11 September 2026
Friday
In the devotion of Bharatiyas, we sometimes find situations bordering on the absurd. But spiritual feelings and love are the undercurrents even in this seemingly senseless behaviour. A student prays to God to do well in exams. A man prays to God to win a court case. Why go that far? People pray even to secure a seat in a bus! In this way, Bharatiyas depend on God for everything, from the smallest to the biggest things. This may be called divine madness. Some call it foolishness. Whatever anyone may say, each is entitled to their own hunger, their own faith, their own kind of madness. No one has the right to deny another’s faith. But certain foundations are necessary even for faith. The presence of the groom doesn’t mean that the marriage is done. Having money does not imply that you can run a business. Some additional know-how is required. You cannot be considered a writer by knowing the alphabet. Only the one who understands the meanings of words can be an author. Similarly, you cannot recognise God with worldly knowledge. Spiritual knowledge is essential. To acquire it, inquire into the Truth.
From Swami’s discourse of 20 May 1995
In the devotion of Bharatiyas, we sometimes find situations bordering on the absurd. But spiritual feelings and love are the undercurrents even in this seemingly senseless behaviour. A student prays to God to do well in exams. A man prays to God to win a court case. Why go that far? People pray even to secure a seat in a bus! In this way, Bharatiyas depend on God for everything, from the smallest to the biggest things. This may be called divine madness. Some call it foolishness. Whatever anyone may say, each is entitled to their own hunger, their own faith, their own kind of madness. No one has the right to deny another’s faith. But certain foundations are necessary even for faith. The presence of the groom doesn’t mean that the marriage is done. Having money does not imply that you can run a business. Some additional know-how is required. You cannot be considered a writer by knowing the alphabet. Only the one who understands the meanings of words can be an author. Similarly, you cannot recognise God with worldly knowledge. Spiritual knowledge is essential. To acquire it, inquire into the Truth.