The Greatness of Saints

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THE GREATNESS OF SAINTS

 

(From the thoughts of Late Jayadayal Goyandka) (Extracts from "Kalyan",

Year 40. No. 7).

 

It is most difficult to be in the company of really great men, the saints,

and it is more difficult to recognize these saints, but after recognizing

and being in company with such saints, there is surety about the attainment

of Atma—the self-realization, because the company of great men is never

fruitless. Even if such company is a happening without our conscious effort,

it works for good because it is unfailing. It is written in Yogadarshan that

even thinking-of great men or saints, the mind comes under control and it

never runs away to objects which are detrimental (Veetaragavishayam Va

Chittam—Geeta 1/30).

 

Lord Krishna tells us very clearly that He is not motivated to the

Universal action for any benefit for Himself, nor is he compelled to avoid

any action, likewise, He has no special vested interest in the action or

in-action of any one particular person (Geeta, 3/18). Even then, He

maintains this world, for the total Universal uplift-ment.

 

It cannot be said that the Era of Saints has ended long back or that they

are very rare in these days. However, because of our doubting nature and

absence of faith, we are not able to see them and be acquainted with them.

No action of saints is without any proper reason. The main reason for their

action is the welfare of others. If at all they take service for themselves

from anybody, it is a matter of great luck, because in allowing to be

served, they give a great deal of attention to the welfare of that Sevaka.

 

It is the rule laid down by Lord Krishna in Geeta—In whatever manner people

are devoted to Me, I am devoted to them likewise. I am for them as they

think of me". But saints are somewhat different in this reciprocal attitude.

They say. "We are devoted to those even who are not devoted to us, we think

for their welfare also". As there is no difference whether grass is brought

to fire or fire is brought to the grass, because the result is FIRE and no

grass; similarly, it is not important whether saint goes to meet an ignorant

person or an ignorant person goes to see a saint—the result is Knowledge,

Wisdom, Freedom, Great Deeds, Vitrue— Everything that is of ignorance, burns

equally well.

 

There is no trace of hardness, hatred or malice in the minds of saints.

They are so pitying that their hearts cry out because of the suffering of

others. The pure form of pity comes out of thinking for the welfare of

others. That pity which comes out of cowardice, partiality, shame,

selfishness and fear, is not the real pity. Similar to God whose kindness is

for all and everybody equally to be shared, the saints shower their kindness

on one and all, without distinction However great evil may be meted out to

them, they have no thought of taking vengeance. If at all there seems any

reaction which looks outwardly to be a punishment, it is based on the wish

to clear away the dross in the other man's life. It is like surgeon's knife,

in which there is essentially kindness and outward hardness.

 

Oceans of welfare, the saints let everybody plunge into their

consciousness. It is really a great experience making us dumb and

wonder-struck, to witness the countenance of such noble ones, to talk with

them, to touch them or to meditate upon their glorious life. On the way by

which they walk, pity precedes like heavy clouds eager to pour down waters

of kindness—Nay—clouds are not able to pour down kindness everywhere, but

saints are universal in their kindness.

All the creatures, and the earth and sky become pure which are within the

limits of the gaze of such saints. Not only their parents, their relations,

their countrymen also become pure. The very land on which they tread,

becomes purified and purifying. Like Ganges they wipe out, wash out the

sins. Like the Sun, they discard the darkness of ignorance. Their company

gives a man that discernment which enables him to see his minutest defects

and purify himself totally.

 

Source : Shri Sai Leela Vijayadasami Special Number 1973

http://www.saileelas.org/magazines/SAILEELA/special1973.htm

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One of the sentences in this article makes a comment to the effect that '

Krishna is devoted to whoever is devoted to him, but Saints are devoted to the

people who are not devoted to them also'. Does this imply that Saints have

broad minded or more liberal understanding of man kind than Sri Krishna ? I

think there is something wrong in this concept or someone has not properly

translated the meaning of the writer.

 

Krishna who is recognised as a complete Avatar of God, was informing us that

God will't approach someone who is not interested in him or who does't deserve

him. Pl comment.

 

Sairam

Ravi

 

On 4/11/06, Leeladhar <leedhar (AT) rediffmail (DOT) com> wrote:

THE GREATNESS OF SAINTS