The Ramayana and Mahabharata are not just ancient scriptures—they are living wisdom. These epics offer deep insights into courage, dharma (duty), self-control, discipline, and inner strength. Their characters—be it Lord Rama, Hanuman, Arjuna, or Krishna—faced extraordinary challenges and overcame them with clarity, resilience, and faith.
Below are 20 motivational quotes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, each accompanied by a short explanation. These timeless words can guide students, professionals, and seekers during moments of confusion, doubt, or difficulty.
Motivational Quotes from Ramayana
1. “धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः” – Valmiki Ramayana
Translation: Dharma protects those who protect it.
Lesson: When you live with integrity and do what is right, that very righteousness becomes your shield.
2. “त्यजेदेकं कुलस्यार्थे ग्रामस्यार्थे कुलं त्यजेत्। ग्रामं जनपदस्यार्थे आत्मार्थे पृथिवीं त्यजेत्॥” – Ramayana
Translation: Sacrifice an individual for the sake of the family, a family for the sake of the village, and the village for the sake of the nation.
Lesson: True leadership sometimes demands difficult sacrifices for the greater good.
3. “न हि धर्मेण सदृशं न सत्यम् न समं तपः।” – Ramayana
Translation: Nothing is greater than dharma (righteousness), truth, and penance.
Lesson: The foundation of personal strength is built on ethical action, truthfulness, and discipline.
4. “को नु खल्वस्मिन लोके प्रशंसति आत्मानं?” – Lord Rama
Translation: Who in this world praises themselves?
Lesson: True greatness doesn’t need to be advertised. Humility enhances character.
5. “विनाशकाले विपरीत बुद्धि।” – Ramayana
Translation: At the time of destruction, the intellect becomes distorted.
Lesson: When ego or greed clouds the mind, even wise people make wrong decisions. Stay grounded.
6. “शत्रु भी बलवान हो सकता है, पर सत्य और धर्म के आगे हारना ही पड़ता है।” – Ramayana (Contextual)
Lesson: Even the mightiest enemy cannot stand against the power of truth and dharma.
7. “परहित सरिस धर्म नहिं भाई।” – Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas
Translation: There is no greater dharma than serving others.
Lesson: Helpfulness is not weakness. It’s a form of spiritual strength.
Motivational Quotes from Mahabharata
8. “कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।” – Bhagavad Gita (Mahabharata)
Translation: You have the right to perform your duties, but not to the fruits of your actions.
Lesson: Focus on your efforts, not on outcomes. Results will follow.
9. “न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते।” – Bhagavad Gita
Translation: There is nothing as purifying as knowledge.
Lesson: Knowledge clears ignorance and leads to clarity. Keep learning.
10. “सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।” – Bhagavad Gita
Translation: Treat success and failure, pleasure and pain with equanimity.
Lesson: Real maturity is staying balanced in ups and downs.
11. “उद्धरेदात्मनाऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।” – Bhagavad Gita
Translation: Lift yourself by your own self. Do not degrade yourself.
Lesson: Self-motivation is the greatest power. Don’t wait for others to lift you.
12. “न आत्मा हन्ति न हन्यते।” – Bhagavad Gita
Translation: The soul neither kills nor is killed.
Lesson: You are more than your body or setbacks. Your spirit is eternal and powerful.
13. “धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः।” – Mahabharata (Repeated across texts)
Lesson: Dharma is not a burden—it is protection. Walk the right path even when it’s difficult.
14. “यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत।” – Bhagavad Gita
Translation: Whenever righteousness declines, I appear to restore it.
Lesson: In every era and in every life—truth eventually wins.
15. “तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर।” – Bhagavad Gita
Translation: Therefore, always perform your duties without attachment.
Lesson: Detachment doesn’t mean you stop caring—it means you stop worrying.
16. “मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः।” – Mahabharata
Translation: The mind alone is the cause of bondage or liberation.
Lesson: Your mindset determines your suffering or your freedom.
17. “न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत्।” – Bhagavad Gita
Translation: No one can remain without action even for a moment.
Lesson: Life demands action. Even in rest, you are choosing.
18. “अहिंसा परमो धर्मः।” – Mahabharata
Translation: Non-violence is the highest dharma.
Lesson: Strength lies in restraint, not aggression.
19. “यथा चित्तं तथा वाणी, यथा वाणी तथा क्रिया।” – Mahabharata
Translation: As the mind, so the speech; as the speech, so the action.
Lesson: Harmony between thought, speech, and action creates integrity.
20. “कृष्णं वन्दे जगतगुरुम्।” – Mahabharata
Translation: I bow to Krishna, the teacher of the universe.
Lesson: The greatest teacher is the one who teaches how to face life with wisdom, balance, and love.
Final Reflection: These Quotes Are Not Just AncientThey Are Eternal
The Ramayana and Mahabharata don’t just tell stories of war and kings—they reflect the inner battles we all face. Between ego and humility. Between doubt and belief. Between action and hesitation.
Read these quotes not just with your eyes—but with your heart. Pick one quote a day, reflect on it, write about it, and ask: How can I live this today?