Tuesday, September 20, 2011

RELIGIOUSLY RING THE BELL FOR TWICE AS MANY HOURS - YET WHAT MATTERS IT AFTER ALL ?


Doing good to others is the one great, universal religion. Men and women, young and old, down to the Pariah, nay, the very animal — all can grasp this religion. Can a merely negative religion be of any avail? The stone is never unchaste, the cow never tells a lie, nor do trees commit theft or robbery, but what does it matter? Granted that you do not steal, nor tell a lie, nor lead an unchaste life, but meditate four hours a day and religiously ring the bell for twice as many hours — yet, what matters it after all? That work, little as it is, that you have done, has brought Berhampore to your feet for ever — now people will do whatever you wish them to.

- Swami Vivekananda
10th July, 1897. The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 6/Epistles - Second Series/CXXX Rakhal

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