Nistha

Niṣṭhā (devotion to one ideal) is the only method for the beginner; but with devotion and sincerity it will lead to all. Churches, doctrines, forms are the hedges to protect the tender plant, but they must later be broken down that the plant may become a tree. So the various religions, Bibles, Vedas, dogmas--all are just tubs for the little plant; but it must get out of the tub. Niṣṭhā is, in a manner, placing the plant in the tub, shielding the struggling soul in its path.

Retreat given at the Thousand Island Park, USA. June 23, 1895. Complete Works, 7:6-7.

Charity

An atheist can be charitable but not religious.
But the religious person must be charitable.

Sayings and Utterances. Complete Works, 5:417.

Karma Yoga

This is what Karma Yoga means: even at the point of death to help everyone, without asking questions. Be cheated millions of times and never ask a question, and never think of what you are doing. Never vaunt of your gifts to the poor or expect their gratitude, but rather be grateful to them for giving you the occasion of practicing charity to them.

Class on Karma Yoga. New York, December 20, 1895. Complete Works, 1:62.

Raja Yoga

Rāja Yoga fits in with all other yogas. It fits inquirers of all classes with or without any belief, and it is the real instrument of religious inquiry. As each science has its particular method of investigation, so is Rāja Yoga the method of religion. This science also is variously applied according to various constitutions.

Written during Swamiji's first visit to America, in response to questions put by a Western disciple. Complete Works, 8:154.

On Love

We will illustrate love by a triangle, of which the first angle at the base is fearlessness. So long as there is fear, it is not love. Love banishes all fear. A mother with her baby will face a tiger to save her child. The second angle is that love never asks, never begs. The third or the apex is that love loves for the sake of love itself. Even the idea of object vanishes. Love is the only form in which love is loved. This is the highest abstraction and the same as the Absolute.

Written during Swamiji's first visit to America, in response
to questions put by a Western disciple. Complete Works, 8:154.