What is the lakshana indicative quality, mark, sign or characteristic of a jnani (a person with correct knowledge)?, to which Sri Ramana Maharshi replied. The jnani is like a fan or a veena. If a fan or veena is left untouched, it will remain still and silent, but if anyone waves a fan, it will give a cool and pleasant breeze, and if anyone plays a veena, it will make beautiful music. Likewise, if no one asks the jnani anything or disturbs him in any other way, he will remain quiet, but if anyone kindles him in an appropriate manner, he will reveal many wonderful truths. Hearing this, Sadhu Om composed a Tamil verse expressing this idea, and then remarked: The jnani is like a calm pool of water. Left undisturbed, the pool remains still, but if a stone is thrown in it, ripples will begin radiating from the point the stone touches the surface. Likewise, of his own accord the jnani will not say anything, but if he is asked any questions, apt answers will emerge from him. On a prev