The Sankranti festival should be regarded as the day on which you turn your vision towards God. Your life can be compared to a stalk of sugarcane. Like the cane, which is hard and has many knots, life is full of difficulties. Never allow yourself to be overwhelmed by difficulties. Overcome the vicissitudes of life with forbearance and enjoy the sweet bliss of the Divine. Just as sugarcane is crushed and its juice converted into jaggery to enjoy the permanent sweetness of jaggery, enduring bliss can be got only by overcoming trials and tribulations. I address devotees as Bangaru (Golden one), because I consider you as very precious. Gold cannot be made into an attractive jewel without its transformation through the process of melting in a crucible and being beaten into the required shape. Develop self-confidence. Have firm faith in God. With unshakeable faith, dedicate yourself to the service of your fellow-beings and lead exemplary lives.

- Divine Discourse Jan 15, 1992.