Preface
This book containing mostly excerpts from the speeches and writings of Swami Vivekananda is being presented to you with the fervent hope that it will prompt people to lead a life of fervour and self-belief, dedication and self-sacrifice. It is a strident call to the people to shake off their lethargy, mood of escapism and defeatism and rise like the phoenix from the ashes of morbid despair to an enthusiasm based on the healthy spirit of the divine soul. We have to awake and arise and stop not till the goal is reached.
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Kutastva kasmalamidam visame samupasthitam;
Anaryajjustamasvargyamakirtikaramarjuna.
(In such a crisis, whence comes upon you, O Arjuna, this dejection, un-Aryalike, disgraceful, and contrary to the attainment of heaven?)
Klaibyam masma gamah partha naitattvayiupapadyate;
Ksudram hardayadaurbalyam tyaktvottistha parantapa.
(Yield not to unmanliness, O son of Partha! This does not befit you. O scorcher of foes, arise, giving up the petty weakness of the heart)
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Prayer
“O my Motherland, O great and blessed Holy Land! you have brought us up in your lap, may our lives be laid down in your cause. We have girded up our loins for your work. Give us your blessings for its success! Grant us such might as no power on earth can resist, such purity of character as would command universal respect and such knowledge which will illuminate our chosen path. May we be inspired with the spirit of sublime heroism for attaining the highest spiritual bliss with the greatest temporal prosperity. May intense and ever lasting devotion to your cause ever enthuse our hearts. May our united power of action, by your Grace, be perfectly capable of protecting the dignity of this nation leading it to the highest pinnacle of glory.”
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