As a born Zoroastrian, I can well imagine your elation to find me amongst so many of you here, who, like myself, also happen to be Zoroastrians by birth; but what makes me feel so very happy today is the love and the devotion of those of you who have succeeded in drawing me all this way to Surat.
In the immediate atmosphere of my country, my community, my this and my that, I may not mind if some of you feel proud or consider the community fortunate because I happen to be born among you. But having realized once and for all the Truth, which is the goal of all life and the end of each and every religion, I have thereby transcended all religions and to me, therefore, every religion is equally an approach for those who have yet to arrive at the same infinite and indivisible Ocean of love and knowledge, peace and bliss that now and again, here and there, continues rippling with selfless service and unsolicited sacrifice through the unflinching faith and sublime devotion of its lovers.
There can be no greater folly than for the wayfarers to quarrel over the pros and cons of this way or that, instead of remaining concentrated upon and concerned with one's own onward march along the path that one happens to be on.
One road may be steep, another full of potholes, the third torn with forging rivers. Similarly, one may walk best, another may be a good runner, the third a fine swimmer; yet, in each case, the things that should really count are the destination and the actual progress that each individual makes. Why should one who can run like a hare come in the way of another who is more likely to succeed only with the speed of a snail?
Selfishness is the root cause of all troubles. It is all the more dangerous because, under the subtle influence of selfishness, the worst evils are apt to assume false colors of chivalry, sacrifice, nobility, service and even love. In spite of sometimes turning into a beast with cruelty, anger and the lust of aggrandizement and subjugation, man can and often does cheat himself into believing that he yet remains a man, a patriot and so on.
Of all the forces that can best overcome all difficulties is the love that knows how to give without necessarily bargaining for a return.