Katha Upanishad 1.3.14
Sanskrit
उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत...uttisthata jagrata prapya varan nibodhata...
Translation
Arise, awake, and approach the great teachers to learn. The path is as sharp as a razor's edge.
Explanation
One of the most celebrated exhortations in the Upanishads — a call to wake up from spiritual complacency and apply oneself to the path with full seriousness. The razor's edge metaphor acknowledges that the path of wisdom is precise and unforgiving of vagueness; yet the very difficulty is what makes the crossing significant. Swami Vivekananda made this verse famous as a rallying call to spiritual awakening.
Life Application
Take your spiritual practice seriously today. One sincere hour of practice is worth more than years of vague intention. Arise. Awake. Begin.