Sannyasa in Modern Times

 

Photo Credit: THATfirst||Swami Vivekananda

Sannyasa in Modern Times

We, in India, are all aware of the meaning of Sannyasa which is the final life stage renunciation in Hindu philosophy, the other three stages being Brahmacharya (bachelor student), Grihastha (householder) and Vanaprastha (forest dweller, retired). Sannyasa is a form of ascetism which is marked by renunciation of material desires and prejudices, represented by a state of disinterest and detachment from material life and has the purpose of spending one’s life in peaceful, love-inspired, simple spiritual life.

When we talk of becoming a Sannyasi or ascetic in modern times we do not mean a person who renounces everything and goes into the forest or to the Himalayas. The question is can one become a sannyasi and still live in society following all the rules of the society in which one lives? Swamiji has given his own example and said that one can be a householder, have a family and at the same time attain to spiritual heights and attain a state of moksha or liberation.

The traditional behavioural characteristics of a sannyasi apart from renunciation include non-violence, non-anger even if under abuse, disarmament (no weapons), chastity, bachelorhood (no marriage), poverty, self-restraint, truthfulness and honesty, kindness to all creatures, non-stealing, non-acceptance of gifts, non-possessiveness and purity of speech and mind. These behavioural traits were made sacrosanct by asking the sannyasi to take vows before entering the monastic order.

Today, even though there are several ashrams spread all over the country and the traditional form of ascetism is practised in those ashrams, there are several spiritual Masters who explain that one does not have to become an ascetic to become spiritual or to attain a state of moksha. So, in this context, I feel a sannyasi in modern times could be a householder living a normal life who does his own spiritual practise through yoga and meditation under the guidance of his/her spiritual Master.

Such a person lives a simple life based on his/her stature in society – the trick here I feel, is that having taken this path one has to live as an honest member of society, witnessing life as it happens, meditating and living in the moment, enjoying every moment of life, spreading love and harmony while following the rules of society.

One need not get attached to anything or anyone, live and let live in complete freedom, do not consciously or unconsciously hurt anyone or anything, live free from karma by surrendering all your good deeds to the Guru-energies and by making your own aura so powerful that no bad deeds happen through you. Then in my view you are a sannyasi in modern times who is on the way to liberation.