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A saint or a Sannyasin will not sleep on thorns, eat mud and stones, walk on his head and
break through walls. His body, too, is subject to hunger and thirst, heat and cold, etc., and an
overcoat is only a vertical blanket in bits and stitched in a convenient way to cover the body
against cold without hampering the movement of the limbs for service. A blanket is a horizontal
piece. I do not attach more importance or value to the coat.
After all, why should you look at the outer garb? Try to perceive the inner man, his
thoughts, his ideas and his virtues. Not the external details. Only a real saint can understand
another saint.
It is not a body besmeared with ashes, or a flowing beard or matted locks that determine a
saint. Why should you attach much importance to this overcoat of mine? To indulge in dress by
way of luxury is certainly not justified. But, for bare necessities, the body must be provided with
proper dress and food.
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda