Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 43
गिरिजातपः-परीक्षा तथा सप्तर्षि-आह्वानम्
Girijā’s Austerity-Test and the Summoning of the Seven Sages
बकं साधुं वर्णयंति न मत्स्यानत्ति सर्वथा । सहवासी विजानीयाच्चरित्रं सहवासिनाम्
bakaṃ sādhuṃ varṇayaṃti na matsyānatti sarvathā | sahavāsī vijānīyāccaritraṃ sahavāsinām
世人或会称赞鹭鸟为“圣者”，只因它看似全然不食鱼；然而与之近居相伴者，方能识得同住者真实的行止与品性。
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages, inferred from Purana dialogue frame)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches discernment (viveka): outer austerity or reputation can be deceptive, while true dharma is known by sustained conduct; Shaiva practice values inner purity and steady character over display.
Linga-worship and Saguna Shiva-bhakti are meant to transform one’s character; the verse warns that merely adopting external signs of devotion without inner change is hollow, and true devotion is verified through lived behavior.
Choose satsanga, examine one’s motives during japa of the Pañcākṣarī (Om Namaḥ Śivāya), and pair external observances (bhasma/tripuṇḍra, rudrākṣa) with inner restraint—truthfulness, non-deceit, and compassion.