When we keep valuable things in a box, we lock the box and keep the key safely with us. If we lose the key or forget where we stored it, we cannot retrieve the valuables when we need them most. So too, in this human body, we need a key to get the treasure of knowledge and bliss. Shankaracharya refers to this as the key of devotion (bhakti). When you use the key of devotion and turn it on the side of detachment, you will easily open the door of knowledge and bliss. But, if the key of devotion is turned in the wrong direction, away from detachment and towards attachment, you will not be able to open the treasure-chest. Therefore, either for detachment or for attachment, this key of devotion which is between the two is important, and you should protect it. It will be possible for you to have this devotion when you have faith in God.

- Summer Showers in Brindavan, Ch 3, May 22, 1973.