Why is life so hard and full of difficulties? A sadhak (spiritual aspirant) once asked Swami Shivananda, who was one of the 16 direct monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. Here is the answer Swamiji gave:
“Life without struggles is no life at all. If a man has a continuous flow of happiness and sense-enjoyment, then he will never think of higher things – about God, soul, etc.
And how does such a life differ from that of brutes? [On the other hand], if there are only fear and misery, they will dwarf his growth – they will not allow him to progress.” [Therefore there is both happiness and struggle in life.]
– Swami Shivananda, in the book Spiritual Talks by the First Disciples of Sri Ramakrishna.
“This world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong.”
– Swami Vivekananda
“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Have faith in yourself. Only the moment you reject all help are you free. The full sponge can absorb no more.”
– Swami Vivekananda
