What does it mean to be holy? Do vestments, ochre robes, or ash smeared over the body make one holy? What are the qualities of a holy person?
Being holy means to be pure, which in turn means to have elevated thoughts – always and for everyone. Someone with a pure mind has clarity, due to which they can tell the difference between good and bad. A clean and clear intellect enables them to discern the intentions of others and act accordingly. Yet they are not cynical or apathetic, and instead have benevolent feelings.
When we know other people’s intentions, we are not influenced by their nature or behaviour, because we know where it is coming from. Moreover, when we have a pure attitude, we see others compassionately, through the prism of their good qualities. Even when we see a not very impressive side of someone, with our benevolence we are able to show the other person a better way to be. This is purity in action. It is not just a quality to be cherished; it is of greatest value when it serves others.
There are many ways in which purity is manifested and it touches and inspires others. We have a kind vision — no matter what the other person is like, we accept and respect them, and have good wishes for them. Purity in speech means to speak gently, politely, and to the point — no gossip or idle talk. When these qualities are visible in someone, they appear special — they stand out with their friendly and reassuring vibrations and demeanour.
But to be like that we need to watch our thoughts, words and behaviour, to avoid what is ordinary or wasteful. When the intellect is pure, we hold ourselves to the highest standards and do not reason that it is alright to be a little slack as many others are so.
Our time and thoughts are wasted when we do not recognise whether something is right or wrong. We consider unnecessary or wrong activity to be right, and deceive the self by thinking that we are intelligent or strong and our judgement is correct.
A clean intellect, which is the basis of holiness, saves us from these pitfalls. Another sign of such an intellect is that it does not condemn people for their flaws. One who is truly holy, when they see a defect in someone, does not think, “This one is like that anyway”. Instead, they inspire the other person to overcome their shortcomings.
B.K. Usha is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.
