In many of the religious practices today, there is concern only for observing the external forms, with little regard for the inner significance of these rites. For instance, one wishes to offer a coconut to the idol in a temple. No care is taken to see whether the coconut is a good one or not. The mere breaking of a coconut, even if it is a rotten one, is considered enough for fulfilling the offering. Note the inner significance of the ritual. The coconut is a symbol of the heart. Before it is offered to God, all outer fibre must be removed. The spiritual meaning is removing tamasika (dark) tendencies from our heart. The shell of the coconut symbolises rajoguna (qualities of passion and restlessness) in us. The white kernel inside the coconut represents the satvaguna (purity). What we have to offer to God is a pure heart without tamasika and rajasika qualities such as anger, hatred, and attachment. It is this purity of heart that must be manifested in making any offering to God, and not the mechanical breaking of a coconut as a meaningless ritual. - Divine Discourse, Apr 10, 1986