This quote suggests that faith is not just about accepting a set of beliefs or doctrines. Rather, it’s about having a deep, intuitive understanding of the ultimate reality or truth. It’s an “illumination” – a light that shines through the darkness of ignorance and uncertainty, revealing the profound truths that lie beyond ordinary perception.
The word ‘grasp’ implies a strong hold or grip. This means faith is not something passive but active; it’s not just about believing in something but actively engaging with it. It requires effort to maintain this grasp on the Ultimate.
In today’s world, where there are so many different ideas and beliefs, this quote suggests that we should strive to go beyond mere belief and seek deeper understanding. We should aim for direct experience rather than relying on second-hand information.
In terms of personal development, this idea encourages us to question our beliefs and assumptions critically. Instead of accepting things at face value, we should strive for deeper understanding through personal exploration and introspection.
Moreover, seeing faith as illumination can be empowering; it suggests that we have the ability to shed light on our own paths instead of relying solely on external sources of guidance. This can lead to greater self-confidence and independence.
Swami Vivekananda’s quote invites us to see faith as an active process involving both intellectual engagement and emotional involvement – one which leads us towards greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.