Devotion has to be continuous and uninterrupted like the flow of oil from one vessel to another. Without love (prema),nothing in this world can be acquired. Only when there is love, does attachment (anuraga) in its turn create the desire to protect and guard. In the path of self-effort based devotion, also called as ‘young-one-of-the-monkey’ path, the child has to rely on its own strength to protect itself — wherever the mother might jump about, the child has to attach itself fast to the mother’s belly and not release its hold, even if pulled apart! So too, the devotee has to stand the tests at the hands of the Lord and hold on to the Lord’s name at all times and under all conditions, tirelessly, without the slightest trace of dislike or disgust, bearing the ridicule and the criticism of the world and conquering the feelings of shame and defeat. This type of devotion was practiced by little child Prahlada.

The Sankranthi festival should be regarded as the day on which one turns one’s vision towards God. Your life may be compared to a stalk of sugarcane. Like the cane, which is hard and has many knots, life is full of difficulties. These difficulties must be overcome to enjoy the bliss of the Divine, just as sugarcane must be crushed and its juice converted into jaggery to enjoy its permanent sweetness. Enduring bliss is got only by overcoming trials and tribulations. Gold cannot be made into an attractive jewel without melting it in a crucible and converting it into a beautiful shape. When I address devotees as Bangaaru (golden one), I consider you very precious! Only by going through the vicissitudes of life with forbearance you become most valuable. Never allow yourselves to be overwhelmed by difficulties. Develop self-confidence and firm faith in God. With unshakeable faith, dedicate yourselves to serve your fellowmen and lead exemplary lives