One day Sage Valmiki, who wrote Ramayana, was sitting in front of the Ramayana and was lost in deep thought. He thought, “I have composed this sacred text. In order to see that it is known to everybody, I must propagate it. Who can propagate this?” At that time two young boys came running to him. They were Lava and Kusa. They asked, “Guruji! What are you brooding over?” “Son, I have written the sacred story of Rama. This must be publicized in the society. The ideals must be taught to the society. The divine glory of Rama should spread all over the world. The noble character of Rama must be made known to every person. I am thinking as to who would be the right person to do it.” Both the boys with folded hands said, “Guruji! We have life. We are your disciples. We are ready to shed our blood for you. We are ready to dedicate our lives in your service. Order us, we shall propagate it.” Sage Valmiki started to shed tears in pure ecstasy. He was overcome with happiness at seeing such young boys exhibiting such scared feelings of sacrifice and nobility. He said, “Boys! Do not delay, as delay amounts to poison! You may start propagating right from tomorrow.” Sage Valmiki taught these two boys. An earthen pot filled with poison is much better than a golden vessel filled with nectar or poison. An earthen pot filled with nectar is much better than a golden one filled with nectar! Human body is perishable just like an earthen pot. God has filled this earthen pot with the nectar of noble character and sacredness. Therefore this body is an earthen pot full of nectar!! This, one must invite. One must discard even a golden vessel if it is filled with poison. Here what is the said ‘golden vessel’? What is the vessel filled with poison? This material world, filled with all conveniences, comforts, pleasures, shines like gold. It is full of poison of sensual pleasure!! Is this the gold that we seek? No! God resides in the altar of our heart. God is not outside in pilgrim centres, like Badrinath or Kedarnath or Tirupathi or in Prashanthi Nilayam!! The absolute, total controller is in our hearts!! So where is God? He dwells in our hearts. One need not search for Him anywhere. God is present in each one’s heart. Though human body is like an earthen pot, it is highly sacred. This body should not be mindful of the attachments or respect or esteem. One should enjoy the bliss of God. Sage Valmiki said, “Be men of sacrifice and go forth.” In a moments time they wore ochre robes, adorned themselves with ‘rudraksha’ beads and with the ‘tambura’, the musical instrument, in their hands, got ready to stride ahead.They went about every street, singing, “O Listen, to the story of Rama!!” Such a spirit of sacrifice at that tender age!! Such detachment!! It was the work of Sage Valmiki that made them so.