Swami Nikhilananda recalled:
I am active by nature. One day Swami Saradananda said to me: “It is good to be active but it depends on several factors. Your health must be good and you must be able to get along with fellow-workers. But suppose you have injured one of your limbs, then it would be difficult for you to work. Therefore I request you to cultivate the habit of reading. Even that is not enough. Suppose you become blind. Therefore it is good that you also practise meditation so that if you cannot read or work at least you can meditate.”