Immortality is only attained through sacrifice. Without sacrifice, we cannot lessen Karma. Action, children or wealth cannot bestow immortality; it is only through sacrifice. This is why when one lives for God alone sacrificing all, his Karmas are annihilated. Here is an example. 

In my childhood, a sanyasi called Rajaramswamji used to come to our house often. I once asked him, “How did you become sanyasi?” He said, “I had a spinal tumor. No treatment was available and I was told I would die. I vowed that if I was cured and survived, I would offer my life to God. The tumor disappeared and I took sanyas.”

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