“Often and often, we see that even the very best of men are troubled and visited with tribulations in this world; it may be inexplicable; but it is also the experience of my life that the heart and core of everything here is good, that whatever may be the surface waves, deep down and underlying everything, there is an infinite basis of goodness and love; and so long as we do not reach that basis, we are troubled; but having once reached that zone of calmness, let winds howl and tempests rage. The house which is built on a rock of ages cannot shake…May the blows that you have received draw you closer to that Being who is the only one to be loved here and hereafter, so that you may realize Him in everything past, present, and future, and find everything present or lost in Him and Him alone.”
(p.296-7, Vol.8, Complete works of swami Vivekananda, Swamiji’s letter written to Haridas Viharidas Desai dt. 22nd May 1893)
“Don’t be too impatient. By His grace, the mind will slowly merge at His feet. The old habits of the mind will slowly die out, and you will always feel pure joy in the mind. Everything depends on the Lord’s grace. Always pray for His grace. There is no other way. May the Lord bestow His grace on you!”
(p.174, Letters For Spiritual Seekers, Swami Shivananda’s letter dt.22nd May 1921)