The road laid out by holy people has to be repaired now and then, either by those who travel through it or by those who claim authority over it. That is what is called ‘teaching (bodha)’. It is for the sake of such repairs that the Lord occasionally sends some authorised individuals, sages, and divine people. Through their good teachings, the path opened by the God-people of the past is again made clear and smooth. But how is one to know the consequence of the soul’s yearning for the Lord’s Advent? Since this can’t be known, one has to pray until the world is established in happiness. The happiness of the world is the sign of His arrival; if this is understood, then it is easy to recognise the Avatar immediately. It is then that the religion of truth (sathya), of compassion (daya), of spiritual wisdom (jnana) and of love (prema) will grow and prosper. So until these are firmly rooted, people must continue their prayers. That is the responsibility of the people.

- Prema Vahini, Ch 70.