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courage and determination and renouncing his earthly power and possessions, he directed his steps towards the lonely woods.
He wandered about over hills and dales, across rivers and forests. The tender soles of his feet were cut with thorns and soon began to bleed, but he took no notice of this. He bore the bitter winter's cold and the blistering summer's heat with equanimity, for he had soon acquired immunity from bodily pain in his zeal to acquire spiritual beauty.
Five years rolled by; now we see Sanat as an ascetic, lost in penance, under a tree. There is peace all around; wild deer stand by his side, watching him with their mild eyes; even the fierce lion prowling in the woods, forgets his ferocity as he stands under the spell of the love and peace that seem to radiate from the still figure seated under the tree.
Once again, the two gods come down to earth, now in the guise of physicians. Approaching the hermit, they introduce themselves, as healers and offer him herbs that would cure him of the dreadful disease.
Sanatraj opened his eyes; there was no trace of vanity in them now; instead, they were filled with humility. He passed his right hand over his left and realised that its skin was clear and smooth and healthy.
Addressing the gods, he said, "Friends, I have already acquired the power to heal physical ailments,
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