Meditation and Its Methods

by Vivekananda

The mind is like a lake, and every stone that drops into it raises waves.

Think of your own body, and see that it is strong and healthy; it is the best instrument you have. Think of it as being as strong as adamant, and that with the help of this body you will cross the ocean of life. Freedom is never to be reached by the weak. Throw away all weakness. Tell your body that it is strong, tell your mind that it is strong, and have unbounded faith and hope in yourself. (I. 146)

grateful to him who curses you, for he gives you a mirror to show what cursing is, also a chance to practise self-restraint; so bless him and be glad. Without exercise, power cannot come out; without the mirror, we cannot see ourselves.

After having done work, do not think of it. Go on! Stop not! Don’t look back! What will you gain by looking back?

upon your own feet, and take the whole responsibility upon yourselves. Say, “This misery that I am suffering is of my own doing, and that very thing proves that

The cause of all miseries from which we suffer is desire. You desire something, and the desire is not fulfilled; and the result is distress.