This is
the qualification of sadhu. Sadhu is titiksava, tolerates
all kinds of miserable conditions. He is sadhu. Because this is a place of
miserable condition. A sadhu learns how to tolerate. Sadhu is never
disturbed. Yasmin sthito gurunapi duhkhena na vicalyate. A sadhu,
who has got the shelter of Krsna, if he is placed in the severest type of
dangerous condition, he is never disturbed.
Just like Prahlada Maharaja, his father was putting him in so
many dangerous conditions, even he was supplying with poison. He knew that “My
father has given me poison to drink. All right, let me drink. If Krsna likes, He
will save me. I am now put into such dangerous position. I have to drink. Father
is giving poison. Who can check?” And such a big powerful Hiranyakasipu. The
mother cried, requested... He forced the mother, Prahlada’s mother, “Give
your son this poison.” So she begged so much, but he was a rascal demon.
“No, you must give.” So the mother knew, the son knew that the rascal father
is giving this poison. What can he do, a small child? “All right, let me
drink.” Gurunapi duhkhena na vicalyate. He is not agitating. “All
right, if Krsna likes, I will live.” This is the position of sadhu. He
is not disturbed. Titiksavah. In all circumstances, he is tolerant. That
is sadhu. Sadhu does not become disturbed. Titiksavah. At
the same time, karunikah. He is himself disturbed, but he is merciful to
others.
Just
like Jesus Christ. He is being crucified, and still he is merciful: “God,
these people do not know what they are doing. Please excuse them.” This is sadhu.
He is personally being disturbed by the demons, but still, he is merciful to the
general people. They are suffering for want of Krsna consciousness. So even up
to the point of death, he is trying to preach Krsna consciousness. “Let the
people be benefited. Eh, what is this material body? Even if I am killed, I am
not killed. This body is killed, that’s all.” This is sadhu. Titiksavah
karunikah. In one side he is tolerant, and other side, merciful.
(Srila Prabhupada from a Bhagavad-gita
1.21-22 Lecture London 18/7/73)
