Bhagavad Gita As A Source Of Inspiration And Strength ~ Swami Vivekananda Quotes

Bhagavad Gita, the great Hindu scripture is generally considered as a religious or philosophical book. Swami Vivekananda, although, pointed out that Bhagavad Gita is primarily a source of inspiration, motivation and strength.

In this article we'll attempt to make a collection of Swami Vivekananda's quotations on the topic/theme Bhagavad Gita as a source of inspiration and strength.

Bhagavad Gita as a source of inspiration and strength

Krishna teaching Arjuna, from Bhagavata Gita

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Swami Vivekananda told/observed—

First of all, our young men must be strong. Religion will come afterwards. Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to Heaven through football than through the study of the Gita. These are bold words; but I have to say them, for I love you. I know where the shoe pinches. I have gained a little experience. You will understand the Gita better with your biceps, your muscles, a little stronger. You will understand the mighty genius and the mighty strength of Krishna better with a little of strong blood in you. You will understand the Upanishads better and the glory of the Atman when your body stands firm upon your feet, and you feel yourselves as men.^[Source]
In Krishna we find ... two ideas [stand] supreme in his message: The first is the harmony of different ideas; the second is non-attachment. A man can attain to perfection, the highest goal, sitting on a throne, commanding armies, working out big plans for nations. In fact, Krishna's great sermon was preached on the battlefield.^[Source]
. . . it won't do to merely quote the authority of our ancient books. The tidal wave of Western civilisation is now rushing over the length and breadth of the country. It won't do now simply to sit in meditation on mountain tops without realising in the least its usefulness. Now is wanted -- as said in the Gita by the Lord -- intense Karma - yoga, with unbounded courage and indomitable strength in the heart. Then only will the people of the country be roused, otherwise they will continue to be as much in the dark as you are.^[Source]
. . . the Gita — "that wonderful poem, without one note in it of weakness or unmanliness."^[Source]
The reconciliation of the different paths of Dharma, and work without desire or attachment — these are the two special characteristics of the Gita.^[Source]
This morning the lesson on the Gitâ was grand. It began with a long talk on the fact that the highest ideals are not for all. Non-resistance is not for the man who thinks the replacing of the maggot in the wound by the leprous saint with "Eat, Brother!" disgusting and horrible. Non-resistance is practised by a mother's love towards an angry child. It is a travesty in the mouth of a coward, or in the face of a lion. (Sister Nivedita's notes)^[Source]