Make proper use of the body by undertaking sacred actions. The life of Emperor Ashoka bears testimony to this. He used to undertake various social welfare activities with the money collected from subordinate kings in the form of taxes. Without taxes, it is very difficult to run a kingdom. The same thing holds good even today. How can the government provide comforts to the people unless it collects taxes from them? It is foolishness to expect the government not to levy taxes and yet expect it to provide comforts and conveniences. Once on his birthday, all the subordinate kings of Emperor Ashoka, except the ruler of Magadha, brought taxes and filled his treasury. On being questioned by the emperor, the king or replied, ‘O king, this year my kingdom suffered from severe drought. Consequently, people did not have water to drink and they were afflicted with terrible diseases. I had to spend a lot of money to rehabilitate the drought-affected people. I made arrangements for supply of drinking water. I also got many hospitals constructed to treat the sick. Not merely that. I established at various places for the education of children. All my revenue was spent on these social welfare activities. As a result, I am not able to pay tax this time.’ Emperor Ashoka was immensely pleased with his reply. He made him sit by his side and said, ‘O king of Magadha, your ideal is worth-emulating. Pure drinking water, medical and educational facilities are very essential for the welfare of citizens. So, in this regard, I will extend to you all my cooperation.’ Ashoka was one of truth and sacrifice. A-soka, itself implies that he was one without soka (grief). The king of Magadha won his heart by his public welfare schemes.

Education is related to the head, medical care is related to the heart and water is very essential for the sustenance of life. He is a noble one who provides all these facilities to the people. Such a person is equal to God. Himself. This was the ideal taught by Emperor Ashoka. He earned name and fame by his spirit of sacrifice and sacred actions

Good actions are very important. One who undertakes sacred actions excels everyone. That is why I often exhort you to undertake service activities. You are born and brought up in the society. You owe your education, wealth, and happiness to the society. Then is it not your bounden duty to show gratitude to the society? You can express your gratitude to the society by undertaking service activities. Serve one and all because God is present in everybody. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 112-113)