Sage Dattatreya
He whom honor and insult, loss or gain, cannot affect, is a Sage of the best class. The best among Sages can, without hesitation, give complete answers on matters relating to Realization and the sublimest truths. He seems to be spontaneously animated when discussing matters pertaining to jnana (realization) and is never tired of their exposition. His nature is to remain without efforts. Contentment and purity abide in him. Even the most critical situations do not disturb his peace of mind. These are qualities which must be tried for oneself and verified; they are of no value as tests applied to others, for they may be genuine or spurious.
An aspirant must first apply the tests to himself and always prove his own worth; he can then judge others. How can the repeated testing of oneself fail to improve one? Let one not spend time judging others; but let one judge oneself. Thus one becomes perfect. What have here been called the traits of a jnani are meant for one's own use and not for testing others, because they admit of many modifications according to circumstances. For instance, a jnani who has realized the Self with the least effort may continue in his old ways although his mind is unassailable. He looks like a man of the world for all practical purposes. How can he be judged by others? Nevertheless, one jnani will know another at sight, just as an expert can appraise precious stones at a glance.
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