Known as Narendra Nath Datta, Swami Vivekananda was born in Kolkata on January 12, 1863. With a keen interest in history and western philosophy, the iconic leader was often filled by doubts about God's existence. During this time, Swami Vivekananda met Sri Ramakrishna, who later became his guru.
On his 117th death anniversary, here are 10 of Swami Vivekananda's well-known inspiring quotes on religion that are more relevant now than ever before.
First bread and then religion.
No two persons have the same religion.
I shall call you religious from the day you begin to see God in men and women.
No one is born into a religion, but each one is born for a religion.
Books never make religions, but religions make books. We must not forget that.
One religion cannot suit all.
Religion is a necessary thing to very few, and to the vast mass of mankind it is a luxury.
You are the highest temple of God; I would rather worship you than any temple, image, or Bible.
Religions do not come from without, but from within.
Religion is not in books, nor in theories, nor in dogmas, nor in talking, not even in reasoning. It is being and becoming.