As we prepare for the auspicious and most holy night of Shivaratri, what should we bear in mind? Bhagawan clearly and lovingly reminds us today.
The observance of Shivaratri is for purifying the heart by contemplation on God. When the heart is purified, the entire life becomes sanctified. There will be no need for elaborate social reconstruction if people develop good qualities and act righteously. Young people should get rid of bad thoughts and bad habits. The spiritual quest cannot be put off to old age. The time to start seeking the Divine is now. Remember, there is nothing in this world as powerful as the Lord’s name to protect it. It’s not arms and bombs that will save the world. Only God’s grace protects the world. It is man’s foremost duty to pray for God’s grace. Prayer is of supreme importance. Together with melody and rhythm, you have to impart feeling to your singing to make the bhajan a sacred offering to the Divine. A ragam (tune) without bhavam (feeling) is a rogam (an infliction). Giving up conceit and exhibitionism, you must sing the bhajans in a spirit of humility and devotion. That is the right way to perform bhajans.
– Divine Discourse, Feb 13, 1991.
