Filled with the nectar of virtue in thought, word and deed, pleasing the three worlds with their service, praising even the smallest virtues of others as big as mountains and always satisfied and at peace in their hearts. how many such great souls are there? Indeed, there are few such men who observe the austerity of mind, body and mind by service to others. These thoughts are verily echoed from Gita and describe the stitapragna (man of steady wisdom)

The Devas were not satisfied with the gems. They were not frightened with the poison that issued. Without rest, they toiled till they got the elixir (amrutam) Likewise, the brave do not rest till they achieve their decided goal. Lowly people do not venture into action for the fear of failure. Mediocre people abandon actions if faced with obstacles. Men of noble character do not abandon their undertakings even if they are faced with obstacles often.

Bhartrihari discusses the mental resolve of the great men.

One who is determined to accomplish his goal does not bother about sleep and comforts. At times, he will sleep on the floor. At other times he might sleep on the raised cot also. At times he will eat raw fruits and tubers. At times he will eat well- cooked rice. At times, he will be in rags and at other times, he shall wear good clothing. But being indifferent to all this, he shall be determined about his goal.

The resolve of a determined person is described here. Keeping only the goal in sight, such a person cares not for the comforts. And how does this determination extend into one's life and shape one's character?

Those well versed in justice (neethi) do not deter from the path of righteousness. Whether they are showered with praise or abuse, whether wealth comes to them or goes another way, whether death comes now or at the end of the all the ages (yuga), a person of resolute mind does not deviate from the right path.

The statue of Angel of Justice is a typical representation of these statements. Blindfolded to other effects, the Angel holds the scales (balance) to dispense justice. This is an usual, common statue we see in many movies etc.,

Whose mind is not pierced by the glances of a woman (spouse), whose mind is not burnt by the fire of anger, whose mind is not tempted and attracted by objects of desire, he conquers the three worlds.

Krishna states this in Gita briefly yet firmly, that lust, greed and anger are the three gates to hell. These ideas are indicated in the same spirit as advise for the control of the mind. Krishna's advice: Control the mind-Control the senses. Control the senses-Control the mind. This is the comprehensive formula one should try to apply. The determination and resolve enhance one's evolution and fixes one in the yoga. How else is a determined person?

The brave, determined quality of a courageous person can never be destroyed by troubling him and harassing him. Even if a flame face is inverted, the flame never faces downwards (it always burns upwards).

So how great is the good nature about which one should be determined?

It is better that this body be thrown from mountain-tops and be shattered in the gaps of rough boulders. It is better that the hand is placed in the mouths of highly venomous snake. It is better to fall into fire and be consumed. In spite of all this it is preferable not to discard one's good character (good nature, righteousness).

Upholding moral values and noble nature is of paramount importance and one should be mentally determined not to compromise on these.

Whose physical self is filled with welfare for all the people, for such a person fire is like water, ocean is like a canal, Mount Meru (a big mountain) is like a small stone. The lion is like a deer, the snake is like a garland and poison becomes nectar for him.

The examples indicate the sattwic nature of one who wishes good for all. Harming objects become innocuous, big obstacles become insignificant and those which are dangerous to life become harmless.

A tree sprouts again, even after it is cut down. The moon waxes after it wanes. This is the nature of the universe. Great men realising this do not get disheartened on seeing people (friends, relatives and others) in distress.

The spirit of karma yoga is brought about by these words. Bhartrihari's indicative examples are brief and well guiding.

To be a good man is the ornament for one who is wealthy and affluent. For valour, control of speech (limited speech) is the ornament. Peace (serenity) for knowledge, humility for learning, charity (supporting good cause and men) for wealth, absence of anger for penance, patience for lordliness, non requirement of reason for practice of dharma (religion, non obligatory action) are the ornaments or decorations. But above all, the greatest ornament is the pure and noble character, one possesses.

Determination for evolving oneself is one thing. To constantly strive for betterment without distraction is next. To believe in right action and perform same is next. If one could trust these words of Bhartrihari, one would find the character itself changing for better.

The story of Sri Ramakrishna on how a thief becomes a sadhu

One night, a thief breaks into the palace and while he goes about the palace in the midnight period, he hears the King conversing with the Queen. He says that he is going to marry of their daughter to one of the sadhus sitting by the river front.

The thief decides to dress himself as a sadhu and try his luck. Come the morn, he goes and occupies a position with the other sadhus on the riverfront dressed up as one of them.

Soon, the palace officials come and start requesting and pleading with the sadhus to marry the princess. But no one agrees for the proposal. Having been rejected by all sadhus, the King's men placed their plea to the thief in sadhu's garb. The thief maintained silence. The officials returned to the King and informed the result, but they suggested that the young sadhu (thief) may be persuaded. The King himself proceeded to the waterfront and pleaded earnestly with the thief.

The thief underwent a transformation. He thought if just the camouflage in sadhu's garb could get such a respect, what more, if one is really a sadhu?

His mind was at peace at once. Thoughts of getting married to the princess vanished and he abandoned his old ways to become one of the great ascetics.

We find a similar story line in Valmiki's life also. Just a resolute mind to polish one's character can begin the transformation.