Satyam Sivam Sundaram-Part II

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Inner Beauty

The inner beauty of the mind and intellect is something which is generally neglected. This inner beauty is more fully explained by the following Sanskrit verse.

Narasyabharanam rupam, rupasyabharanam gunah
Gunashyabharanam jnanam jnanasyabharanam ksama.

The ornament of man is his physical form, the ornament of the form are his inner virtues, the ornament of his knowledge is forgiveness.

The ornament of man is his physical form: It has already been mentioned that the first thing attracting us to a person is his or her physical beauty. It is said - kanya warayate rupam. A girl always chooses a husband for his good looks, even though her mother looks for wealth (maatha vittam) and the father, for education (pitha srutam) in a son-in-law. But outer beauty is not lasting. It is only skin deep. Physical attraction wears out. Something deeper is required to sustain the love and attraction.

The ornaments of the physical form are virtues: Virtues like humility, compassion, accommodation, cheerfulness, enthusiasm, non-injury, truth, self control, charity etc., add beauty to a person. Even an ugly person is considered beautiful if he or she is virtuous. These virtues can grow as one ages. They give lasting beauty and joy to man.

The ornament of virtues is knowledge: Virtues are good, but without the right understanding of life, the knowledge of the goal of life, the discrimination between the good and the pleasant, bondage and liberation, do's and don'ts it does not create a feeling of respect in others. People with right understanding conduct their own lives beautifully and also become ideal for others.

Adi Sankaracharyaji says that knowledge is that which quietens the extroversion of our mind and senses “tadjnanam prasamakaram yad indriyanam"

When man stops his mad rush towards sense gratification, he is called wise and mature. It is also said that the result of knowledge is the elimination of wrong notions and withdrawal from false pursuits. "Vidya-phalam syat asato nivrttih".

A person sees a shining object on the beach and mistakes it to be a piece of silver. He looks around and proceeds cautiously towards it to take it. Finally when it is in his hand, he discovers it is a worthless bit of mother of pearl. Knowing its true worth, he has no hesitation in throwing it away. The ornament of knowledge is forgiveness. Forgiveness, patience, tolerance and fortitude are great virtues in anyone. When they adorn a man of perfection, a wise man or an intelligent and capable person, they are even more beautiful.

To be continued

About the author

Swami Tejomayananda

Swami Tejomayananda, the Chairman and spiritual head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide, is one of the foremost disciples of Swami Chinmayananda. He is an outstanding teacher of Vedanta and an accomplished poet, author, and composer.