which roughly means,
He appears differently at different times, like a king, a fool, a wise man, a person of mesmeric power, respected, derided, -- but all times in a state of bliss.
The external appearances of a person donot convey the truth. They are not the reflection of the inner Self of the person. Never judge a person by his looks and activity. You need to move with the person and closely interact with him, before you can come to any conclusion.
In this context, Guruji often cites a variety of examples. He talks about the life of Sri Seshãdri Swãmigal of Tiruvannãmalai. This great soul always used to roam around in the streets like a beggar, suddenly behave eccentric, going into shops and toppling off the cash boxes, dance in front of a dead body etc. But all of his activities signified some inner meaning and benign intention, which, only people close to him, could understand.
Sri Yogi Rãmsuratkumãr (popularly known as Visiri Swãmiyãr) of Tiruvannãmalai used to circumambulate the holy hill often. He used to smoke a cigar and have a hand fan.
I know one among a group of people who, a few years ago, used to perform "Giri Valam", singing Tiruppugazh Verses. Yogiji used to wait for this group everytime, whatever time of the day it be, sitting on a rock on the route, smoking his cigar. Once the group came, he used to get elated with joy and affectionately serve tea to every member from his own cup (which was a cocunut shell).
There are, and have been Mahãns, who have had a rigid way of life, sticking to disciplines of sainthood. There have been Mahaãns, who have had eccentric mannerisms. But, there is absolutely no difference between the former and the latter, because, internally, both of these kind enjoy the same supreme state of bliss. One important point to note here is that irrespective of their mannerisms and behaviors, one can feel the divine vibrations and positive atmosphere in the environ of a Jnãni.
I am reminded of one of the awesome replies that Yogi Rãmsuratkumãr gave to a question posed by one disciple of his -
Yogiji, you say that Jivan Muktãs attain the Ultimate Knowledge, the Supreme Bliss. Then why do they behave like any other mortal on the earth?
The Swãmiji, pointing to a river flowing near by, said,
"What do you see here?"
"a river"
"Where is it bound for?"
"to the ocean."
"Has it reached the ocean yet?"
"Yes of course, there is a point where it merges with the ocean", said the devotee.
"Can you see that the river is still flowing, though we know it has merged with the seas?"
It was clear, and the disciple had no more questions.
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