Aspirants Guide

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

Page 43

ASPIRANT'S GUIDE
of a person gets enhanced with the practice of tolerance. As one increasingly develops the art and science of forbearance, the inner strength is enhanced, and the aspirant (Sadhak) conquers the path of self-knowledge and self-control and continues to reap the fruits in the form of advanced meditation (Samadhi). It is therefore necessary that we seek this virtue of tolerance that is the very cornerstone of spiritual progress (Sadhana).
GLORY OF TOLERANCE
1. The path of tolerance with equanimity is extremely difficult but it still yields the best of rewards.
2. Gold acquires greater and greater brightness as it is heated more and more in fire. Sugar cane is squeezed again and again and yet it does not give up its sweetness. Sandalwood is rubbed again and again and still it does not discard its coolness. In a similar manner, noble persons do not give up their nobility in spite of countless tough tests. They attain to the cherished goal with tolerance in a spirit of equanimity.
3. The diamond extracted from a mine has only limited brightness, but when it is washed and cleaned and faceted in a variety of shapes, then only does its brightness shine all the more. In a similar way, the Sadhaka has to pass through numerous tests before he becomes a saint.
4. Virtues of tolerance and benevolence constitute the basic nature of good and noble men. Trees bear heat and yield shade to others. The sandal tree gives coolness and fragrance to the edge of the axe that cuts it. Likewise, noble persons spread love and benevolence in spite of countless calamities that befall them.
5. Just as clouds take the salty water of the sea and yield a rain of sweet water, in a similar way, noble persons suffer calamities and shower goodness.
LIVING EXAMPLES OF TOLERANCE
(1) Shri Vishvanath Shastri, was a great scholar and logician, who lived in the eighteenth century in the state of Bengal, India. Shastri was invited by other scholars for debate. Discourses and discussions commenced at the scheduled time. The deep learning and intellect as well as powerful arguments of the learned
SADHAK-SATHI
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