Really speaking, this world has to serve only the purpose of sustaining the body. Those aspiring for liberation have to subdue the senses. “Food for guarding the body, dress to ward off the cold,” states the Uttara Gita (the Gita Krishna imparts to Arjuna after the Kurukshetra war). However, if one gets immersed in these pursuits, one forgets the purpose for which one has come and the goal of all activity and holy endeavour. Instead whatever activity a person may be engaged in, the person must, as automatically as breathing, be contemplating on and always aware of this: “I am born to serve God and to realize my true self.” All acts — wearing, eating, walking, studying, serving, moving — should be performed in the belief that they take one into the Presence of the Lord. Every act must be done in a spirit of dedication to the Lord.

- Prema Vahini, Ch 55.