The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda/Volume 5/Epistles - First Series/XXXVIII S
XXXVIII
2nd May, 1895.
Dear S— ,
So you have made up your mind to renounce the world. I have sympathy with
your desire. There is nothing so high as renunciation of self. But you must
not forget that to forgo your own favourite desire for the welfare of those
that depend upon you is no small sacrifice. Follow the spotless life and
teachings of Shri Ramakrishna and look after the comforts of your family.
You do your own duty, and leave the rest to Him.
Love makes no distinction between man and man, between an Aryan and a
Mlechchha, between a Brâhmana and a Pariah, nor even between a man and a
woman. Love makes the whole universe as one's own home. True progress is
slow but sure. Work among those young men who can devote heart and soul to
this one duty — the duty of raising the masses of India. Awake them, unite
them, and inspire them with this spirit of renunciation; it depends wholly
on the young people of India.
Cultivate the virtue of obedience, but you must not sacrifice your own
faith. No centralization is possible unless there is obedience to superiors.
No great work can be done without this centralization of individual forces.
The Calcutta Math is the main centre; the members of all other branches must
act in unity and conformity with the rules of that centre.
Give up jealousy and conceit. Learn to work unitedly for others. This is the
great need of our country.
Yours with blessings,
Vivekananda.