Agnihotra

H.H.Sri Swami Sivananda:

You are certainly responsible for the action. God never forgives. Action brings on its own fruits. Through Prayaschitta or expiatory rites you can destroy the evil effects of a bad action. You actually suffer in Prayaschitta. Hence the evil effects are washed off. The evil Karma will not follow you to the next birth. Sincere repentance, Japa, fasting and charity can destroy the evil effects of bad Karma. In repentance you actually suffer. This serves to wash off the evil effects of the bad action. Repentance must be done with a contrite heart. You must not repeat the evil action again.

H.H.Sri Swami Sivananda:

Think that you are an instrument (Nimitta) in the hands of God when you work. Egoism and respectability will vanish. Don’t expect fruits for your actions (Nishkamya). How can you expect fruits when another, viz., God, is working through you? Further, when you are aware that the world is full of miseries, what is the use of coming back again into the world ? You are a toy in the hands of God. He holds the string. He is the Sutradhar. Do all actions from a sense of duty. Reduce your wants. Lead a very simple life. Hate luxury. Control the Indriyas. Look at everyone and everything in the world as the manifestation of Narayana. Think that this world is illusory and a long dream. How can there be attachment now in the mind, my dear Ramachandra? If you do actions in this way, you will become a practical Yogi. I assure you. Cheer your spirit. Gird up the loins and engage yourself boldly in the daily battle of life.