By Rohit J on Sep 17, 2011, 12:00 AM

At first, the child is led into the world of knowledge when he is accepted by a Guru, whom he has to serve and obey without feeling burdened. Later, the young person should share with society the means and measures for its progress and security. In this stage one should start earning his income and learn to spend it wisely. The youth has to, by example, guide younger ones in the right direction and at the same time learn from elders, lessons for ones' own progress. He must do good deeds simply for the elation they confer. Understand that practice advances wisdom, just as reading enhances knowledge. The young person must cultivate humility, reverence, devotion to God and steadfast faith. Along with earning money and serving society, attention has to be paid to virtues and morality through righteous behaviour and sadhana (spiritual practices). One’s whol e being must be purified and then directed along the path of sacred work.

- Sathya Sai Vahini, Ch 22: “Eternal Truths”.