March 1

Thus, the one to whom general supervision is entrusted, who appraises what has already been accomplished and plans and provides for what is still to be done, exercises the function of the eye, so to speak!  Another does the work of the ear or the hand in hearkening to orders and executing them, and so on for each member of the body.  It is important to bear in mind, therefore, the analogy of the parts of the body.  If the hand and the foot, for instance, would not follow the guidance of the eye, the former would bring inevitable and fatal ruin upon the whole body and the latter would stumble or even be hurled over a cliff.  If the eye would close so as not to see, it would necessarily perish along with the other members suffering the misfortune mentioned above. 
(Long Rule 24 pg. 15)

March 2

In the same way, it is hazardous for a superior to be delinquent, since he holds the position of arbiter in everything; for the subject it is injurious and detrimental to be disobedient - especially perilous is it, if, in addition, he gives scandal to the rest.  Each one who shows in his own place a tireless zeal, fulfilling the apostle’s precept, “In carefulness not slothful (Rom.12:11), merits praise for his alacrity; but, for negligence, he deserves the opposite, that is unhappiness and woe; ….”
(Long Rule 24, pg. 15)

March 3

He who acts with true charity and not for the sake of any human honors nor to avoid giving offense to sinners, and for that reason seeking to be agreeable and pleasant to them, will hold discourse with them sincerely and candidly, not choosing to adulterate the truth in any respect. 
(Long Rule 25, pg. 16 )

March 4

In general, then, whoever refuses the remedy applied by the superior acts inconsistently even with himself; for, if he does not take kindly to being governed and his own will acts as his arbiter, why does he continue to live under a superior?
(Long Rule 28 pg. 20)

March 5

To rebel and to contradict, however, are indications of many evils:  a weak faith, a doubtful hope and a self important and arrogant character.  His disobedience, indeed, implies that he holds in contempt him who gave the order.  On the other hand, one who trusts in the promises of God and keeps his hope fixed on these will never drawback from commands, however difficult to execute they may be, knowing that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to be revealed.
(Long Rule 28, pg 20)

March 6

Corporal ministration should be accepted by inferiors from those who may  hold the first place in the community.  True humility imposes the duty of service upon the superior and shows the subject that to accept such ministration is not unfitting.  The example of the Lord Himself, indeed, leads us to this conclusion since He did not disdain to wash the feet of His disciples and they did not venture to resist Him in this.  Peter, to be sure, refused at first because of his great reverence, but, as soon as he learned the penalty of disobedience, he immediately gave way.
(Long Rule 31, pg. 23)

March 7

There is no reason, consequently, why, the subject should fear that he is deviating from his ideal of humility if he accepts service from a superior.  Many times, in fact, the service is given for his instruction and as a forceful example rather than as a response to some urgent need.  He should, therefore, show himself truly humble by his obedience and imitation rather than commit an act of false pride and arrogance by raising objections in feigned humility.  Contradiction betokens unruliness and self- will. Even more, it is an indication of pride and disdain, not of humility and obedience in all things.
(Long Rule 31, pg. 23)

March 8

Now, day-dreaming is a malady which commonly affects an idle and indolent mind; in order to restrain, as with a bridle, this mental flightiness, this swelling conceit of thought, the Scripture, bids us obey that great and wise precept; “Give heed to thyself.”  Do not promise yourself non-existent possessions, but administer to advantage the things that are yours.
(Homily: “Give Heed to Thyself”, pg. 15)

March 9

It is easier for every one of us to busy ourselves with affairs that do not concern us than to look after our own.  In order that we might not be guilty of this, the Scripture says [ in effect ]:  Cease meddling with the affairs of another.  Be aware of spending your time scrutinizing another’s weakness.  “Give heed to thyself”, that is, turn the gaze of your soul toward self-scrutiny.
(Homily: “Give Heed to Thyself”, pg. 15)

March 10

Many, there are, indeed, who, according to the Lord’s words see the mote in their brother’s eye and see not the beam in their own.  You should, therefore, be constantly examining whether your life conforms to this teaching.  But do not look around outside yourself to see whether you can discover some blemish, as did that stern and boastful Pharisee who stood justifying himself despising the publican.  Continually examine yourself as to whether you have committed any sin of thought, or whether your tongue has been guilty of any lapse by running ahead of your thought, or whether there has been any heedless or involuntary action on the part of your hands.       
(Homily: “Give Heed to Thyself”, pg. 15-16)
 
March 11

“ Give heed, therefore, to thyself.”  This admonition, like a prudent counselor who keeps reminding you of the nature of things human, will be a useful ally when you are enjoying brilliant success and your whole life moves along like a stream.  Even when you are cast down by adversities, it may profitably be recited again and again by your heart, that you may not be reduced to ignoble repining by despair; just as, in the former instance, it would keep you from being exalted through vanity to an overweening pride.  Is your wealth your boast?  Do you find cause for glory in physical comeliness, or in honors universally accorded you?  “Give heed to thyself” for you are mortal; “for dust thou art and unto dust thou shall return.”  (Gen.3:19)
(Homily: “Give Heed to Thyself”, pg. 16)

March 12

Let nothing be done through contention, neither vainglory; but in humility let each one esteem others better then themselves; each one not considering the things that are his own but those that are other men’s.  
(Long Rule 35, pg.  32)

March 13

Now, what greater sign of humility is this than for the superiors of the community to submit to one another?  If they are equal in spiritual gifts, their mutual exercise of virtue is the more beautiful.
(Long Rule 35, pg. 32)

March 14

I think the variety and diversity in the prayers and psalms recited at appointed hours are desirable for the reason that routine and boredom, somehow, often cause distraction in the souls, while by change and variety in the psalmody and prayers said at the stated hours it is refreshed in devotion and renewed in sobriety.
(Long Rule 37, pg. 40)

March 15

In all things, we must keep in mind that our special aim is simplicity and frugality and we must avoid pampering the foolish and harmful desires of men by working for the end sought after by them.
(Long Rule 38, pg. 40)

March 16

Even in the case of authorized trades of job, the individual ought not to be permitted to follow the one he is skilled in or the one he wishes to learn, but that for which he may be judged suited.  He who denies himself and completely sets aside his own wishes does not do what he wills but what he is directed to do.
(Long Rule 41, pg. 43)
 
March 17

Whoever chooses  a task conformed to his personal wish brings accusation against himself; first of self gratification; second of preferring a certain trade for the sake of worldly renown or hope of gain, or some such reason, or of choosing the easier course out of sloth and indifference.
(Long Rule 41, pg. 43)

March 18

To be guilty of such faults [ choosing a task], however, is an indication that a man is not yet free from evil passions.  Nor to be sure, has he practiced self- denial, since in his eagerness to give full play to his own impulses he does not give up the things of this world, being still held captive by prospects of gain and renown.  Neither has he mortified his members, which are upon the earth, since he does not endure fatigue in his labors, but betrays his own willfulness by regarding his private judgment as more reliable than the appraisal of him on the part of several others.
(Long Rule 41, pg. 43)

March 19
 
One who is master of a trade that is in no way objectionable to the community ought not to abandon it, however, for to deem of no account  that which is at one’s immediate disposal is the sign of the fickle mind and an unstable will.  And if a man is unskilled, he should not of himself take up a trade, but should accept the one approved by his superior, so as to safeguard obedience in all things.  Now, just as it has been shown to be unfitting  that one should rely upon oneself, so it is forbidden also to refuse to submit to the decision of others.  And if one is adept in a trade that is unacceptable to the community, he should be ready to renounce it in proof that he  has no affection for anything in this world.
(Long Rule 41, pg. 44)

March 20

To follow personal preferences is in, in the words of the apostle Paul, the act of one who has no hope, but to be obedient in all things is worthy of approbation, since the same apostle praises certain persons because “ they gave their own selves first to the Lord, then, also to us, by the will of God” (2 Cor. 8: 5).
(Long Rule 41, pg. 44)

March 21

Everyone should  be devoted, to his own trade, applying himself to it enthusiastically and accomplishing it blamelessly with ready zeal and careful attention, as if God were his overseer, so that he may be able to say in all honesty:  “Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters, so are our eyes unto the Lord our God.” ( Ps 122: 2).
(Long Rule 41, pg. 44)

March 22

He who labors ought to perform his task not for the purpose of ministering to his own needs thereby, but that he may accomplish the Lord’s command:  “ I was hungry and you gave me to eat”( Matt.25:35).  To be solicitous for oneself is strictly forbidden by the Lord in the words:  “ Be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on”.  (Matt 6: 25)
(Long Rule 42, pg. 46)

March 23

Everyone, therefore, in doing his work, should place before himself the aim of service to the needy and not his own satisfaction.  Thus, will he escape the charge of self-love and receive the blessing for fraternal charity from the Lord, who said:  “ As long as you did it to one of these, my least brethren, you did it to me .”  (Matt 25: 40)
(Long Rule 42, pg. 46)

March 24

Nor should anyone think that the apostle is at variance with our words when he says:  “ that working they would eat their own bread” ( 2 Thess. 3: 12); this is addressed to the unruly and indolent, and means that it is better for each person to minister to himself at least and not be a burden to others than to live in idleness.  …But, he who is striving eagerly for perfection should work night and day, “ that he may have something to give to him that suffers need.” (Eph 4: 28)
(Long Rule 42, pg. 46)

March 25

That the mark of the disciples of Christ is their love for one another in Him. The Christian must serve even one who is vexed with him, in every way, at the least in so far as he is able. 
(Moral Rule, 5 pg. 16- 17)

March 26

A man who relies upon himself, however, or even upon the persons whose duty is to provide for his needs, and thinks that his own activity or that of his associate is a sufficient resource for his livelihood, runs the risk, as he places his hope in man, of falling under the curse which reads:  “Cursed be the man that trusts in man and makes flesh his arm and whose soul departs from the Lord” (Jer. 17: 15).  Now, by the words, “ that trusts in man”, the Scripture forbids a man to place his hope in another, and by the words,” and makes flesh his arm,” it forbids him to trust in himself.  Either course is termed a defection from the Lord.  The Scripture declares that for anyone to place his trust either in himself or in anyone else is to alienate himself from the Lord.    
(Long Rule 42, pg. 47)

March 27

That the teaching of the Lord’s commandments should be received as having the power to procure eternal life and the kingdom of heaven; and also that we should put it into practice with a good will, even though it seems arduous. 
(Moral Rule, 72 pg. 60)

March 28

So, then, the superior  should make his life a shining model for the observance of every commandment of the Lord, so that there may be no excuse for those under his guidance to think the Lord’s commands impossible or readily to be set aside.  To consider first, then, that which is first in importance – he should be, by the love of Christ, so confirmed in humility that, even if he is silent, the example of his actions may afford more effective instruction than any words.
(Long Rule 43, pg. 48)

March 29

Superiors, therefore, should make of themselves an exact copy of Him by practicing humility according to the standard set by our Lord Jesus Christ, for He says:  “Learn of me, because I am meek and humble of heart”.  (Matt. 11: 29) Habitual mildness of manner, then, and humility of heart should characterize the superior.  Second, he should be kind and patience with those who from inexperience fall short in their duty, not failing to reprove them for their sins, but bearing gently with the intractable and applying remedies with all kindliness and moderation.
(Long Rule 43, pg. 48-49)

March 30

The superior should be competent in determining the kind of treatment required by the disorder, not scolding in a spirit of contempt, but admonishing and instructing with modesty, as it is written ( 2 Tm 2:25).  He should be sober in administrating worldly goods, provident of the future, knowing how to contend with the strong and how to bear the infirmities of the weak and able to say and to do all things unto the perfecting of his brethren.
(Long Rule 43, pg. 49)

March 31

Travelers will thus be more watchful because they are liable to account, and we shall not appear indifferent to their conduct even when they are separated from us.  The history of the Acts, moreover, shows that this was also a customary practice with the saints, when it teaches us that Peter, upon his return to Jerusalem, gave an account to the faithful of his sojourn among the Gentiles (Acts 11: 14).  The chief point for us to keep in mind, however, is that running hither and thither, business transactions, and commercial profits should be entirely shunned by members of religious communities.
(Long Rule 44,  pg. 50-51)

Sources:  Saint Basil: The Letters by Roy Deferrari in four volumes
St. Basil: The Fathers of the Church by Sr. Monica Wagner, C.S.C. in six pamphlets 
Saint Basil Ascetical Works translated by Sr. Monica Wagner, C.S.C.