New Year must usher in a new step in spiritual discipline. The old must be rung out; the new must be brought in! How do you celebrate the New Year Day? Some clean their homes by removing the cobwebs, or decorate it by hanging up festoons and placing leaf or floral garlands. Some wear new dresses and others feast on new types of dishes. For one day, everyone feels fresh and renovated. In this festival of renewal, most people celebrate outwardly and continue with their old prejudices and tendencies, outworn habits and moth-eaten principles. Should they not attempt to brush the cobwebs from their minds? Should they not get rid of opinions and motives which tarnish and demean? Namasmarana, remembrance of the Name of God, is the spiritual discipline prescribed by scriptures for the present age, Kali Yuga. This involves giving up all habits that interfere with the constant remembrance of God. So, on the New Year Day, you must resolve to accept it and practise it to the utmost.

- Divine Discourse, Mar 27, 1971.