Quotes With Meaning
The Buddhists or the Jains do not depend upon God; but the whole force of their religion is directed to the great central truth in every religion, to evolve a God out of man. They have not seen the Father, but they have seen the Son. And he that hath seen the Son hath seen the Father also.
The Buddhists or the Jains do not depend upon God; but the whole force of their religion is directed to the great central truth in every religion, to evolve a God out of man. They have not seen the Father, but they have seen the Son. And he that hath seen the Son hath seen the Father also.
This quote discusses the essence of certain Eastern philosophies, specifically Buddhism and Jainism, which focus on human potential rather than a divine being. Swami Vivekananda emphasizes that these traditions aim to cultivate divinity from within individuals rather than relying on an external God. The 'Son' symbolizes human potential and enlightenment, which reflects the qualities of the 'Father' or the divine. While followers may not have a traditional view of God, they seek to realize their own inner divinity. This perspective encourages personal growth and self-discovery, highlighting the idea that understanding oneself can lead to a deeper understanding of the universe. Ultimately, the quote invites us to shift our focus from seeking God outside ourselves to nurturing the divine qualities that already exist within us.