These qualities (satyam saucam daya ksantis) are not to be acquired. These qualities are there, but it is covered. Just like a sharpened knife: the cutting power is there, but when it is covered by dirt, it does not cut

Expressions researched:
"These qualities are not to be acquired. These qualities are there, but it is covered. Just like a sharpened knife: the cutting power is there, but when it is covered by dirt, it does not cut"

Lectures

Srimad-Bhagavatam Lectures

I'm very much disturbed that people are losing their original qualities." These qualities are not to be acquired. These qualities are there, but it is covered. Just like a sharpened knife: the cutting power is there, but when it is covered by dirt, it does not cut.

740123 - Lecture SB 01.16.26-30 - Honolulu

Time is very strong, that even in contact . . . coming in contact with Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they are falling. They are falling. That is due to Kali-yuga. Therefore Mother Dharitrī is . . . Śocāmi rahitaṁ lokaṁ pāpmanā kalina ikṣitam: "Now the Kali-yuga has come. I'm thinking that . . . I'm very much disturbed that people are losing their original qualities." These qualities are not to be acquired. These qualities are there, but it is covered. Just like a sharpened knife: the cutting power is there, but when it is covered by dirt, it does not cut.

So this is due to our material contamination. Therefore we have to revive it. That sharpness, we have to revive. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. If one is actually Kṛṣṇa conscious, then these qualities will be visible in his person. Yasyāsti bhaktir bhagavaty akiñcanā sarvair guṇais tatra samāsate surāḥ (SB 5.18.12). That is the test. If one is actually advanced in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, you'll not find any fault in him. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness.