Perform action without hankering after the results. Do not complain that you did not get public recognition for the donations you gave to some Trust. Fruits of action, whether good or bad, have to be wholly consumed by you and you alone. The best means of liberating yourself from the consequences of your actions, is to perform them only for the sake of action. You will then be burdened neither with sin nor merit. If you crave for profit, you should be prepared to accept loss as well. If you construct a well where four roads meet, expecting to acquire the merit for quenching the thirst of men and cattle, you cannot run away from the demerit you will be credited with, when someone falls into it and drowns. The secret to a happy life is to give up the desire for the fruit of action (Karma-phala-thyaga).

- Sathya Sai Speaks, Jan 14, 1965.