There are peaceful and magnanimous saints who live – like the spring season – for the good of humanity. They have crossed this dreadful ocean of finitude through their own efforts and with no ulterior motives, they also help others to cross it.
Indeed, it is the nature of the magnanimous to help remove the troubles of others, even as the moon of its own accord cools the earth scorched by the flaming rays of the sun.
Vivekachudamani, 37, 38
Tranquillity of Mind
Mahatmas are very peaceful and tranquil. They have no mental agitations, because there are no desires bubbling up from the pool of vasanas (impressions) within. In fact, vasanas, which are the source of desires, are completely dried up in their bosom. On the other hand, we have innumerable vasanas, and naturally, desires pop up and create agitations in the mind. The moment a desire to possess an object arises in the mind, the agitation starts, “How to get it? Where to get it? When can I get it?” Then the body cannot keep quiet; it starts running about to acquire the object somehow or other. In the case of Mahatmas, there is no such desire for the world of objects, for pleasure or aggrandizement. Therefore, their minds remain quiet and calm.
Further, they are large-hearted and compassionate. They are peaceful, rooted in sat, the Reality. Everything in this world changes, but the fact of Existence (sat) in them never changes. They embody this Truth and always abide peacefully in themselves.
Mahatmas are Like the Spring
Some may think that these Mahatmas are of no use, but they also serve the society. Their presence is like the spring season when everything becomes more beautiful. The weather becomes pleasant; the leaves become fresh – green and shiny. Without any special fertiliser, plants revive and bloom forth. Even weeds burst into blossom and smile at you! Men and women feel inspired.
Likewise, the presence of Mahatmas inspires the whole world imperceptibly. They move around for the welfare of the world. They beautify the world; beautify the people and their relationship to each other by their very presence. Miss Spring does not go to every single leaf and flower to make it open up, but when she comes, everything happens spontaneously. Similarly the effect of a Mahapurusha’s presence is such that even the most sensuous and cruel murderer has a change of heart. The Mahatma seems to cast some kind of magic around him, and all of us under that influence become relatively nice and quiet, at least temporarily!
Springtime never brings about any disaster to the world. Rains can create havoc at times, summer can be scorching and bring drought, winter can be relentless in its persecution, but springtime is always benevolent to all beings – plants, animals and humans; all beings get a new energy and beauty at the advent of spring. Similarly, a great Master showers blessings all round him.
They Help Us Cross the Ocean of Sansaar
This realm of change is vast as an ocean and difficult to cross over. Not only have these mighty Masters crossed over this treacherous ocean of plurality, they also help others to cross over it and reach the realms of infinite Bliss and Beatitude, beyond the world of time and space. Whether you want it or not, whether you like it or not, they take you beyond all suffering because of their boundless compassion.
Thus, Mahapurushas work in the world outside, not because of any personal desire or personal restlessness, but because they want to share with us the joy and bliss they have discovered. Hence, from that higher state of Consciousness, they jump back again into the delusory world of plurality only to save us from our miseries, just as a mother would jump into the house on fire to save her child.
Their work in this world is a concretization of their infinite love, which is their very nature. The Mahatma has realized that the world of plurality is nothing but his own Self – one Self in different forms. Therefore, he has nothing but love for everybody.
Compassion is Their Nature
And yet, having realized that it is all an illusion and Brahman alone is real why does he do it? Why does he jump back into the world? Sankaracharya explains that it is their nature. They cannot but do that, since it is their nature to be compassionate. He cannot sit quietly and see somebody suffering. He is very dexterous, very efficient in saving others from their sorrows.
Sankaracharya gives an example from Nature. It is the nature of the Moon to cool and comfort the Earth which has been baked in the merciless, scorching heat of the Sun in the summer season. Similarly, the Mahapurushas, in their infinite compassion, come to our rescue when we are roasted in the fire of sansaar.
Therefore, to surrender to such a Mahapurusha, requesting him/her to save us from our wrong understanding of life is to assure for ourselves a true Liberation, almost a luxury liner to the Truth!
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