The goal of celebrating the Dasara festival is to control the ten senses. Legend says that Goddess Chamundi killed the demon Mahisha during this occasion. The inner meaning of this story is that, under no circumstances, associate yourselves with demonic qualities. Always be in good company. If you join bad company, you will also become evil. Hence, never befriend a bad person. The moment you come across such people, just say ‘goodbye’ and move on. You need not develop hatred towards them. Whomever you come across, consider them as embodiments of Divinity and salute them. Even when you come across people who hate you, offer your salutations (pranams) to them and ask them, “How are you brother?” Then they too will respond in the same manner. A human being is one who is endowed with human values and also exhibits them. Always speak truth and observe righteousness (Dharma). Be peaceful. Be happy and blissful.

- Divine Discourse, Sep 27, 2006.