You are born because you wished for this birth. You are not born because I wished for it, it is because of your desire that you were born.

The reason for this is something you need to discover. Questioning others will not fetch you the answer to this question. You have to think about your Self, and you have to find your Self.

If you begin to understand the necessity of adhering to Dharma, your life will begin to become meaningful. You want to know how to realize yourself (Self-realization). Showing respect to the one who gave you birth, is realizing your Self. Being grateful to the one who is protecting your parents, to the one who gave you birth - is knowing your Self.

Realizing oneself does not mean abandoning home, running to Haridwar or Rishikesh, escaping responsibilities or acting crazy. By doing so, you do not gain any Self-Realization; instead, you would be taken to a mental hospital or the police station.

You must perform all your duties wherever you are. You need to earn your livelihood, care for your parents and take care of yourself until your last breath. Do not hurt yourself, your life. You must take care of your life without being despondent. You must care for your dependents. You then become your own Guru, your Atma becomes your Guru. You will not require any external Guru. Sri Swamiji is your friend, but you are your own Guru.

(Q&A Session 16 Apr 2017)