GURU PUJA SPECIAL EDITIONwho is humble and polite ever remains dear to the
heart of the Guru. Therefore, always maintain a low
profile, and be humble, just like the green grass. In
storms, big, giant trees get uprooted. But, the grass,
on the other hand, bends and stands upright again
when the stormy winds settle. You need to mould
yourself in the same way and be polite, light-
hearted, tension-free, and jovial, away from the
burden of ego!
In the end, Saint Tulsi states, “kabahun na
chhaadiye...komal vachan adosh”. In this world,
three types of people exist. First, the ones who are
soft from outside and speak tender words; however,
from inside, their thinking is negative and the heart
is full of harsh feelings. Second, those who are
tough externally, speak in a straight forward
manner, and their words sting. But, from inside,
their heart is soft and pure. The third category is of
those, whose heart is full of hard feelings and their
outward disposition is also harsh and distasteful.
None of these categories is appreciated. The
spiritual aspirant needs to be such, who is soft and
tender from within as well as on the outside. His
speech should be soft and appropriate to the
occasion, with no shortcomings whatsoever,
neither internal nor external. His mind should be
free from all sorts of negativities, with no ill-feelings
for others.
All these qualities become the ornaments of a
spiritual aspirant. Instead, I would say that by
adorning these traits, a spiritual aspirant becomes 'a
spiritualist' in the real sense. I would not say that by
applying the force of self-persuasion, by trying to
subdue the mind with force, one will be able to own
these qualities. By engaging in an on-going tussle
with the mind, or by practicing at the level of the
mind, the issue cannot be settled. Then, where can
we look for the resort?
For that, you have been provided with the
supreme medicine of Brahm Gyan. This remedy isTulsi kabahun na chhaadiye,
kshamaa, sheel, santosh;
Gyaan garibi, hari bhajan,
komal vachan adosh.
Saint Tulsi says that one should never
compromise on the traits of forgiveness, good
conduct, and patience. It often happens that we
instantly forget our own faults. We easily forgive
ourselves and allow ourselves another opportunity
to improve. However, when it comes to the faults of
others, we remember them for our entire lifetime!
Rather, the case should be just its reverse. We
should ‘forgive’ others instantly, so that we are
saved from negative feelings like jealousy, hatred,
anger, etc. And, for our own faults, we need to be
strict, remembering them always, so that they are
not repeated even by mistake.
Similarly, we should always don (put on) the
garb of 'good conduct.' Characterlessness and
spirituality are poles apart, like darkness and light.
As such, we should always be watchful of our
sensual cravings and cultivate a character shining
with purity and piousness.
'Patience' is also an invaluable asset. The
spiritual aspirant who owns it can be called as
wealthy in the real sense of the term. Otherwise,
despite the grace bestowed by the Guru, the
aspirant always remains dissatisfied.
The couplet further says– “Gyaan garibi, hari
bhajan, komal vachan adosh”– meaning, never
abjure knowledge and wisdom. Consider hari-
bhajan (singing the glories of the Supreme) and
naam-sumiran (contemplating on the Holy Name of
the Lord) as important as the breaths. The saint
advices, do not give up your 'indigence.' In this
context, 'indigence' does not mean financial
bankruptcy; instead, it implies a state bereft of ego;
i.e., one must harbour poverty in terms of egoistic
tendencies. Humility and politeness are the
priceless ornaments of a spiritual aspirant! The one
6 AKHAND GYANETERNAL WISDOM JULY 2019