The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilisation and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time has come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the death – knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.
(p.4, V.1, Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Swamiji’s reply to the welcome address at the World’s Parliament of Religions)
“Practice japam, meditation, and worship.; doing whatever you are doing to the best of your ability; doing all other duties to the family as you are expected to do; and praying to the Lord for faith, devotion, love, knowledge, discrimination, and purity – in other words, self-control. You have to fight against your mind. Keep fighting. You will surely win in the end by his grace. Don’t worry.”
(p.264-5, Letters for Spiritual Seekers, Swami Shivananda’s letter dt. 11 Sept. 1926)