Man has been enslaved by money. People live a superficial, hollow, artificial life. This is indeed a great pity. One should seek to possess only as much money as is most essential for his living. The quantity of riches one must own can be compared to the shoes one wears; if too small, they cause pain; if too big, they are a hindrance while walking. Money too has to be with us only just enough for a life of physical and mental comfort. When we have more, it breeds pride, sloth and contempt for others. In pursuit of money, man descends to the level of the beast. Money is of the nature of manure. Piled up in one place, it pollutes the air. Spread it wide, scatter it over fields - it rewards you with a bumper harvest. So too, when money is spent in all the four quarters for promoting good works, it yields contentment and happiness in plenty. But today, such deeds of renunciation and holy thoughts are absent. We pride ourselves today as being "modern". Does modernism involve giving up morality and justice? Or, allowing the senses to run amok? Or, blindly running after countless desires? No. Modernism means self-control and selfconfidence.
Spiritual disciplines determine the character of a person. Character determines the destiny - whether good or bad. Character is built up by constant practice of good actions. Actions, in turn, are based on one"s thoughts and intentions. Whenever any thought arises in the mind, one should examine whether it is right or wrong, if it will do good to society or cause harm to it. Actions should be based on such enquiry. It would be wrong to blame anyone for our misfortunes. Our thoughts and actions alone are responsible for our plight. If one entertains pure thoughts and does all actions with firm faith in God, he/she will be favoured with God"s Grace.
Love for Love"s sake; do not manifest it for the sake of material objects or for the fulfillment of worldly desires. Desire begets anger, anger provokes sin, for under its impact, friends are seen as foes. Anger is at the bottom of every variety of calamity. Therefore do not fall a prey to it. Treat every one - whoever he may be - with the all-inclusive compassion of Love. This constructive sympathy has to become the spontaneous reaction of all mankind. Saturate the breath while you inhale and while you exhale - in Love. Saturate each moment in Love. Love knows no fear. Love shuns falsehood. Fear drags man into falsehood, injustice and wrong. Love does not crave for praise; that is its strength. Only those who have no Love in them itch for reward and reputation. The reward for Love is Love itself.
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