<p>In a powerful discourse delivered during the sacred occasion of Skanda Shasti, Sadguru Sri Sharavana Baba spoke about the critical importance of shakti, bhakti and mukti.<br /><br /></p>.<p>These three ingredients are essential. Victory in anything is possible only through effort. We should not run away from challenges and difficulties. We need mental strength. We need to be brave, courageous and self-confident. We need to grow from within for that to happen. Victory can be accomplished only after a lot of effort. <br /><br />Studies require effort. A child is often exhorted by his parents to study. Study is absolutely essential even if father, mother, Guru and God are present. We become good children when we exert that effort. By centering our minds within, we must develop from within.<br /><br />When we are forced to do good things, we must accept these tasks at once. We must not wait to be asked. Good deeds need to be forced. They have to be learned. This is the best way to self development or self revelation. Good Karmas are required. Kali yuga is a karma yuga. Remain happy in your life. Perform good deeds with focus and alertness. Do not act with fear. When we see a snake in the forest, the snake comes within us. We must think of what would help us triumph over the snake so that we can win and overcome our fears.<br /><br />Similarly, we must develop the conviction that God exists within us. When we develop such conviction, we can traverse any forest, any path and any road. The Goddess Durga always sits on top of a lion. Lord Aiyappan is always sitting upon a tiger. Lord Murugan is always upon the peacock. God is needed to secure victory. Difficulties cannot be eliminated. What we experience as difficulty is only a handful. But what God experiences embraces the entire cosmos! Lord Shiva has only one free day and that is Shivarathri but the fact is that even on that day, He is completely engaged! <br /><br />There is always a reason for the good or the bad. We must conquer those reasons and develop patience to gain the ability to overcome these difficulties. Even to cook a good meal requires effort and time. Similarly, in our lives, we need to make the time and effort to successfully overcome and engage our challenges. Develop mental strength, self-confidence and self-belief. Never abandon that faith!”</p>
<p>In a powerful discourse delivered during the sacred occasion of Skanda Shasti, Sadguru Sri Sharavana Baba spoke about the critical importance of shakti, bhakti and mukti.<br /><br /></p>.<p>These three ingredients are essential. Victory in anything is possible only through effort. We should not run away from challenges and difficulties. We need mental strength. We need to be brave, courageous and self-confident. We need to grow from within for that to happen. Victory can be accomplished only after a lot of effort. <br /><br />Studies require effort. A child is often exhorted by his parents to study. Study is absolutely essential even if father, mother, Guru and God are present. We become good children when we exert that effort. By centering our minds within, we must develop from within.<br /><br />When we are forced to do good things, we must accept these tasks at once. We must not wait to be asked. Good deeds need to be forced. They have to be learned. This is the best way to self development or self revelation. Good Karmas are required. Kali yuga is a karma yuga. Remain happy in your life. Perform good deeds with focus and alertness. Do not act with fear. When we see a snake in the forest, the snake comes within us. We must think of what would help us triumph over the snake so that we can win and overcome our fears.<br /><br />Similarly, we must develop the conviction that God exists within us. When we develop such conviction, we can traverse any forest, any path and any road. The Goddess Durga always sits on top of a lion. Lord Aiyappan is always sitting upon a tiger. Lord Murugan is always upon the peacock. God is needed to secure victory. Difficulties cannot be eliminated. What we experience as difficulty is only a handful. But what God experiences embraces the entire cosmos! Lord Shiva has only one free day and that is Shivarathri but the fact is that even on that day, He is completely engaged! <br /><br />There is always a reason for the good or the bad. We must conquer those reasons and develop patience to gain the ability to overcome these difficulties. Even to cook a good meal requires effort and time. Similarly, in our lives, we need to make the time and effort to successfully overcome and engage our challenges. Develop mental strength, self-confidence and self-belief. Never abandon that faith!”</p>
