Bharatiyas, grown up in the culture of India, have deep faith in the equality of all faiths. Whatever it is, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Zoroastrianism or Christianity, they believe that no one should talk lightly of the worship of God. This was the message held forth by the Indian way of spiritual life. Those who have learnt this truth and adhere to it are the real sons and daughters of India. (BS, 1996, p. 4)

The rich can only come to me on the basis of absolute equality. This is why at the ashram rich and poor work together, eat, worship and sleep together, do menial tasks together, and share the common austerities of the ashram. There is absolutely no distinction. Yet, despite this, the wealthy come to me in order to secure that peace of mind which physical comfort and power cannot give. I convert their minds and hearts to spiritual values and truths. (EL, pp. 211-212)

True devotion lies in being in a state of equanimity, both in pleasure and pain. Prahlada (a great devotee of God) stands testimony to this. Prahlada constantly chanted the name of Narayana with all love, even in the face of innumerable hardships. He was pushed from mountaintop and thrown into sea. Attempts were made to get him trampled upon the huge elephants and bitten by poisonus snakes. Not even once did he give up chanting the name of Narayana. Love of Prahlada melted the heart of the Lord, and He came to Prahlada’s rescue in times of need. One should remain equal minded in happiness and sorrows, gain and loss, victory and defeat. Such equanimity can be obtained only through Love. (WLMG, p. 229)