In every human being there is an inner divine force that goads him into right action. There is also present in him the opposing force that lures him into evil deeds. Resolutions to refrain from committing sin are often shortlived. More often than not, the man who vows to speak the truth always is forced by circumstances to utter lies. Similarly, however much a man may determine not to hurt others, he might without conscious deliberation, at some time or the other, inflict injury upon another. This is a universal phenomenon. While several kinds of righteous strength are present in man, there is also present in him a mightier, malevolent force that compels him to do wrong actions.

Krishna taught Arjuna, ‘Desire and anger, born of rajas are the greatest enemies of man. They stifle his innate goodness. Out of the three basic traits in man, the rajasika and the thamasika traits oppose his interests. Kama or desire, derived from Rajas, knows no satiation, even as a raging fire does not. It shakes man’s inner poise and leads him astray. It creates a breach in man’s heart and enters therein. After its entry, anger and the attendant vices join the invasion and steal the jnanaratna (jewel of wisdom) kept therein.’

‘Desire makes man forget his real nature and reduces him to the status of a beast. It robs him of all his virtues and jeopardises his honour and reputation.’

Control of the senses is very essential for man. Giving free play to them, just because they belong to you, is foolishness. Although it be your own horse, if you do not hold the reins tight while riding, you will meet with disaster. Sense control is thus imperative for all human beings and not just for yogis and sannyasins. By letting himself to be enslaved by his senses, man is degrading himself. The royal road to perfection consists of controlling one’s senses, praying to the Almighty and finally merging in Him. (SSB 1979, pp. 60-62)

Every Avatar is an amazing phenomenon. Not to recognise the Avatar is equally matter amazement. Even more astonishing is the incapacity to experience the presence of the Avatar. Most astonishing of all is to be in the presence of the Lord and feel miserable. To be in the proximity of the Avatar, to move about with the Avatar, to sing and sport with the Avatar and yet fail to understand the truth of the Avatar is indeed a remarkable phenomenon. When the Avataric principle is understood, you experience real bliss. When you have faith in the Divine, life becomes a victorious journey. (SSS Vol.23)