Sannyasins, Wake Up!

Sannyasins – Wake Up!

by Swami Sivananda

Mere study of Vichara-Sagara or Panchadasi cannot bring in the experience of pure, Advaitic consciousness. Vedantic gossiping and idle, dry talk on the Brahma Sutras and the Upanishads cannot help a man in feeling the unity or oneness of life. There is no hope for this man to feel the Advaitic unity of consciousness-Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma-“All this indeed is Brahman,” unless the aspirant destroys ruthlessly all sorts of Ghrina, hatred, petty-mindedness, jealousy, envy, idea of superiority and all barriers that separate man from man, by incessant, protracted service of humanity with the right mental attitude or divine Bhava. Practical Vedanta is rare in these days. There are only dry discussions and meaningless fights over the non-essentials of various religions.

The central teaching of the Gita is Self-realisation in and through the world. The same thing is preached by Sri Vasishtha to Sri Rama. To serve humanity, God in manifestation, and to think of God, while living in the world amidst various activities is far superior to a cave-life. Selfless work is Yoga. Work is Atma-Pooja. There is no loss in Nishkamya Karma. Real spiritual progress starts in Nishkamya Karma Yoga.

Just as a medical student cannot understand pathology, diagnosis and medicine, if he neglects to study physiology and morphology in the beginning, so also the aspirant cannot understand and realise the spirit and object of Vedanta, if he neglects to practise Nishkamya Yoga to eradicate the impurities of his mind. Practice of Karma Yoga eventually culminates in the realisation of Vedantic unity of Self.

Sarvam karmakhilam Partha jnane parisamapyate.

“All actions in the entirety, O Partha, culminate in wisdom, says Lord Krishna to Arjuna. There is not even an iota of hope to realise the Self without self-purification by Nishkamya Karma Yoga.

Serve everyone with intense love, without the idea of agency, without expectation of fruits, reward or even appreciation. Utilise this body-machine in selfless works. Feel that you are only Nimitta (instrument) in the hands of God, or a Sakshi of Prakriti’s activities, when you do Karma Yoga. Worship God in the poor and the sick. Have no attachment to any place, person or thing. Keep up the mental poise amidst the toil and moil of the world without considerations of success or failure, gain or loss, victory or defeat, respect or disrespect, pleasure or pain. Always have a balanced mind. Have the mind firmly rooted in the Self amidst all activities. Then you will become a true Karma Yogi. Work elevates, when done in the right spirit. Even if people scoff at you, revile, beat, kill or taunt you, always be indifferent. Be steady in your Sadhana.

This Sadhana demands constant practice, steadfastness, patience, perseverance and endurance. Practice of combined Karma and Jnana Yoga in the world is far more difficult than the practice of pure Jnana Yoga in a cave of Himalayan retreats. The former Yogi will have no Vikshepa or tossing of mind, while the latter will be easily disturbed by a little sound or bustle of the city. To keep up meditation while performing actions is a different kind of difficult Sadhana. The Yogi who keeps up meditation while performing actions is a powerful Yogi indeed. He has a different mind altogether.

People do not want to remove Mala (impurities) by Nishkamya Karma Yoga. They think that service and Bhakti are nothing. They at once shave their heads, put on coloured clothes and remain in a cave, posing as great Munis or Yogis. People study a few books on Vedanta and style themselves as Jivanmuktas. This is a serious mistake. Even if there is one real Jivanmukta, he is a great dynamic force to guide the whole world. Some Sannyasins of the old, orthodox school think that a Jivanmukta is without powers. A Jivanmukta is a dynamic personality with full powers. He can change or alter the destiny of the whole world.

This is the difference between a worldly-minded man and a trained Karma Yogi or a Sannyasin who works for the Lokasangraha or uplift of humanity. A Karma Yogi or a Sannyasin works with Akarta and Sakshi Bhava, without attachment or idea of agency and with the strong Nischaya or determination that the world is unreal and that the world is nothing but Atman or Brahman. This work is not work at all. This is ‘inaction in action’. This will not bring bondage. This Jnanagni or fire of wisdom burns all fruits of action. A worldly-minded man works with the idea of “I am the doer” and with expectation of fruits, and thinks that this world is a solid reality. This brings on bondage.

A long stay in caves makes a man Tamasic and unfit for energetic, active service of humanity. A recluse is afraid when he sees a big crowd or a bevy of ladies. A little sound throws him out of balance. A recluse in forests will have to test his real, inner strength by occasional visits to the plains and service of humanity. A proper understanding of the Maya-Vada is very necessary. The present deplorable condition of India is due to lack of right understanding of Maya-Vada. If some occasional batches of Sannyasins come out from their retreats and work in the world vigorously in a systematic manner according to their capacity, temperament and taste, we will indeed have a new and glorious India, full of new religious life with spiritual and moral upheaval.

This is a dire need of the present hour. A thorough overhauling of the organisation of this fourth order of life-Sannyasa-is an imperative necessity. Mere social service in some form or other and a little Katha or preaching here and there will not bring about satisfactory results. A drastic form of service is indispensable requisite. How active was Sri Sankara himself, the propounder of Maya-Vada! Look at the magnanimous work turned out by him! He preached against selfish Karmas only. He was not against selfless actions. He himself was a wonderful Karma yogi!

Let us all follow in his footsteps and his ideal and remove the wrong impressions that are formed in the minds of our countrymen. It is only Sannyasins bold who have worked wonders in the past. They can do wonders now also. They are whole-timed free men. They are full of energy, concentration, strength, purity and capacity. They have spiritual and ethical powers. They can undoubtedly thrill and electrify the whole world in the twinkling of an eye. Glory, glory to such exalted Sannyasins, children of Sri Sankara and Dattatreya, the real spiritual kings and spiritual teachers of the three worlds! May their blessings be upon us all! May the Sannyasins guide and enlighten the people who are sunk hopelessly and deplorably in the mire of Samsara! May the householders get their spiritual instructions with full Bhava and Sraddha and serve the Sannyasins with great care and sincerity!

Sannyasins – Wake Up – A Call for Discipline, Service, and Spiritual Alertness

Sannyasins – Wake Up is a powerful call to those who have chosen the path of renunciation, self-control, and spiritual life. A sannyasin is not meant to live in carelessness, laziness, pride, or comfort. The life of renunciation is a life of alertness, purity, sacrifice, and service. It demands courage, discipline, and constant awareness of the higher goal.

Renunciation does not mean only wearing a particular dress or leaving home. Real renunciation means giving up ego, selfish desire, attachment, greed, anger, and the hunger for name and fame. A person may live in a forest and still carry worldly thoughts. Another may live among people and yet remain inwardly free. Therefore, the true test of renunciation is not outer appearance but inner purity.

Sannyasins – Wake Up reminds spiritual seekers that time is precious. Human life is short, and every moment should be used wisely. If the mind is wasted in gossip, sleep, comfort, argument, and unnecessary wandering, spiritual energy becomes weak. A renunciate must live with purpose. Their thoughts, words, and actions should move toward truth, peace, compassion, and self-realization.

The world needs examples of sincere living. People are often confused by materialism, competition, desire, and fear. A true renunciate becomes a light for others. Such a person does not preach only through words but through conduct. Simplicity, humility, kindness, control of speech, and steady practice speak louder than long lectures.

Sannyasins – Wake Up is also a warning against spiritual pride. Sometimes a person may give up worldly possessions but become proud of being holy, learned, or respected. This pride is more dangerous because it hides behind religion. A true seeker remains humble. They know that every ability, opportunity, and insight comes through grace, effort, teachers, and discipline.

A renunciate must protect the mind carefully. The senses are strong, and old habits do not disappear automatically. Desire may return in subtle forms such as comfort, praise, authority, followers, or recognition. Therefore, daily self-examination is necessary. One should ask, “Am I becoming purer? Am I serving sincerely? Am I free from selfishness? Is my mind moving toward God or toward ego?”

Sannyasins – Wake Up teaches that meditation and service must go together. Meditation gives inner strength, while service expands the heart. If a person meditates but ignores the suffering of others, their spirituality may become dry. If a person serves but forgets inner practice, they may become restless. Balance is important. The heart should be compassionate, and the mind should be steady.

Discipline is the foundation of renounced life. Waking early, maintaining cleanliness, practicing prayer, studying wisdom, eating moderately, speaking truthfully, and avoiding luxury are not small matters. These habits shape the mind. A careless routine slowly weakens spiritual fire, while a disciplined routine keeps awareness alive.

A sannyasin should also be fearless. Fear comes from attachment. When a person depends on comfort, approval, money, or position, fear naturally arises. But one who has surrendered life to truth becomes inwardly strong. Such a person can face criticism, hardship, loneliness, and uncertainty with patience. This courage inspires others.

Sannyasins – Wake Up is a call to become active in the highest sense. Spiritual life is not dullness or escape. It is intense inner work. It requires conquering lower tendencies, purifying emotions, studying deeply, serving society, guiding seekers, and living as an example of truth. The world does not need sleepy renunciates; it needs awakened souls.

The speech of a renunciate should be pure and helpful. Harsh words, criticism, jealousy, and useless debate reduce spiritual power. Words should bring peace, clarity, and encouragement. Silence is also valuable. A person who speaks less and practices more naturally gains depth. True wisdom does not shout; it shines quietly.

Sannyasins – Wake Up also points toward responsibility. When someone takes the path of renunciation, people naturally look toward them for guidance. This is not a position of superiority but a duty of service. The renunciate must live carefully because their actions influence many minds. If they fall into carelessness, others may lose faith. If they live sincerely, others gain strength.

Spiritual awakening is not a one-time event. It must be renewed every day. The mind can become dull even after years of practice if vigilance is lost. Therefore, constant remembrance is necessary. Every day should begin with dedication and end with reflection. Every action should become an offering.

In the end, Sannyasins – Wake Up is a reminder that renunciation is a sacred responsibility. It asks the seeker to rise above laziness, ego, desire, and weakness. A true renunciate lives for truth, serves with love, practices with sincerity, and walks with humility. Such a life becomes a blessing for the world and a path toward inner freedom.

Samucchaya Vaada