The chief objective of all Sadhana (spiritual striving) is to eliminate the mind, to become A-manaska. Then illusion will disappear and Reality will be revealed. During the dark fortnight of the month, Sadhana must be done to eliminate a fraction of the mind each day; for, every day, a fraction of the Moon is shrinking. On Chathurdasi (the 14th night), the night of Shiva, only a fraction of the moon remains. If some special effort is made that night, through more intensive and vigilant Sadhana, like puja, japam, dhyana (ritual worship & meditation), success is ensured. Hence, Shiva must be meditated upon that night, every month, without the mind straying towards thoughts of sleep or food. Once a year, on Mahashivaratri, a special spurt of spiritual activity is recommended, so that the Shavam (corpse) can become Shivam (God), through perpetual awareness of its Divine Indweller. Dedicate the vigil of this Shivaratri night to the Shiva present within each one of you.

- Divine Discourse, Shivarathri, 1969.