In the world, the good takes birth from the bad. Without the bad, the good cannot exist. For example, when you nurture a desire, there is an accompanying dissatisfaction which prods you to seek the desire. Man’s life is a series of desires and disappointments (asha and nirasha), sankalpas and vikalpas (resolves and doubts), samyoga and viyoga (union and separation). When our sages were asked about the nature of the world, they described it as a vast ocean of union and separation. While swimming in this ocean, we encounter the gems of troubles and sorrows. Only when we face obstacles can we attain a Divine state. If you are frightened at every step, if you do not proceed forward, life is wasted. Life is full of hurdles. Sorrow and troubles alone lend value to life. Kaste phali – Worthwhile results are obtained only through difficulties. In this world, everything can be attained with sadhana. Sadhana means transforming bad into good, sorrow into joy. Mind is important in this pursuit.
– Divine Discourse, Jun 01, 1991