Swami Niralambananda pointed out the attitude behind the same actions of different individuals. He clarified that the words uttered, revealed the contents of the heart and determined the purity of the mind. The sannyasins had a detached outlook to things as they are clearly aware of the fact that they were not the body and that they extended much beyond the physical frame. They identified themselves with the all pervading atman.
So a delicacy or a simple food, silk robe or jute clothing, a cushioned bed or the bare floor hardly made any difference to them. Had they to savor sweetmeat they were ready to partake of the alms collected the next day wholeheartedly. Had they to adorn silk clothes they were more than ready to switch to rags or simple clothing if situation demanded, without a flinch.
They resorted to sleeping on the bare floor without the slightest hesitation even if they had slept on comfortable beds. In their attitude they were completely detached unlike the ordinary people who clung to comforts. Though they seemed to be quite their minds were always alert.
The Swami explained further to the king that the sannyasins were totally dedicated for selfless service and if there was a crisis to give up their life for a cause, the king would then come to know of their virtues, as they were totally detached from their body.
The Swami thus concluded saying that mere external actions fail to determine the depth of the renunciates’ deeds. - OneIndia
