Firm faith is essential for realising the Self. Faith is the basis of self-confidence, without which nothing can be achieved. The word Manava (man) itself means one who has faith. When he acts up to his faith, he experiences peace and contentment. Love is the means through which faith is strengthened. People offer prayers to God. Prayers should not mean petitioning God for favours. The object of prayer should be to establish God firmly in one’s heart. Aim at linking yourself to God and not at seeking favours. Aspire for earning the love of God. That is real penance. That is why it is said: Looking ahead is Tapas (penance); looking backward is Tamas (ignorance). Tapas does not mean giving up hearth and home and retiring to a forest. It means giving up all bad qualities and striving to live ceaselessly for God’s grace. – Divine Discourse, Mar 06, 1989