Baba Sri Siva (Datta) has said that the quickest way to access God’s grace is to feed a famished human being starving for food. While working in New York City, I would on occasion buy an extra lunch on my break and hand it to a homeless person. Once or twice the person was so grateful they would say “God Bless You!”

The power of this teaching really hit hard when I had the opportunity to spend my birthday in India. I woke up feeling sad, despondent and depressed. I couldn’t think of a single thing to make me more happy. Some friends suggested that we go shopping or out to the best restaurant to celebrate, but those thoughts did nothing to change my attitude. Then in a flash it came to me, instead of going out to a fancy restaurant or spending money on clothes and jewelry, why not go out and feed 50 or 108 people? The first glimmer of happiness and hope all day began to descend upon me.

Eggs and other protein are a rarity in India. So we had about 108 eggs cooked in 50 “Egg Briyanis” rice dishes for lunch. Most of the poorer Indians will buy one egg, if any, and distribute it amongst four people; these meals had over two eggs per person! We went to a slum area where the people were very thin and lived quite literally on the street, and distributed the food. The people could not quite believe it; they were so happy!

After the food was distributed, there was a marked sense of serenity and that God was pleased with this act. I could feel happiness and joy instead of depression.

Just moments later, I looked out of the car window and my joy turned slightly more subdued again as we passed the many more who would not have any food tonight. Thanks to Dattatreya Siva Baba for making me more aware and giving me higher thoughts. I pray Datta’s teachings will reach every heart. The quickest way to get rid of personal depression I now understand is through service to others. Just get out and do something for someone else.