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17. Prasannachandra Mind & Action
It was a cold, wintry morning in Rajgrihi. Chilly, biting winds
blew from the Himalayas. Hardly anybody was outside on the streets. Most people were quietly huddled around bonfires in their yards. I was in the main hall with Bhagwan, seeking advice on some philosophical issues. Emperor Shrenik and queen Chelana walked in and sat near me, taking care not to disturb our discussion. Whenever we were in Rajgrihi they came every morning to seek Bhagwan's advice and blessings.
When our discussion was over, Emperor Shrenik moved closer and asked, "Bhagwant this morning on my way here I saw a naked monk by the river. He was oblivious to the chilling cold wind. He could have wrapped his arms and legs around him to warm up, but he was standing stark naked with his hands up above his head, and was meditating. I cannot imagine why he does not feel any discomfort in such cold. Bhagwant, do you think that this old hermit is sane?"
Bhagwan replied, "The old hermit you saw by the river is not an ordinary person. He is Maharaja Prasannachandra, once a mighty and powerful king who gave his kingdom to his son and became a monk. He has been in sadhana for several years and is pretty good at it. However, to understand the secret of Prasannachandra's state of mind, you must first understand how one makes spiritual progress through sadhana.
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