Table of Contents
Introduction
“All love is expansion and all selfishness is contraction” is a famous quote of Swami Vivekananda. It is very clear that in this quote, Swamiji expressed the importance of love in life and how selfishness is damaging to the inner consciousness and the life as well. In this essay on ‘all love is expansion and all selfishness is contraction’ we will dive deep into philosophy that Swami Vivekananda tried to profess through this quote.
To know further the spiritual logic behind the phrase, read this essay on all love is expansion and all selfishness is contraction.
Meaning of the Quote
The quote means that love is the true essence of life and the one who loves, lives longer and expands his spiritual horizons. On the other hand, a person with self oriented and selfish motives is bound to restrict his own well being and is finally moving towards death.
According to Swami Vivekananda, love is the only law of life which bridges the differences and brings people together. It is connection that could be felt between the hearts. Love also has the ability to spread like wild fire and everyone who is touched with it, also becomes its
transmitter.
On the other hand, a self centered person fails to gather love and support from others, which becomes a reason for his doom. During challenging times, only a person, who spreads love, gets support from others, while the selfish person wails in alone.
Another most important aspect of love, as Swami Vivekananda explained is generosity. Where there is love there is generosity. On the other hand, if you don’t feel generosity towards anything, then you are staring at selfishness. This gesture is self consuming and contracts your limits.
Selfish people are the reason behind the havoc that the world witnesses today. One selfish person motivates others towards hatred, war and unjust practices, those ultimately one day lead to death.
Swamiji further explains that true love is devoid of fear. There is no fear in true love. Love that is shown out of fear isn’t true love at all, but rather it’s misunderstood as love. For example, if someone worships God out of fear, thinking that God punishes those who don’t worship, doesn’t love God in true sense. It is only an affection born out of fear and is meaningless, rather self contracting. Love doesn’t involve fear; rather it is a tool to conquer all fears.
Conclusion
Swami Vivekananda was a saint with high levels of spiritual awakening. His self realization was developed through decades of true devotion to God and humankind. His quotes and teachings will continue to inspire us for millenniums to come.
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