The value of work is judged, not by its quantum but by the quality and texture thereof. The quality of action depends upon the ideals which guide and inspire an individual working in the world. The loftier and the nobler the ideals, the greater will be the beauty of his actions and efficiency. All mighty men of superhuman achievements have, inspired by such ideals, done wonderfully great and noble work in the world and the fruits of their actions are enjoyed by generations which follow them.

In the present world, man is found wanting in definite ideals for channelising his activities. He works with a selfish attitude and has no goal or vision in life to inspire him to take to better and brighter actions. He experiences monotony in any work undertaken by him, whether he be a clerk in the secretariat or a manager of an organization. He is fatigued no sooner than he reaches his office and commences his work; and by evening he has hardly any energy to reach his home. In such a state of affairs, his work becomes worthless and he becomes a burden upon the society.

After thorough and sustained investigation, our great masters of the past discovered the causes for such fatigue and showed us the way to overcome them and thereby raise the standard and beauty of our activities and bring about real cheer and happiness in the world. They proved that the fatigue created by our work is due entirely to the mental strain and stress which we, in our ignorance, invite by craving for indulgence in sense enjoyments and ceaseless expectations of fruits of our actions. These extroverted desires and anxieties consume the very life force in us and leave us exhausted.

The secret of success therefore, lies in overcoming such mental dissipation by choosing a definite and noble ideal or goal in life, working relentlessly and with dedication, concentrating thereupon for its achievement. Such activities, undertaken in a spirit of surrender and selflessness, lend constant inspiration and inward solace, a charm and a cheer to life and lead us to efficiency and success.

Religion no doubt provides man with the highest ideal but he, in the context of the present competitive world, and with his attention focused only on himself and his egocentric demands, finds it impossible to revolutionise his attitude to work. But the law of nature knows no compromise. Achievements, be they material or spiritual, can be measured only by the extent of selfless dedication. The great thinkers of this country therefore suggested that we choose an altar other than our own individuality, such as the welfare of our society or the growth of our nation, or any other work undertaken for a larger cause, and direct all our activities towards that one goal.

Thus, religion gradually helps us to develop a broader vision and practice the art of working for a cause larger than our narrow, selfish ends and learn to draw inspiration from our work itself. The satisfaction of a good job done selflessly is far superior to, and more comforting than, the impermanent joys arising out of worldly acquisitions and mere sense gratification.

Success in life lies in one’s own bosom, not in the world outside; and religion provides the access to it.