You are very lucky to have been born a human being. It should not be wasted. On the contrary with great skill and efforts, the very best use should be made of this life you life. The ultimate goal of human life must be attained here and now, so says his Holiness Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. God – realization, self – realization or salvation is the goal, and this human existence is the entrance unto that goal, asserts Gurudev Swami Sivananadaji Maharaj, Who is more unfortunate than the person who returns from the doorsteps, reaching so very close to his objective and then plunges himself into this materialistic world! Awake, arise, start soon and seriously on the spiritual path which is by far the best and most desirable. Fulfill your duties and make the very best use of your time and energy.

Following are the ‘Seven Points' for the spiritual advancement and progress of the seekers of Truth:

1. Twice daily, sit relaxed (in body and mind) in a quiet place, regularly and at fixed time, and ponder deeply and sincerely on the questions appended below:

a) What is the meaning and purpose of human life?
b) Who am I? From where have I come? Where will I go at the end of this life?
c) What am I doing? What will be the result of my present actions?
d) What will actually accompany me at the end? Am I accumulating that wealth which will accompany me?

2. Always act with discrimination. Introspect daily, and never hesitate in admitting your weaknesses and faults. Mend your ways, repeatedly examine your thoughts and make strong determination to rid yourself of your shortcomings. Have ideal conduct, Discard negative thinking. Turn your thoughts into actions. Live cheerfully, hopefully, sincerely and face the challenges of life calmly and boldly. Do not be arrogant; be humble as a blade of grass.

3. Under no circumstances should you blame others. Looking into other's faults and feelings of lust – anger, attachment – aversion, jealousy etc. are great hindrances on the path of spirituality. Every real Sadhaka and saint knows this by experience. Dear friends! Beware of ill feelings. See the good in everyone. Hate the sin and not the sinner, who needs your love and sympathy. If you want to be forgiven for your mistakes, you must also learn the lesson of forgiveness.

4. With care and sincerity, do your duty for the sake of duty, and offer your actions and their fruits to god. Whatever, HE gives you, accept that as His Grace without any complaint, and be cheerful. Act with truth and honesty in thought, word and deed. Never consider others as foolish. They observe you very closely. So, be very careful and remember that you cannot deceive others without deceiving yourself. Shun deception, duplicity and political maneuvering. Be a man of ideals and principles. Maligning others is not dear to the Lord.

5. It is a great blunder to see your benefit in harming others. Reform yourself first, not the world. Serve others without desiring the fruit of your actions. Be wary of giving advice unless someone seeks it. Or it becomes very essential. As far as possible, serve others selflessly without thinking of any reward. Rather, you should be grateful to the person who accepts your service. If you are a devotee of the Lord, then serve with Narayan – Bhav. This is a well – tested and sure medicine for removing the impurities of the mind. Do not claim your rights, but gladly concede to others their rights. Live rightly, cheerfully and hopefully. This is a scientific, psychological and spiritual approach. This is an unfailing remedy for the numerous ills of present – day society.

6. Kill the bets within you. Do not regard anyone as your enemy. Discard the negative and develop positive thinking. Do the right and be contended. Even if you have to suffer for righteousness, suffer readily and cheerfully for its sake. Be polite in speech and courteous in behaviour. Never fall a prey to provocation. Act wisely, but never think yourself too wise. Listen to others points of view patiently and never hesitate to accept good advice, even if it comes from a child or an illiterate.

7. Develop fathomless faith in God and in “The Truth, the God and the Beautiful” – Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram. This live faith will solve all your problems. Pray to God with faith and love. Ask for nothing of the world. Surrender yourself to God and beg for His Grace. While you pray, you should experience God's Presence. Surrender yourself into Him alone. Be free like a bird and fly higher and higher on the wings of His Will.