What is holiness? Does one become holy by externally giving up all worldly ties and objects, dressing in a particular way, having a specific name, eating sanctified food, living in an ashrama and following a specific style of living? Of course, these traits do indicate that a person is different from others; he is living differently and is perhaps holy. These are external marks and, in a larger scheme of life, they have role to play. They indicate something sublime is in the offing. And person endowed with these is likely to be on his way to holiness. These marks can protect him from many temptations, safeguarding him from the dangers of certain demands of the world. They may also be a reminder to him that he is treading a holy path. A holy person ‘belongs’ to God. His dress and other traits tell others that he should be given all the liberty and opportunity to practice his spiritual ideal. A bell is rung when one sees him—that one should also try to live a holy life. But holiness