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MENTAL HEALTH
because his mind was fully composed. He cared neither for praise nor for blame. He did not like to be surrounded by pomp and show. It was because he was simple and modest that people had a high regard for him. Only he who enjoys being alone knows that he is worthy of his followers.
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The fourth criterion of personality is how it reacts to situations. The reactions of a man to situations is the key to bis mind. If people become angry with a mentally healthy man, he would remain calm and composed. A son once became awfully angry with his father. But the father remained calm and patient and assured the son that he still had the same regard for him. This had a great effect on the son and his anger subsided. A confrontation between the father and the son was avoided.
The fifth test of mental health is nature i.e. whether a man is diligent or dull or optimistic or pessimistic. There are people who are pessimistic even in the most favourable circumstances. On the other hand, there are people who would remain robust and full of hope even in the most adverse situations. People with a confident and cheerful mental composition will make every one cheerful. They are great realists and would never become a victim of escapist tendencies.
Acarya Bhikṣu had an ascetic called Bēni Rāma in his fold. One day Muni Beni Rama went to collect food for himself as well for the Acarya. He brought two pulse preparations mixed in his begging bowel. When asked how the two preparations got mixed, he replied: "After all both the preparations were made of pulses. "Acarya Bhiksu remarked: "It is true, but an ailing monk cannot digest Urad, only Moong suits him. Muni Beni Rama was annoyed, left the Acarya and went into the adjoining room, lied by down and went to sleep. Acarya Bhiksu asked," Where is Béni Rāma ? "When told that the muni was sleeping in the next room the Acarya again asked, "Whose fault is he contemplating, mine or his own ?" On hearing this the muni presented himself before the Acerya and apologised for his impudence.
There are some who fill us with enthusiasam while there are others who dampen our spirits.
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