The cat catches her kitten with her teeth and they are not hurt; but when a mouse is so caught, it dies. Thus Maya never kills the devotee, though it destroys others.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

If you can find out the nature of Maya, the universal illusion, it will fly away from you just as a thief runs away when detected.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

The true nature of the Jiva is eternal Existence-Knowledge-Bliss. It is due to egotism that he is limited by so many Upadhis (limiting and adjuncts), and has forgotten his real nature.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

Do you talk of social reform? Well, you may do so after realizing God. Remember, the Rishis of old gave up the world in order to attain God. This is the one thing needful. All other things shall be added to you, if indeed you care to have them. First see God, and then talk of lectures and social reforms.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

Those who wish to attain God or make progress in their devotional practices should particularly guard themselves against the snares of lust and wealth. Otherwise they can never attain perfection.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

Rain water never stands on high ground, but runs down to the lowest level. So also the mercy of God remains in the hearts of the lowly, but drains off from those of the vain and the proud.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

Men are of two classes – men in name only (Manush) and the awakened men (Man-hunsh). Those who thirst after God alone belong to the latter class; those who are mad after ‘woman and gold’ are all ordinary men-men in name only.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

The young bamboo can be easily bent, but the full grown bamboo breaks when it is bent with force. It is easy to bend the young heart towards God, but the untrained heart of the old escapes the hold whenever it is so drawn.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

The sun can give heat and light to the whole world, but he cannot do so when the clouds shut out his rays. Similarly, as long as egotism veils the heart, God cannot shine upon it.
– Sri Ramakrishna.

He is truly a man to whom money is only a servant; but on the other hand, those who do not know how to make a proper use of it, hardly deserve to be called men.
– Sri Ramakrishna.