Even if one does not attempt to seek God, one can at least seek peace, joy, happiness and independence (shanti, santosha, soukhyam and swatantra)? People nowadays do not seek these, nor do they try to learn how to get them! The top spins perpetually and has no rest; people too pine and labor forever and ever, and have no relief from the spinning. The only peace and joy they get now are momentary; here now, gone the next minute. Pain puts a stop to joy; joy is but the absence of pain. Why must one live for years as a burden on earth, consuming so much of rice or wheat year after year, with no return in joy or peace to himself or others? The petromax light will shine bright only when you pump air vigorously; your light too is dim and well nigh out; pump vigorously, that is to say, engage yourself in spiritual practice and illumine your mind better and spread light on all who come near you.

- Divine Discourse Feb 19, 1966.