A golden chain is as much a chain as an iron one. Shri…
“A golden chain is as much a chain as an iron one. Shri Ramakrishna used to say that, to pick out one thorn which has stuck into the foot, another thorn is requisitioned, and when the thorn is taken out, both are thrown away. So the bad tendencies are to be counteracted by the good ones, but after that, the good tendencies have also to be conquered.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Good and bad habits are interlinked; eliminating one often brings the other, requiring continual self‑mastery.
In simple terms: Both good and bad tendencies need to be overcome.
Key Takeaway
Practice ongoing self‑discipline.
Themes
self‑improvement
balance
inner conflict
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- daily meditation
- behavioral change programs
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
spiritual growth
habit formation
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden tendencies accompany your virtues?
- How do you maintain vigilance over both sides?
A Different Perspective
Good habits can mask underlying flaws if not examined.