In plain words
Respect everyone; earn a good name
In every matter our conduct itself bears testimony for us. Be wherever you will, go to any country; but keep your ‘character’ good. Respect and love everyone; earn a good name. Our schooling and learning are not what bring us greatness. How many there are in the world today who have done Ph.D.s! How many have done the I.A.S. and the I.P.S.! Is the world any better for all of them?! To tell the truth, the country is going to ruin today because of the educated themselves. We do not want that kind of bigness. When someone sees us and, with love, “Sir! Namaskāram. Are you well?”: if he greets us so, it is enough; that itself is greatness for us. Along with learning, we must cultivate humility and obedience. Only such a one is a true student. Ego, ostentation and such vices should not be seen at all in the educated.
In yesterday's play, the student who took the part of Prahlāda did very well. His voice was very sweet. Besides, his acting too set an example. Prahlāda's father Hiraṇyakaśipu met with ‘punishment’ because he hated God Himself. God took on the Narasiṃha Avatāra and slew him. When we live well, our end too comes well. From the time we are born until we pass away, we must live with a good name. But, ‘Tell them a good word with all your heart and they will not listen; a bad word falls on the ear first.’ Taking bad words into their ears, they go to ruin. Whoever speaks them, we should listen to good words. When we are travelling by bus or by train, a beggar there sings Rāma's name beautifully. All the passengers close their eyes and listen with pleasure. As he goes away again, all of them say, “Sir, you have given us great joy”, and praise him. Only a life like this, that gives joy to many, is the true life.