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The Duties of Vanaprasthis and Sannyasins
Now the duties of the Paramahamsas are described. He who is full of wisdom and renunciation, who is devoted to Me without caring even for salvation should move about without any outward marks of Sannyasa and should be above all formalities.
Though he is wise, he should play like a child; though he is skilled in everything, he should behave like a simpleton; though he is a man of erudition, he should talk like an ordinary man; and though he is well-versed in the Vedas, he should behave like an ordinary man, without thirsting for applause or name and fame.
He should not take delight in explaining or upholding the Vedas relating, to sacrificial duties; he should not be an unbeliever in the Vedas. He should not indulge in vain discussions or empty debates. He should not take part or side in worthless discussions.
The sage should not be afraid of other men; nor should he frighten them. He should not be vexed by others nor should he vex others. He should put up with harsh words. He should never insult anybody; for the sake of the body he should not like a brute, be at enmity with any.
The one Supreme Atman abides in the bodies of all beings and in one’s own body, just as the same moon gets reflected in different vessels or expanses of water. All bodies are of the same nature also, as they are made up of the same five elements.
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