the Pure Self. But the Gnani has the splendor in one eye and
coolness in the other.
3. The Gnani has the depth of serenity of the ocean. He
accepts and absorbs anything offered to him, regardless of its
quality and contents and blesses the giver.
4. His stillness and steadfastness is comparable to the
mountain of Meru. No external circumstances or events dare
shake his inner poise or steadfastness. His steadfastness must
not be mistaken for psychic or physical fortitude or stubbornness.
Many will hold their palm over a burning candle without
flinching - that is not steadfastness; it is stubbornness or
obstinacy- the expression of ego. But the Gnani is completely
free from ego. He is natural and spontaneous in his reflexes or
routine activities. Steadfastness has nothing to do with physical
fortitude or rigidity. The Gnani would not put his hand where
there is a possibility of getting burnt and if by chance he does,
he would immediately retract it. His physical being is quite
normal and natural but his omniscient inner poise is unparallel.
No events or circumstances would upset or affect even a single
atom of His inner harmony; that is real steadfastness.
Steadfastness is where the tranquility within is never perturbed
or never is there a hint of inner turmoil. The physical pain is a
natural property of the body and has nothing to do with the
equanimity or steadfastness of the inner Self.
An abode of infinite compassion, the Gnani does not
have a grain of pity. Pity is an egocentric virtue – it is a virtue
that exists in duality with its corresponding counterpart.
Presence of pity on one hand is balanced by cruelty on the
other hand. Only when it manifests, does one see the reality of
this duality. But the Gnani is above all duality. In the Gnani’s
eyes flows an endless stream of the elixir of love. Forever within
Him remains the spirit of comforting and saving, and liberating
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