In the mind-lake (the Mana-Sarovar) of man, there lurks a poisonous serpent, Desire. When that is destroyed, the various frailties and frivolities, triumphs, trials and failures, pains and pleasures, that Desire brings in its train, surrender to God. (SSS Vol.9, p. 152)

You cannot destroy anger by anger, cruelty by cruelty, hatred by hatred. Anger can be subdued only by forbearance; cruelty can be overcome only by non-violence, hatred yields only to charity and compassion. (SSS Vol.8, p. 114)

The white ants would manifest bit by bit in the beginning,

Soon they will eat away the whole log;

The evil qualities appear to be insignificant in the beginning,

Soon they will destroy even a person of sound character.

(M&IM, p. 71)