Quotes from Ramakrishna

Common men talk bagfuls of religion but do not practise even a grain of it. The wise man speaks a little, even though his whole life is religion expressed in action.

Different creeds are but different paths to reach the same God.

So many religions, so many paths to reach the one and the same goal.

The way of love is as true as the way of knowledge. All paths ultimately lead to the same Truth. But as long as God keeps the feeling of ego in us, it is easier to follow the path of love.

As a piece of rope, when burnt, retains its form, but cannot serve to bind, so is the ego which is burnt by the fire of supreme Knowledge.

One cannot attain divine knowledge till one gets rid of pride. Water does not stay on the top of a mound; but into low land it flows in torrents from all sides.

That knowledge which purifies the mind and heart alone is true Knowledge, all else is only a negation of Knowledge.

It is not lust alone that one should be afraid of in the life of the world. There is also anger. Anger arises when obstacles are placed in the way of desire.

He is born in vain, who having attained the human birth, so difficult to get, does not attempt to realize God in this very life.

Travel in all the four quarters of the earth, yet you will find nothing anywhere. Whatever there is, is only here.

The fabled musk deer searches the world over for the source of the scent which comes from itself.

A boat may stay in water, but water should not stay in boat. A spiritual aspirant may live in the world, but the world should not live within him.

One cannot be spiritual as long as one has shame, hatred, or fear.

The goal of life is not the earning of money, but the service of God.p.114

If you want to go east, don't go west.

God can be realized through all paths. All religions are true. The important thing is to reach the roof. You can reach it by stone stairs or by wooden stairs or by bamboo steps or by a rope. You can also climb up by a bamboo pole.

Many are the names of God and infinite the forms through which He may be approached.

The supreme purpose and goal for human life... is to cultivate love.

If you must be mad, be it not for the things of the world. Be mad with the love of God.

Do not be small minded. Do not pray for gourds and pumpkins from God, when you should be asking for pure love and pure knowledge to dawn within every heart.

You should love everyone because God dwells in all beings.

Through selfless work, love of God grows in heart.

Through selfless work, love of God grows in the heart. Then through his grace one realize him in course of time. God can be seen. One can talk to him as I am talking to you.

More are the names of God and infinite are the forms through which He may be approached. In whatever name and form you worship Him, through them you will realise Him.