man clings to the senses. Yet, however substantial he may think the
external world in which he lives and moves, there comes a time in the lives of individuals and of races
when, involuntarily, they ask, “Is this real?” To the person who never finds a moment to question the
credentials of his senses, whose every moment is occupied with some sort of sense-enjoyment — even to
him death comes, and he also is compelled to ask, “Is this real?” Religion begins with this question and
ends with its answer. Even in the remote past, where recorded history cannot help us, in the mysterious
light of mythology, back in the dim twilight of civilisation, we find the same question was asked, “What
becomes of this? What is real?”[Source]
 I know that truth alone gives life, and nothing but going towards reality will make us strong, and none will
reach truth until he is strong.
 I stand for truth. Truth will never ally itself with falsehood. Even if all the world should be against me,
Truth must prevail in the end.
 I was once travelling in the desert in India. I travelled for over a month and always found the most
beautiful landscapes before me, beautiful lakes and all that. One day I was very thirsty and I wanted to
have a drink at one of these lakes; but when I approached that lake it vanished. Immediately with a blow
came into my brain the idea that this was a mirage about which I had read all my life; and then I
remembered and smiled at my folly, that for the last month all the beautiful landscapes and lakes I had
been seeing were this mirage, but I could not distinguish them then. The next morning I again began my
march; there was the lake and the landscape, but with it immediately came the idea, “This is a mirage.”
Once known it had lost its power of illusion. So this illusion of the universe will break one day. The whole
of this will vanish, melt away. This is realization. [Source]
 I will relate to you a very ancient story from the Chhândogya Upanishad, which tells how knowledge came
to a boy. The form of the story is very crude, but we shall find that it contains a principle. A young boy said
to his mother, “I am going to study the Vedas. Tell me the name of my father and my caste.” The mother
was not a married woman, and in India the child of a woman who has not been married is considered an
outcast; he is not recognised by society and is not entitled to study the Vedas. So the poor mother said,
“My child, I do not know your family name; I was in service, and served in different places; I do not know
who your father is, but my name is Jabala and your name is Satyakama.” The little child went to a sage
and asked to be taken as a student. The sage asked him, “What is the name of your father, and what is
your caste?” The boy repeated to him what he had heard from his mother. The sage at once said, “None
but a Brâhmin could speak such a damaging truth about himself. You are a Brahmin and I will teach you.
You have not swerved from truth.” So he kept the boy with him and educated him. [Source][Learn more about Satyakama Jabala at
Wikipedia]

 If in this hell of a world one can bring a little joy and peace even for a day into the heart of a single person,
that much alone is true; this I have learnt suffering all my life; all else is mere moonshine.
 In truth everything is established.
 It is the patient building of character, the intense struggle to realize the truth, which alone will tell in the
future of humanity.
 It is truth alone that gives strength.
 Knowledge can never be created, it can only be discovered; and every man who makes a great discovery is
inspired. Only, when it is a spiritual truth he brings, we call him a prophet; and when it is on the physical
 plane, we call him a scientific man, and we attribute more importance to the former, although the source
of all truth is one.
 Man wants truth, wants to experience truth for himself; when he has grasped it, realised it, felt it within
his heart of hearts, then alone, declare the Vedas, would all doubts vanish, all darkness be scattered, and
all crookedness be made straight.
 None will be able to resist truth and love and sincerity. Are you sincere? unselfish even unto death? and
loving? Then fear not, not even death. Onward, my lads!
 Our duty is to encourage every one in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the same
time to make the ideal as near as possible to the Truth.
 Pray all the time, read all the scriptures in the world, and worship all the gods there are …but unless you
realize the Truth, there is no freedom.
 Soft-brained people, weak-minded, chicken-hearted, cannot find the truth. One has to be free, and as
broad as the sky.
 Stop creation and you know the truth. All power of creation must stop, and then you know the truth at
once.
 Take care! Beware of everything that is untrue; stick to truth and we shall succeed, maybe slowly, but
surely. Work on as if I never existed. Work as if on each of you depended the whole work. [Source]
 Take courage and work on. Patience and steady work — this is the only way. Go on; remember — patience
and purity and courage and steady work. . . . So long as you are pure, and true to your principles, you will
never fail — Mother will never leave you, and all blessings will be yours.
 Tell the truth boldly, whether it hurts or not. Never pander to weakness. If truth is too much for intelligent
people and sweeps them away, let them go; the sooner the better.
 That is the one test of truth. It never decays, it is always the same.
 That which is true must be infinite and eternal.
 The greatest name man ever gave to God is Truth. Truth is the fruit of realisation; therefore seek it within
the soul.[Source]
 The greatest truths have been forgotten because of their very simplicity. Great truths are simple because
they are of universal application. Truth itself is always simple. Complexity is due to man’s ignorance. [Source]
 The mainspring of the strength of every race lies in the spirituality manifested in religion and the death of
that race begins the day that spirituality wanes and materialism begins.
 [This truth] is first to be heard. Hear it first. Think on it day and night. Fill the mind [with it] day and
night: “I am It. I am the Lord of the universe. Never was there any delusion…. ” Meditate upon it with all
the strength of the mind till you actually see these walls, houses, everything, melt away — [until] body,
everything, vanishes. “I will stand alone. I am the One.” Struggle on! “Who cares! We want to be free; [we]
do not want any powers. Worlds we renounce; heavens we renounce; hells we renounce. What do I care
about all these powers, and this and that! What do I care if the mind is controlled or uncontrolled! Let it
run on. What of that! I am not the mind, Let it go on!” [Source]
 Those who work at a thing heart and soul not only achieve success in it but through their absorption in
that they also realize the supreme truth—Brahman. Those who work at a thing with their whole heart
receive help from God.
 “Thou hast the right to work but not to the fruits thereof.” Stand firm like a rock. Truth always triumphs.
 Through truth everything is attained.
 To tell a lie, you have to imitate a truth, and that truth is a fact. You cannot imitate that which you have
never perceived.
 Truth alone triumphs, and this is true.
 Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.
 Truth can never come to us as long as we are selfish.
 Truth does not pay homage to any society, ancient or modern. Society has to pay homage to Truth or die.
Societies should be moulded upon truth, and truth has not to adjust itself to society.
 Truth has always been universal.
 Truth is heaven. Bigotry is hell.
 Truth is infinitely more weighty than untruth; so is goodness. If you possess these, they will make their
way by sheer gravity.
 Truth is strengthening. Truth is purity, truth is all-knowledge; truth must be strengthening, must be
enlightening, must be invigorating.[Source]
  Truth, purity, and unselfishness— wherever these are present, there is no power below or above the sun
the possessor thereof. Equipped with these, one individual is able to face the whole universe in opposition.
 Truth requires no prop to make it stand.
 We are always after truth, but never want to get it.
 We do not progress from error to truth, but from truth to truth. Thus we must see that none can be
blamed for what they are doing, because they are, at this time, doing the best they can. [Source]
 2. If faith in ourselves had been more extensively taught and practised, I am sure a very large
portion of the evils and miseries that we have would have vanished.
 3. All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of
everything.
4. The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.
5. Our duty is to encourage every one in his struggle to live up to his own highest idea, and strive at the
same time to make the ideal as near as possible to the truth.
6. The Vedanta recognizes no sin, it only recognizes error. And the greatest error, says the Vedanta is to
say that you are weak, you are a sinner, a miserable creature, who has no power and who can do nothing.
7. A man has attained immortality when he is no longer disturbed by anything material.
8. We are what our thoughts have made us; so take care about what you think. Words are secondary.
Thoughts live; they travel far.
9. All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and
cry that it is dark.
10. Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain,
muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea and just leave every other idea alone. This is
the way to success.
1. “Arise! Awake! Stop not until the goal is reached.” – Swami Vivekananda

2. “The earth is enjoyed by heroes – this is the unfailing truth. Be a hero. Always say, I have no fear.”
– Swami Vivekananda

3. “The very reason for nature’s existence is for the education of the soul.” – Swami Vivekananda

4. “Blessed are they whose bodies get destroyed in the service of others.” – Swami Vivekananda

5. “Truth can be stated in a thousand different ways, yet each one can be true.” – Swami Vivekananda

6. “Everything is easy when you are busy. But nothing is easy when you are lazy.” – Swami Vivekananda

7. “All knowledge that the world has ever received comes from the mind; the infinite library of the
universe is in our own mind.” – Swami Vivekananda
8. “You must worship the self in Krishna, not Krishna as Krishna.” – Swami Vivekananda

9. “The brain and muscles must develop simultaneously. Iron nerves with an intelligent brain – and the
whole world is at your feet.” – Swami Vivekananda

10. “Bless people when they revile you. Think how much good they are doing by helping to stamp out

the false ego.” – Swami Vivekananda

11. “Talk to yourself at least once in a day otherwise you may miss meeting an excellent person in this
world.” – Swami Vivekananda

12. “Things do not grow better; they remain as they are. It is we who grow better, by the changes we
make in ourselves.” – Swami Vivekananda

13. “The cheerful mind perseveres and the strong mind hews its way through a thousand difficulties.”
– Swami Vivekananda

14. “Desire, ignorance, and inequality – this is the trinity of bondage.” – Swami Vivekananda

15. “Where can we go to find God if we cannot see him in our own hearts and in every living being.” –

Swami Vivekananda

16. “There is no other spiritual teacher than your own soul.” – Swami Vivekananda

17. “Shri Ramakrishna use to say, as Long as I live, so long do I learn. That man or that society which
has nothing to learn is already in the jaws of death.” – Swami Vivekananda

18. “The greatest truths are the simplest things in the world, simple as your own existence.” – Swami
Vivekananda

19. “There is no limit to the power of the human mind. The more concentrated it is, the more power is
brought to bear on one point.” – Swami Vivekananda

20. “Believe in yourself and the world will be at your feet.” – Swami Vivekananda

21. “Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If you cannot, fold your hands, bless
your brothers, and let them go their own way.” – Swami Vivekananda
22. “Books are infinite in number and time is short. The secret of knowledge is to take what is essential.
Take that and try to live up to it.” – Swami Vivekananda

23. “The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.” – Swami Vivekananda

24. “The whole life is a succession of dreams. My ambition is to be a conscious dreamer, that is all.”
– Swami Vivekananda

25. “Education is the manifestation of perfection already existing in man.” – Swami Vivekananda

26. “Relationships are more important in life. But it is important for those relationships to have life in
them.” – Swami Vivekananda

27. “Do one thing at a Time, and while doing it put your whole soul into it to the exclusion of all else.”
– Swami Vivekananda

28. “Ask nothing; want nothing in return. Give what you have to give; it will come back to you, but do
not think of that now.” – Swami Vivekananda

29. “Each work has to pass through these stages – ridicule, opposition, and then acceptance. Those who
think ahead of their time are sure to be misunderstood.” – Swami Vivekananda

30. “All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of

everything.” – Swami Vivekananda

31. “A fool may buy all the books in the world, and they will be in his library; but he will be able to read
only those that he deserves to.” – Swami Vivekananda

32. “Take risks in your life. If you win, you can lead. If you lose, you can guide.” – Swami Vivekananda

33. “Comfort is no test of truth. Truth is often far from being comfortable.” – Swami Vivekananda

34. “The fire that warms us can also consume us; it is not the fault of the fire.” – Swami Vivekananda

34. “Feel nothing, know nothing, do nothing, have nothing, give up all to God, and say utterly, ‘Thy will
be done.’ We only dream this bondage. Wake up and let it go.” – Swami Vivekananda

35. “Learn Everything that is Good from Others, but bring it in, and in your own way absorb it; do not
become others.” – Swami Vivekananda

36. “We are what our thoughts have made us. So take care about what you think. Words are secondary,
thoughts live and travel far.” – Swami Vivekananda
37. “Come out of your narrow holes and have a look abroad.” – Swami Vivekananda

38. “They alone live, who live for others.” – Swami Vivekananda

39. “You cannot believe in God until you believe in yourself.” – Swami Vivekananda

40. “Neither seek nor avoid, take what comes.” – Swami Vivekananda

41. “Always try to represent yourself as happy. Initially, it becomes your look, gradually it becomes your
habit and finally it becomes your personality.” – Swami Vivekananda

42. “Stamp out the negative spirit as if it were a pestilence.” – Swami Vivekananda

43. “In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart.” – Swami Vivekananda

44. “In a day, when you don’t come across any problems – you can be sure that you are travelling in a
wrong path.” – Swami Vivekananda

45. “Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads, and dare to carry that out in your life.”
– Swami Vivekananda

46. “Be not Afraid of anything. You will do Marvellous work. It is Fearlessness that brings Heaven even in
a moment.” – Swami Vivekananda

47. “All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes
and cry that it is dark.” – Swami Vivekananda

48. “The great secret of true success, of true happiness, is this: the man or woman who asks for no
return, the perfectly unselfish person, is the most successful.” – Swami Vivekananda

49. “The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves.” – Swami
Vivekananda

50. “Anything that makes weak – physically, intellectually and spiritually, reject it as poison.” – Swami
Vivekananda