Swami Satyananda Saraswati wrote:
The Vedas, Upanishads, rishis and munis have told us that atmabhava, sympathy and feeling oneness with others, identifying with their woes is Sarvatmabhava, all-encompassing affection for the creatures of the whole world.
God is here and now among human beings. Look for him where he is most needed, not in the temples where people are pouring their wealth on his idol. That God is very rich but the God living among the poor and the down trodden in the guise of a lame or blind person is needy. Go and look for him in destitution, hunger and poverty. Peace of mind is there in the temples but that is not the ultimate in life. You have to search for God. You have to find him in alleys, lanes and houses. This is the duty of saints, holy people as well as house holders. It is the duty of humanity.
Even though I practiced many hard and intense sadhanas I found that I was stationary. Only when a trace of atmabhava awakened within me that I started moving on the spiritual path.
