In English
Bargaining with God is cheating oneself
Many believe that pilgrimages to holy places are conducive to spiritual progress. They journey to , , or and pray for the removal of their mundane troubles. They vow to remove their hair if through Divine intervention they win a prize in the State Lottery, as if God is in need of hair. This trick of bargaining is only cheating oneself, in an attempt to cheat God. Do not pray to God for wealth or fame or positions of power or even for the fruits of your actions. The genuine seeker will pray for nothing else than God. This longing will fill all the various acts of his - , , (ritual worship, devotional singing and meditation) etc. Every wave of emotion every tune of song, every beat of pulse will respond only to that wish. For God is the basis on which this creation rests. The deepest yearning of man is to experience the One, the basis, the Being that has become. From east and west, from south and north, you have come in thousands and are now One in this Auditorium, feeling a blissful spiritual Unity. Be aware of the One which manifests as the many. That is the Divine Life. Aspire for such a life, not simply for long life. Aspire for the bliss that the awareness of the (Divine Self) can confer, not the pleasure the objects of the world can give. God is Omnipresent. So, do not act differently when you are away from My presence. Be always and everywhere conscious of the presence. Be vigilant, even while engaged in little tasks. Maintain silence, in the recesses of the heart, as well as outside. The says, God's hands and feet are everywhere. You can hear his footfall only when no other sound hinders. God, out of His infinite Grace, assumes the Form that the devotee yearns for. He is Purity. He is the Supreme Wisdom, He is ever-free, ever merciful. Develop the awareness of God, see Him and serve Him in every living being.