0n Saint and Saintliness
From the published writings of Swamiji (in the year 1981)
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From a peripheral view, these saints look different from each other. But a perspicacious observer can see the golden cord of saintliness running through all their apparently contradictory expressions. They show a profound concern for the problems of the world, and an incredible unconcern for their own. They have infinite capacity to patiently suffer without being revengeful, to remain ever hopeful without being expectant; they are always unpredictable and remain choicelessly alone. If nobody answers their call they prefer to walk alone.

Saintliness is born out of inner contentment, is an expression of a state of non-desiring. The saint's inner plenitude is not the least affected by the lavishness of his external munificence. That quality of total renunciation makes him loving and lovable. Nobody is afraid of a saint and the saint is afraid of anybody. Fear appears where give and take is involved.

Who is a saint? What are his marks? What makes him saintly? What is the essence of his saintliness? Arjuna asked these questions to Lord Krishna: O Lord, tell me the marks of a wise man steadied in his vision." Lord answered that one who is ever awareful and has a mastery over his desires is a wise man, one who is contended with what he has, never desiring for a change.

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