9.4.13

VIVEKANANDA WRITES AND INSPIRES US

LETTER NO.:37
Vivekananda writes
Dear……………..,*

I will give you one advice however. All combined efforts in India sink under the weight of one iniquity — we have not yet developed strict business principles. Business is business, in the highest sense, and no friendship — or as the Hindu proverb says "eye-shame" — should be there. One should keep the clearest account of everything in one's charge — and never, never apply the funds intended for one thing to any other use whatsoever — even if one starves the next moment. This is business integrity. Next, energy unfailing. Whatever you do let that be your worship for the time.

We must reach the masses. The Madrasis are good, energetic, and all that, but the land of Shankarâchârya has lost the spirit of renunciation, it seems.
My children must plunge into the breach, must renounce the world — then the firm foundation will be laid.

Go on bravely. "With the horse will come the reins". Work unto death — I am with you, and when I am gone, my spirit will work with you. This life comes and goes — wealth, fame, enjoyments are only of a few days. It is better, far better to die on the field of duty, preaching the truth, than to die like a worldly worm. Advance!

Yours with all love and blessings,

VIVEKANANDA

*[You may treat these letters as if addressed to you]

Source: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda [Volume-V; Epistles - First Series; Letter no.: LXVI]

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