Lakshmi is the Goddess who gives us wealth, gives us prosperity. She is very blissful, no doubt. She gives you protection and also She is very humble because She stands on the lotus. She is very light. That means She does not put Her pressure on anyone. These are symbols of Shri Lakshmi. But also She is a part of Mahamaya in the modern times. When people get Lakshmi – the money – they do not understand that She is their Mother also and She is to be respected. When this kind of a perverse idea of Shri Lakshmi comes in, such countries, such people meet their last end and destruction of the worst type comes in. So this Lakshmi has to be used with a big balance, like standing on a lotus and not getting into the pond, where there are all kind of creatures to eat you all. You have to stand on the lotus. That means that you are above all the lures of this maya. (2.11.1997)