Get something divine if you want the Divine

It is the running after vishaya vasana---attachment to sense objects---that produces all the discontent. That vasana, that type of desire, has no end. Once you become a slave to the senses, they will not leave hold of you until your death. It is an unquenchable thirst. But I call you to Me and even grant worldly boom, so that you may turn Godward. No Avatara has done like this before, going among the people, the masses, the millions, and counselling them, guiding them, consoling them, uplifting them, directing them along the path of Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema. You must have wondered why I have prohibited you from bringing flowers and fruits and other offerings; you argue that the Gita requires that you must bring at least these when you come to the Lord; that when going to the presence of elders and saints, one should not go empty handed.


Here, in this Prasanthi Nilayam, patram, pushpam, phalam and thoyam (leaf, flower, fruit and water)---all the four should not be brought by devotees. Of course, I accept your offerings, but I take another four: Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema (Truth, Virtue, Peace and Love). Bring me these or any one of these and I shall most gladly accept the gift. When you demand a thing, you must be prepared to pay the price, the price equal to its value. You cannot bargain a costly Benares sari for one paisa. Give something divine if you want the Divine. Prema, Shanti, Dharma and Satya are Divine. Do not try to get it for a flower that fades, a fruit that rots, a leaf that dries, water that evaporates. (SSS Vol.5)