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If we do not waste time and energy in propagating spiritual ideas, Gita studies and
Sankirtan, but devote that energy to the above end, then we shall get economic betterment
earlier, after which those who wish can pursue philosophy and religion.
We should develop our material and physical powers and get to the same peak of
progress, power and comfort as the Western nations before we can dabble in philosophy
and the like.

Two types of workers, social and religious, are necessary in this world. Social workers
will work in their own fields of activity. Religious workers will carry on special propaganda and
dissemination of spiritual knowledge. A carpenter has his own field of work and an electrician
has his own field. You cannot ask a carpenter to do the work of an electrician and the electrician
to do the work of a carpenter. Social, economic, political and industrial development and
constructive work in those directions are very necessary. These should not be ignored.
But, religion only can save people. Without religion, man is nowhere. Even those who
work in the other fields cannot turn out good work without disciplining themselves, without
having a spiritual basis, without undergoing a religious training, without practicing Ahimsa,
Satyam and Brahmacharya. Leaders who are selfish and corrupt spoil the society. They fight for
their own superiority and power.
Bread, butter, jam and nice biscuits cannot give you everlasting peace. Comforts are
enemies of spiritual life and peace. They pull a man down. After all, man wants very little on
this earth. You will think of God only when you are in adversities. What is wanted is spiritual
wealth which is inexhaustible.
That work which removes the ignorance of man and gives him happiness can eradicate
human sufferings in toto and give him eternal happiness. That work is spiritual propaganda.
That work is the dissemination of Bhakti and knowledge of Yoga and Vedanta. It is the
crowning glory of human activities. This is the greatest Yajna or Yoga. This is Jnana Yajna, the
highest of all Yajnas.
India alone possesses the supreme divine wealth. Even the richest people of the different
parts of the world come to the Himalayas to practice Yoga, to seek the guidance of Rishis, seers,
Yogis and sages and to acquire this imperishable wealth.
Happiness does not come from wealth. The Western nations are quite restless despite
their enormous wealth. From this we can infer that spiritual life alone can give real, everlasting
peace and happiness.
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda