“It is better to fail in the eyes of the world, in order to protect the integrity of your character, and the ideals that you hold sacred in your life; that willingness to fail for a higher cause is victory in itself.” – Radhanath Swami
But if you sell your integrity and character for the broken glass of material success, then what have you gained? – Something hollow without substance, without meaning, without real inner heartfelt satisfaction. And ultimately, if we maintain our ideals with faith and confidence in our own inner value, in our own efforts, in our own sincerity, in our own dignity, and in our connection to the supreme, then in the end our life will be glorious. Many of the greatest accomplishments achieved within this world have been obtained through faith in this principle. Such accomplishments enlighten and illuminate the society, rather than further the darkness.
– Radhanath Swami
22 Comments
Agree!As they rightly , say “Be concerned with your character than reputation beacuse former is what you relaly are and latter is what other people think you are !
To gauge our character, we simply have to observe ourselves when we are alone. What do v think? What do v do?
Here is a great quote from Radhanath Swami:
“A person’s accomplishments induce respect and adoration from another person’s mind, but it doesn’t go beyond that. But a person’s character induces respect and love from other people’s hearts.”
Many of us in the present day society find it very difficult to digest these principles- but what I myself has observed is that losing your values for some petty benefits will give you temporary satisfaction for some short period of time, but taking the pain of going through the challenges without making compromise not only gives you lasting sucess but also build you find yourself to be so strong that no temptations can shake you…
Few examples of looses values of modern day are the (in)famous corporates like Enron, Satyam and many such top firms where the top executives were not able to stand strong against the temptaions.
What we need is not people with just skills but strong character aswell.
Do u have any personal experiences to share?
One of the greatest temptation for me is to speak lies, but somehow i have started to cope up with that bu not giving in to it. This habit had made me less responsible for my own actions.
But being inspired by the teachings of HH i had decided that i should not speak lies, or to the least- minimize it to the least extent.
Very true.. I wish we have more personal examples in the society.. today society needs examples and not just words which are spread on Facebook and Whatsapp. When someone sees the change in someone, then one feels inspired. In this process one sometimes needs guidance and help. I see that HH Radhanath Swami is setting an example to be followed by the society today – to be honest, to be humble, to be polite.
“It is better to fail in the eyes of the world, in order to protect the integrity of your character-It needs real courage to do it.
True! Real victory lies in maintaining our ideals and integrity! Very powerful definition of victory!
what a quote !! … thanks so much ….. our principles and ideals should be either in sync with the requirement of meeting the higher cause, or else we should be ready to upgrade our principles …. this alone will give us real satisfaction … i have experienced this in my life …. am grateful for this wonderful instruction ….
a totally new concept on victory, only a person who lived by that principle can explain it so well.
Thanks for sharing.
Once heard if you nothing to die for you don’t really have anything to live for.”
There is a strong tendency to see the externals (be it intelligence, power, position, respect, money) in people around us and be influenced. However even if mentally we are influenced, as advised by HH Radhanath swami in another article, we must take shelter of the scriptures and chanting of the holy names of God to have the strength to hold our ideals and follow them
Here HH Radhanath Swami has given profound significance of integrity in our life. Without such values no use of money, fame, or any such external attachments.
Such accomplishments enlighten and illuminate the society, rather than further the darkness. Thank you, Radhanath Swami.
Character stands above all and higher principles even above that!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for such an inspiring article. Character is truly the most important thing for any individual.. It is said What profiteth a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? Thank you Guru Maharaj
Wonderful article!
Society needs more of Radhanath Swami’s teachings
Wealth is lost, nothing is lost; health is lost, something is lost; character is lost, everything is lost
Very True – character is lost, everything is lost
Few days back while driving to work, I accidentally dashed another car. I admitted my mistake. The driver of other vehicle argued with me and demanded compensation. I approached the owner sitting behind and explained that it was honestly an accident. He checked the damage, looked at my kantimala and asked me if I am from ISKCON? I said yes.He simply patted on my shoulder and asked me to forget, whatever happened. No explanations required and that, I can go !!! I was surprised and before I could ask him what was it that prompted him to this decision, he left. Deep in my heart, proudly I thanked Srila Prabhupada and the devotees who introduced me to ISKCON.