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by Jayaram V
According to the Bhagavad-Gita, sanyas or renunciation is a matter
of attitude and thinking. True renunciation means freedom from desires.
It is possible through detachment and equanimity of mind.
What is important is not renunciation of
action or obligatory duties, but renunciation of desires and attachment
to actions (4.20). It is by renouncing the desire for the fruit
of actions a karmayogi becomes a true sanyasi. Mental renunciation
is actually more difficult to practice than outward and superficial
renuciation. The Bhagavadgita proclaims that a karmayogi, who neither
hates nor desires, should be considered true Sanyasi, because it
is by overcoming desires a person transcends the pair of opposites
hidden in his passions and emotions (5.3).
Truly speaking, as far as attitude and thinking are concerned,
there is not much distinction between a karmayogi and a sanyasi.
A true karmayogi in essence acts and lives with the attitude of
a sanyasi, while a true sanyasi performs actions with the attitude
of a true karmayogi. Both perform desire-less actions, without any
expectations and remain content with whatever fruit that has been
gained unsought. They are not troubled by either positive or negative
gain. They are not elated when they come into contact with the sense
objects or separated from them. They react to pain and pleasures
alike, as evidence of the fleeing nature of our existence and our
bondage to the cycle of births and deaths. They are free from jealousy,
free from the afflictions of the mind and remain innerly detached
from the humdrum of worldly life. Though they participate in the
affairs of the world, they control their senses and can withdraw
themselves from the sense objects at will. In this manner a karmayogi
lives like a sanyasi in thought and a sanyasi like a karmayogi in
deed.
The Bhagavadgita provides a glimpse of how a true sanyasi lives
and thinks. In the fifth chapter, we are informed, "Whether in seeing,
hearing, touching, smelling, tasting, walking, sleeping or breathing,
while performing actions a true sanyasi thinks that he is doing
nothing at all. And when he is performing his bodily functions,
he knows that only his senses are dealing with the sense objects."
(5.8-9). Thus a true Sanyasi is but karmayogi in daily
life.
A true sanyasi is God centered. His thoughts revolve around
God and he thinks of God as he performs his actions. He performs
his obligatory duties with detachment and offers them to God as
sacrificial offerings. He is not concerned with the result as he
acknowledges God as the real doer and himself as a mere instrument.
Despite his lack of interest in ownership, he does not abandon
his duties towards himself, his family and his society. Sattvic
in nature, he is compassionate and unconditional in his relationship
with others. He considers his life as an offering to God, surrendering
himself to Him completely. The impurities of life do not touch him,
because he is detached, in control of his mind and senses and free
from egoism. Because he renounces doer-ship and acknowledges God
as the real doer, he remains untouched by sin.
The Bhagavadgita declares renunciation as the highest form of
spiritual discipline because peace follows renunciation immediately(12.12).
The attitude of renunciation is well evident in the life and activities
of Lord Krishna himself. Though he led a luxurious life, seemingly
enjoying the abundance of royal life, he was inwardly detached.
He stood on the side of righteousness and destroyed demons and evil
people, with a sense of duty rather than any kind of vindictiveness.
In the epic Mahabharata while the various characters flit across
the screen displaying tumultuous emotions, Lord Krishna remains
calm and composed throughout. Truly, in Lord Krishna we find the
perfect blend of a true karmayogi and sanyasi.
Suggested Further Reading
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