Seek the company of the good, the seekers, the aspirants, and the detached. Then you will see the light. Listen to holy discourses and read sacred books. Your effort and the atmosphere of the place - these two will lead you to success. Markandeya held tight the Shivalinga and so the noose of Yama (God of death) bound him and Shiva; hence young Markandeya was saved. The story teaches you to be ever in contact with God, for you do not know when the noose will be thrown. Attach yourself to the Highest, call it by any name, conceive it in any form. But, remember, without righteousness (Dharma) you cannot attain God. Learn the means of winning grace and earning purity from those who know - the elders and scholars who have put their learning into practice. Grace can wipe off the past; Sat-prayatna, Sat-sanga and Sadhachara (good effort, good company and good practices) will ensure happiness in future!

- Divine Discourse, Apr 1, 1965.