Shri Nathji often gave the following example:
An unlit Deepak-clay lamp- desired to give light to mankind. It prayed to God that it be given light. God said: Do not ask for light. In order to illuminate the paths of others you will have to undergo the burning pain of fire yourself!
The Deepak hesitated for a while, but then it said: I accept the fire. When I see humanity walking in my light, when I see people saving themselves from stumbling in the darkness, it shall bring a coolness to my fire!
Someone once said to Shri Nathji that he was looking weak and exhausted, and Shri Nathji replied: A candle that burns itself out by inches will have served its purpose if it has provided light to weary travellers in the dark.
“A pencil that wears out its existence will have served its purpose if it has conveyed the prose of life to others.