SWVVKA

 The quote you’re referencing is:

“This universe is the wreckage of the infinite on the shores of the finite.” — Swami Vivekananda 

What does it mean?

This poetic line captures a profound philosophical insight from Vivekananda:

• “Infinite” refers to the boundless, timeless, and limitless ultimate reality—Brahman in Vedanta.
• “Finite” refers to the bounded, temporary, and illusory world of forms, names, and phenomena.
• “Wreckage of the infinite” suggests that what we perceive—the universe, in all its diversity—is but fragmented remnants of the boundless reality, spread along the “shores” of the finite.

In essence, it’s a metaphor: the finite world we live in is like debris washed onto the shore from the vast ocean of the infinite. It’s a vivid way to describe how the absolute (unchanging truth) manifests in fragments through the changing relative world.

Context & Interpretation

This quote resonates deeply within Vedantic philosophy. It expresses the idea that reality (Brahman) is inherently infinite and indivisible, while our perceived universe—the changing, transient realm—is just partial, finite “wreckage” of that ultimate unity.

Many résumé interpretations align it with the ancient Indian understanding that the world of multiplicity is born out of one undivided oneness, though imperfectly and partially reflected.

Would you like to explore more quotes along these lines or dive further into Vivekananda’s philosophical teachings?