Saints and sages of yore undertook spiritual practices. Kanada also performed penance. Ultimately, he realized that he had originated from the atom and would merge into it. He gave up body attachment. So long as there is selfishness in man, he will not be able to understand the divine principle of the atom. One may do japa, dhyana and penance, but one’s mind should always be steadily fixed on the principle of the atom. Everything is contained in this. Our body, mind, intellect, etc., are nothing but the manifestations of the atom, which is verily divine.
(SSS Vol 35, Pg 196)