Transform yourself to fit into my standards, if you wish to utilize my services. Do not expect me to call each one of you and pinpoint your mistakes. I want you to remember that I know everything. I am a management person. I give you a long rope to mend yourself. Remember that you are serving Truth, and therefore be true to yourself, heed the Voice of your Conscience.

Siva Shankar Baba moves with you as one among you and observes you. There is no one between you and Baba, whose help you need to meet Baba. Baba makes his own judgments and is not guided by recommendations. And he is observing you 24 hours, all days of a year.

How can you mislead him by mere play-acting all the time? Not possible. You will be revealed in your true colours at one point of time or the other.

Always listen to what Baba is saying and check whether you fit in with Baba’s living philosophy. Try to fit into his concepts, then you will attain bliss. Beneath this jolly façade, there is a fire of seriousness. It is up to you to condition yourself to enjoy its warmth or run away from the scorching heat. This is

Siva Shankar Baba. You may not know Baba, but do not say he has not revealed this to you.

This parable implies that we are all washed ashore onto the banks of this world. For another 60 to 80 years, we may enjoy all the luxuries ‘life’ has to offer. On completing the life term, we will be escorted to the forest (‘sudukadu’, meaning cremation ground; kadu:forest). A wise person will, during his time on earth, gather everything that is required for the life after, i.e. the ‘forest’ life. Accumulate wealth for after-life.

Appar Swami says, ‘Just as you pack tamarind rice, curd rice for your pilgrimages, accumulate penance and virtue during this life-time to help you in your journey towards God’.