It may be possible to acquire proficiency in all branches of learning,

Or win victory in debates in an assemblage of scholars.

It may be possible to give away as charity houses, lands and cows, and

even to fly into skies and count all the stars.

It may be possible to know and name all the jivas in the world,

or attain mastery in Ashtanga Vidya or to reach the Moon.

But alas! difficult it is indeed to gain mastery over one’s senses (indriyas).

Steady the mind, gain inner vision, and maintain peace and equanimity at all times.

One can attain mastery over all the Shastras, and become proficient in Veda and Vedanta.

One may be a king, living in a palace or a great warrior winning victories in battles

One may have conquered the Goddess of Poverty and won vast riches.

But, alas, all these are of no avail, unless one has devotion and earned the grace of God.

Unless man has understood his inner nature, unless he has mastered his mind and grasped the inner truth, he is of no use to the world. The individual has to be responsible for the progress of the world by upholding the values of life and striving for the good of the community. (SSS Vol. 15, pp. 37-38)

The Grace of God cannot be won through the gymnastics of reason, the contortions of Yoga or the denials of asceticism. Love alone can win it, Love that needs no requital, Love that knows no bargaining, Love that is paid gladly, as tribute to the All Loving, Love that is unwavering. Love alone can overcome obstacles however many and mighty. There is no strength more effective than Purity, no bliss more satisfying than Love, no joy more restoring than Bhakti, no triumph more praiseworthy than Surrender. (SSS Vol.22)