In plain words
So to bow to everyone before addressing an assembly is the mark of the educated. In those days too, great assemblies used to be held in our Prasanthi Nilayam. We used to invite great scholars and have them give talks. Once a scholar, beginning his talk, said, ‘Brothers and sisters, except one.’ ‘Why is he speaking like this?’ everyone wondered in surprise. Then he explained, “My wife too is among those gathered here.” When you speak in an assembly you must not keep such distinctions. You must bow to everyone.
Embodiments of Prema! To all of you I give Śivarātri blessings. As far as you can, stay awake this whole night and do nāmasmaraṇa. Only then can you experience the principle of God. You may even see a divine light. So do nāmasmaraṇa with all your heart. Sing any Name. But keep just the word ‘Digambara’ out of your songs. One who has the quarters for his clothing is Digambara. But those who do not know its meaning take Digambara to mean one who wears no clothes. So keep this in mind and do not use the word ‘Digambara’ in bhajans.