The attachment to sensual objects and to the pleasure they give is like the soot that sticks to the inside of the chimney and dims the light. Clean the chimney by namasmarana (repetition of the Lord’s name) every day and the flame will shine for you and others. Also do good deeds and be in good company. Proper atmosphere is very essential for the development of a spiritual aspirant. That is why spiritual seekers in the past left their homes and lived in the hermitages maintained by the sages. This is akin to keeping a pot of water immersed in water. That way, the water in the pot will then not be lost through evaporation. Therefore be careful, that the success you have won in the promotion of virtue, in the conquest of baneful habits and in the assumption of regular disciplines, are not frittered away by trite company, loose talk, cynical criticism or lackadaisical effort.

- Divine Discourse, Sep 3, 1958.