· Faith in Oneself: Swamiji held faith in one’s potential divinity as
the sheet anchor of personality development. Faith in God came next only to
faith in oneself. If one believes that one’s real nature is the spirit not the
body or the mind one would be a better individual with strong character.
· Think Positive Thoughts: Swamiji decried, in no uncertain terms, weakness
in human beings. Positive, wholesome thoughts based on our inherent divinity
are essential for a strong character. ‘Go on doing good, thinking holy thoughts
continuously, that is the only way to suppress base impressions… Character is
repeated habits and repeated habits alone can reform character. Further,
according to Swamiji, the only sin is to think of oneself and others as weak.
· Attitude towards Failures and Mistakes: Swamiji advocated
upholding the ideal once again even if a person failed a thousand times. He
appreciated committing mistakes and learning from them rather than leading an
inert existence like a wall, which cannot even tell a lie.
· Self-reliance: Man is the maker of his own destiny, said
Swamiji: ‘We are responsible for what we are, and whatever we wish ourselves to
be, we have the power to make ourselves.
· Renunciation and Service: Swamiji held selfless service as a paramount
means to character development. This, coupled with renunciation of selfishness
and desire for the fruits of action, was considered by Swamiji as the twin
ideal of our nation. ‘Intensify her in those channels,’ said he,’ and the rest
will take care of itself.’
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