Worldly people usually seek praise and approval from each other. They expect everyone to support them in every thing they do. They look for fame, admiration, material wealth, fulfillment of passion, etc. from relatives, friends, society and followers. Some people spread dogmatism, superstition, ego, and blind faith in the name of religion. Those who are after praise become slaves and dependent on others. Such people will have to let go of their own true likes and dislikes, their own opinions, beliefs, faith, ambition, and conscience etc. for the sake of praise and approval. Thus they are hurting themselves (Gita 17:6).

Many times people try to pressure, scold, or scare us. Whenever we become slaves of others, we do things against our own nature to please others, we give up our self-respect, our purity, and our dignity, thus we should know that we have degraded our own Self. Those who sell-out their own identity for praise or respect are nothing but "naradhama," or low-lifes, or "insects," the lowest of all creatures, according to the Gita.

When we seek only God's approval, we are free.  

Gitaji, Shri Krishna, Saints, and Sat-Gurus turn our conscience in right direction. A worldly person is inclined toward sensual pleasures. After becoming pure and living in accordance to Gita, one will get direction from his own inner voice. Then he will not need anyone else to guide him. He will be free, having won God's approval.

God acknowledges our selfless service by granting a form of peaceful composure within us. In other words, He gives us love and peace. That is the true purpose of spirituality.

Therefore, decide now: "From now onwards, I will act according to God's instructions!"

God is telling us: "Have only one goal: to reach Me! Be My devotee ... sacrifice for Me ... bow to Me ... and, you will reach Me. You are very dear to Me" (Gita 18:65,66).

-- Swami Radhanandaji