The True Saint: Rising Above Riches, Lust, and Recognition

True greatness lies not in what we achieve in the world, but in what we rise above within ourselves.

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In today’s world, the word saint is often casually thrown around. A good or polite person is often labeled a saint. A person donating a portion of their wealth is called saintly. A man who avoids conflict and lives quietly is sometimes considered saint-like. But what is the actual standard of sainthood? What does it truly mean to be a sadhu, a person of spiritual stature? The Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana—two of the most revered and deeply insightful spiritual texts in the world—offer a radically different vision. One that is not just profound, but also supremely elevating.

The Three Tests: Kanchan, Kamini, and Kirti

The saint is not someone who merely appears serene or speaks softly. A true saint is one who has risen above three of the most binding traps of human existence:

• Kanchan – the lure of wealth and material prosperity

• Kamini – the pull of lust and sensual gratification

• Kirti – the craving for fame, recognition, and validation

These three forces are so powerful, so seductive, that they have reduced kings to beggars, sages to sinners, and empires to dust. And yet, a true saint walks through this fire without getting burned. How?

Not through denial. Not through self-torture. But through realization—deep, inner, soul-level realization of something higher, something eternally fulfilling.

Let’s explore this in depth.

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1. Kanchan – Rising Above the Trap of Wealth

In the Bhagavad Gita (2.70), Krishna says:

“That person attains peace into whom all desires enter, just like the waters enter the ocean, which remains ever undisturbed even while constantly getting filled; not the one who savors such desires.”

A saint does not see money as evil. But he also does not see money as necessary for peace. The attraction of wealth is dangerous not because of money itself, but because of what it does to the mind. It promises happiness in installments, constantly whispering, “Just a little more.”

But a saint is not sold into that whisper. He may use money in service of God or society, but he does not chase it for personal pleasure. His peace is not held hostage by his bank balance. Just like an ocean remains full and still despite rivers flowing into it, his heart remains content, irrespective of financial fluctuations.

In the Bhagavata Purana, there are countless examples of such detachment. King Rantideva gave away even the last morsel of food to a guest, stating:

“I do not pray to the Supreme Lord for the eightfold yogic perfection or salvation. I simply wish that all living beings may be free from suffering.” (Bhagavata Purana Book 9 Chapter 21)

This is the heart of a saint—rich not in assets, but in compassion.

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2. Kamini – Overcoming the Desires of the Flesh

Sexual desire is not merely physical. It is perhaps the most deeply rooted expression of our illusion that we are the body. Krishna, in the Gita (3.39), says:

“Wisdom is covered by the constant enemy of the wise in the form of desire, O Kaunteya, as if by the fire that is never satisfied.”

The idea that lust can be “managed” or “moderated” is one of the greatest modern myths. Lust is never satisfied—it only wants more. Like fire, it appears attractive, gives temporary warmth, but consumes everything in the end. And when left unregulated, it burns down peace, relationships, and dignity.

A saint rises above it, not by repressing it, but by realizing that he is not this body. His joy is not based on bodily pleasures. His connection is with the Supreme Being, whose love gives a far deeper ecstasy than anything material ever could.

There’s a beautiful story in the Bhagavata Purana about Shukadeva Goswami, the great renounced sage and speaker of the Bhagavatam. He walked past bathing maidens without the slightest disturbance of mind. The women did not even bother to cover themselves because they knew he saw no difference between male and female bodies. His vision was that of the soul.

But can we claim to be like Shukadeva? If not, then let us not use his example to justify our own irresponsibility. A saint does not exploit spiritual ideals to accommodate his desires—he transforms his desires by engaging them in a higher, purer love.

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3. Kirti – Letting Go of the Addiction to Validation

This might be the most subtle of the three traps. We may renounce wealth. We may even control lust. But recognition? Praise? The need to be seen as good, successful, spiritual, or wise? This is often the last enemy.

Krishna tells Arjuna:

“Perform your dutiful actions, O Dhananjaya, being steadfast in Yoga, abandoning all material attachments, and remaining steady in both success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga.” (Bhagavad Gita 2.48)

A saint doesn’t act for applause. He acts because it is his dharma, his divine service. His compass is inner purity, not public opinion. He does not measure his worth by likes, followers, or fame. He is content being unknown, as long as he is known to Krishna.

Even great devotees like Haridas Thakur, who was publicly beaten and humiliated for his chanting of the holy names, remained undisturbed and continued chanting with deeper faith. Their glory was not in how many people knew them, but in how deeply they knew Krishna.

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Why These Three Are So Hard to Overcome

Because they are deeply tied to our false ego. They reinforce the illusion that “I am this body and this world is mine.” But the more we invest in these illusions, the more we drift away from the truth of who we are: eternal souls, meant to love and serve God.

That’s why true saints are so rare. But they are also beacons. They show us what’s possible. That we too, despite our entanglements, can walk this path if we take shelter of Krishna’s teachings.

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The Positive Path Forward: Bhakti Yoga

So how do we walk this path? Krishna doesn't leave us in suspense. The Bhagavad Gita (9.34) gives the direct route:

“Fixing your mind on Me, become My devotee; surrender to Me, and bow down to Me. Absorbing your self thus, and accepting Me as the supreme goal, you will surely come to Me.”

The practice of bhakti yoga is not about rejecting life. It’s about purifying it. By hearing about Krishna, chanting His names, remembering His pastimes, serving His devotees, and aligning our duties with His instructions, our inner cravings gradually weaken.

This is not theoretical. It is a lived, felt transformation. The joy of serving Krishna, the beauty of chanting His names, the warmth of associating with devotees—it slowly but surely becomes more fulfilling than chasing money, lust, or fame.

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Final Thoughts: What Kind of Life Do We Want?

It boils down to this: Do we want to live reacting to external lures, or do we want to rise to a platform of inner fulfillment?

Saints are not weak. They are warriors. They have fought and won the greatest battle—the war within. Their hearts are not just free from attachment—they are full of love. Love for God, and love for all beings.

Such love cannot be manufactured. It is a gift—a divine reward for those who choose to walk the difficult path of renunciation and devotion.

We may not be saints yet, but we can walk in their direction. Every time we choose Krishna over kanchan, kamini, or kirti, we take a step closer to our real identity. And with Krishna's grace, that journey becomes the greatest adventure of our lives.

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Let’s aspire, not to impress the world, but to please Krishna. Let’s not chase temporary excitement, but eternal joy. Let’s become seekers—not of fame or fortune—but of that love which made saints abandon everything and yet feel they had gained it all.

That is the power of true spirituality. That is the legacy of our saints. And that is the invitation being extended to you and me—right now.