Passage 3

In English

There is no caste for any of the five elements

On hearing this, remonstrated- "What a simpleton you are. You are only betraying your ignorance by observing untouchability, ignoring the divinity inherent in every being. God has no distinctions of caste and creed. There is no caste for any of the five elements, namely, earth, water, fire, air and sky, all of which have emanated from God. Irrespective of the castes, and creeds professed by men, all are equally sharing the bounties of' Nature offered by the five elements. Therefore, there is no need to observe such differences of caste and creed. Come closer to me." However, the mendicant could not shed his fear, because he had been nurturing this fear from his childhood. This shows that feelings such as fear, love, hatred etc., become ingrained in a person if he nurtures them for a long time from an early age in his life. told the mendicant, "God never endows man with fear. It is one's own weakness that fosters fear, because of some short-comings in one's self. 'One who has not committed any wrong or evil act will have no fear and hence will not need any protection or security. Fearlessness is the hall-mark of divinity. One can become fearless through (renunciation or sacrifice). For example, if you have some valuables with you, there is room for fear. But if you give up those valuables, you will be free from fear wherever you may be, even in a jungle infested with robbers. My dear child, realise that your very nature is absolute fearlessness in all circumstances. Remain true to your nature."