Resolve to achieve success in the Sadhana of Japam and Dhyanam, Bhajan and service. Be an example to others in these matters - that is the way to inspire and lead. You should have muscles of iron and nerves of steel. Then your resolution will itself generate the necessary confidence, and that will win over opposition. For the crop of life, courage and confidence are the best manure; they are also the best insecticides. (SSS Vol.1, p. 89)
Avatars (divine incarnations) make their advent with certain resolves. They also set certain limits to their roles. Krishna incarnated with three resolves: (1) Dharma dharma-samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge (I Incarnate from age to age to establish Dharma); (2) yoga-kshemam vahamy aham (I shall promote the progress well-being of my devotees); (3) moksayisyami ma sucah (I shall liberate those who take refuge in Me). Rama also had three resolves: One word, one arrow, one wife. Rama declared that whoever sought asylum from him, would be totally protected.
Similarly all divine personalities make their advent for some definite purposes. They will not deviate from them in any circumstance. Swami’s Prema tattva (essential nature of Love) is of the same character. Swami’s Prema (Divine Love) has no trace of self-interest in it. It is absolutely pure. Swami knows only how to give, not how to receive. Swami’s hand is held above for conferring something, not stretched for seeking anything. Moreover, once Swami has declared, ‘You are mine’, whatever wrong ways they may pursue, Swami will not abandon them. It may be asked why anyone who has been accepted by Swami as ‘You are mine,’ should be subject to hardships and troubles. These troubles are the consequences of their own Karma (actions). They have to see that their conduct is right. If, supposing, the Lord blesses a man with a hundred years of life, he should not get puffed up with pride and start jumping from a tree in the confidence that he will live for a century. He may live for a hundred years, but may have his leg broken in the fall. So, in accepting the blessing of God, one should also try to lead a righteous life.
When I have given a word to anyone, even if they turn against me I will not bear any ill will towards them. Even if they revile me, I shall continue to love them. I will stand up to my pledge right up to the end. Some day they will return to the right path.
Owing to the compulsion of circumstances some changes may take place. They are not permanent. I will not change my course because of such happenings. This is my second resolve.
This is my third resolve: When I undertake anything because I feel it is for the welfare of all and that it is good for society as a whole, I will not give it up, come what may. Even if the whole world is against me, I will not turn back, I will only go forward.
These are my three resolves: The foot that is put forward will not retreat. I will not go back on the word I have given. I only give and do not receive.
These are my three resolves and I am determined to fulfil them and to set an example. Only then others will follow these ideals. What the country requires today are persons with adarsha (ideals), not ashas (cravings). Desires may change from time to time. But the ideals remain long after one is dead. Hence every one should try to live up to some ideals. You should lead exemplary lives. You should become noble souls and secure real bliss, which can come only from the Divine. (SSS Vol.17, pp. 91-93)