Kathamrita Volume II - Swami Vivekananda

“Once a big man came to me. He said, ‘Sir, dosomething so that I may somehow win mylawsuit. I have come here because I have hearda lot about you.’ I said, ‘My dear sir, I am notthat kind of person. You have made a mistake.You must go to Achalananda for this purpose.’“He who has genuine love and devotion to Goddoes not care for wealth, health and suchthings. He reflects that the austerities andrepetition of God’s name are not for creaturecomforts, for name and fame, or for wealth. Allthese are ephemeral – just a matter of twodays.”The visiting gentlemen now rise, salute, andsay, “May we leave?” They depart. SriRamakrishna smiles a little and says to M., “Athief never listens to religion.” (All laugh.)Chapter IIIFaith in oneself has its basis in one’s belief in GodSri Ramakrishna (smiling, says to Mani) —Well, what do you think of Narendra?Mani — Sir, he is fine.Sri Ramakrishna — You see, his understandingmatches his learning. And then he is good atsinging and playing musical instruments.Besides that, he has perfect control over his