Visiting temples, performing pujas, going on pilgrimage and bathing in sacred rivers are all ways to nurture devotion and purify the mind.

But if, after doing all of this, nothing changes in our thoughts, words and actions, we do not receive their true benefit.

What is true spirituality?

True spirituality means giving up bad thoughts and walking the good path, living without hurting others, and following dharma in every act.

Rather than searching for God somewhere far away, we should make our own heart His dwelling place. We should live with the awareness that every thought and every action of ours takes place with the Divine as witness.

Letting go of ego is the real practice

More important than asking God for things is giving up the ego, selfishness and hatred within us. The way to God's grace lies not in outward show but in inner purity.

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Worship offered with the heart is greater than worship offered with the body. Worship becomes complete only through a change of heart.

True devotion

So true devotion is to keep faith in God, let go of the ego, and live on the path of dharma in a spirit of complete surrender (sharanagati). That is the real spiritual practice that brings a person close to the Divine.

Sri Sadguru Peetham ✍️

Related: Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali 2026: the Dharmashastra ruling and Diwali 2026 wishes from Sri Sadguru Peetham.