Markandeya held tight the Shivalinga and so, Yama's noose bound both himself and Shiva; that was the reason the boy was saved. The story teaches you to be ever in contact with God, for you do not know when the noose will be thrown. Attach yourself to the Highest, call it by any name, or conceive it in any form. But remember, without Dharma (righteousness) you cannot attain it. Don't be led away into the by-paths; keep to the highway. If you yield to alpabuddhi (inferior thoughts), you will be losing the akhanda-tatwa (principle of the Universal). Learn the means of winning Grace and earning purity from those who know - that is, the elders and the scholars who have put their learning into practice. Don't despair; don't hesitate. Grace can wipe off the past; Sat-prayatna, Sat-sanga and Sadachara (good self-effort, good company, and good practices) can ensure happiness in future.

- Divine Discourse, Apr 01, 1965.