Aspirants Guide

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba

Page 42

TOLERANCE
The production of different diseased states in the body is also a natural calamity in which the Sadhaka is expected especially to preserve equanimity. This is the most direct, and difficult of all tests of his overall spiritual attainment. The Sadhaka, who reveals tolerance even in a diseased state of the body, is a real saint indeed.
High-Grade Noble Tolerance As the aspirant becomes more and more enlightened in the true concepts regarding the nature of the universe, he will rather blame himself for any distress or calamity than blame others. The mental repose of a real Sadhaka is not disturbed because he does not find fault with circumstances, other individuals, or objects, but rather looks within himself for the same.
For acquiring true tolerance, one should, therefore, learn both the types of practices; i.e. acquiring true knowledge as well as practicing to endure the pains patiently even under adverse circumstances. Through the maturity of this two-fold practice, the Sadhaka attains to the state of an emancipated Yogi (Siddha-Yogi) i.e the state of a person of steady intellect (Sthitaprajna) who has attained equanimity. This is the climax of spiritual Sadhana.
In addition to the natural afflictions that befall the highly advanced Sadhaks (aspirants), they voluntarily test their tolerance by sitting in meditation by a riverside in winter, on rocks of mountains in summer or by walking on thorny and gritty roads at other times. This is precisely how they impartially test the state of steady intellect (Sthita-prajna-dasha) acquired by them.
CONCLUSION Gold-dust obtained from a mine cannot become real pure gold, before it passes through processing in several furnaces. An iron-rod cannot be turned to the desired shape until it is made red hot. A cloth that is excessively dirty must be well-rubbed by the hands or machine before it becomes thoroughly cleaned. Similarly, one cannot get over long standing adverse beliefs, knowledge and behavior without appropriately tormenting the soul and cultivating due forbearance.
It therefore becomes the duty of a person desiring liberation at all stages, constantly to practice tolerance. The inner strength SAHANA-SHILATA
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