Sannyaasa - An Inner Attainment

Sannyaasa - An Inner Attainment  by   Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha

Sannyaasa is an inner attainment, consisting of enlightenment on the one hand and sublimation and enrichment on the other, both of which relate to the intelligence and the mind. Krishna explains beautifully what this inner attainment of enrichment and sublimation is.

`To be a sannyaasin is in reality to be free of desire and hatred', is the preface Krishna makes. The mind of anyone is normally given to love and hatred. You will find this trait even in the new born child. If you put a little sugar on his tongue, the child will start licking quite happily. On the other hand, if you give him something bitter, his reaction will be quite visibly different. He dislikes the taste outright. This `dual' note which finds expression in every sensory interaction, continues to grow and dominate the human, even when he grows up.

Unless a wholesome effort is made, this stranglehold on the mind cannot be removed. The mind given to love and hate is clearly under the spell of dvandvas (opposites). A nirdvandva is one who is not caught up by this dvandva-fostering- attitude. The nirdvandva orientation, Krishna points out, will enable the seeker to be freed of all inner bondages.

`Sukham bandhaat pramucyate' are the words he uses (Bhagavadgeeta 5.3). The word `sukham' (easily) is to be noted.

Sannyaasa may carry a measure of hard ascetic discipline and exclusiveness. But in yoga-pursuit this fate is avoided skillfully by taking to the pursuit of nirdvandvatva.

We should not fail to understand that the whole dialogue is between rulers. Kings are given to the comforts as well as the burdens of the throne. For them any spiritual discipline and austerity must be in keeping with their royal life and responsibilities. The usual ascetic renunciation naturally will not be harmonious with them. At the same time, they should not be denied the great benefits the ascetic life and sublimation bestow. How then to fill the gap, and club the two distinct ways? Krishna's whole effort has been to accomplish this great task of integration – integrating spiritual wisdom and karma-yoga.

Krishna defined sannyaasa and sannyaasin in his own novel and sovereign manner, rendering clarity and purpose to the subject matter. The dialogue, thus, lives as an immortal exposition and interpretation of the ageless Upanishads, which have but one theme and mission – imparting Brahmavidya, the knowledge and realization of the Soul!

To discuss spirituality is to deal with the eternal problems of human mind and intelligence. Analyzed closely, tormenting thoughts trouble the mind and various kinds of doubts eclipse the intelligence. Both subtly conspire to create all the troubles and travails for humans. The plight, in its full depth and intensity, is called bondage (bandhana). Arjuna's plight is, in fact, a bondage of this kind. Krishna is bent upon redressing it in all thoroughness!