There are precious gems of wisdom within your heart, which require excavation in order to be some benefit to you. Intelligence is the instrument you have to use in order to gain them. At the very start you will encounter a boulder barring your way; that is body-consciousness, the ego. Desires are the loose rocks that have also to be dug out and kept aside. Then you come to a bed of sand- good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. When this stratum is reached, you are nearing success. If you keep on in Satsang, your hearts will maintain their purity unimpaired; but if seek it only off and on, it will be difficult to win the Grace or partake of It, for the vessel will get tarnished and untidy. In your homes you must have noticed that a vessel in daily use is bright and clean, but vessels stored and used only now and then will have to be scrubbed with greater vigour to make them shine. You must take all the trouble and welcome all patience needed, to seek Satsang and remain therein. For it is not being born a man that is a sign of the Glory, it is living as a man that confers this dignity. (SSS Vol. 10, pp. 31-32)