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DISCOURSE 44
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COMPLETE THE TASK YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN
Today, I will dwell upon some special virtues of noble people which I have not yet mentioned. Those people make it a point to complete anything that they undertake. Before undertaking a task, they look at it from every angle and they determine whether the task is worthy or unworthy by means of their intelligence and scriptural knowledge. After determining that a task is worthy, such a man thinks thus, "I must carry out this task and I will not give it up in the middle daunted or deterred by impediments". They make such a firm determination and then set about carrying out the task. Impediments do arise when a great task is being carried out. Thousands of impediments arise on the path of those who are engaged in carrying out some noble tasks. Therefore a great sage has said "aife as fanta" (Many impediments arise when some noble tasks are being carried out). Noble people do not fear impediments and adversities. They put forth all their efforts to achieve a victory over impediments and to destroy them. As long as they do not attain their objectives, they continue their endeavours. They do not give up their undertakings in the middle, daunted by impediments and giving way to despair. It is not at all in their nature to give up something half-finished.
Have you read the history of King Vikram, who was a destroyer of others' sorrows ? He never gave up any task in the middle. He always completed whatever task he undertook. You will not be able to refrain from admiring him if you read his history. He never gave way to despair; nor did he feel helpless at any time. He always completed whatever tasks he undertook. This is not an ordinary virtue. It is indeed, an extraordinary virtue.
When you discern this special virtue in any one, feel happy; and admire that man. In the same manner you read the lifehistories of great men; read about their tremendous achievements; and while reading about them; you admire them, heartily, "What unexampled strength! What heroism! What fearlessness! and what tremendous achievements !" You commend their virtues thus.
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