(from The Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad Gita, 1985)
by Swami Rama
The goal of a renunciant is to be understood one after the other through the various stages of consciousness leading to the Secret One. The following principles underlie the path of renunciation:
- The renunciant directs all energy towards the attainment of the goal of life, self-realization.
- He does not waste time and energy in the pursuit of desires based on self-interest.
- The journey of the renunciant is inward; it is neither action, nor inaction, nor withdrawal. It consists of performing actions mentally and directing the mind and its modifications inward rather than towards the external world.
- Non-attachment is attained spontaneously because the renunciant is not involved with objects; he has consciously renounced all of them.
- By pure reason all samskaras are burned in the fire of knowledge.
- There remains only one desire: the desire for self-realization. That desire does not motivate one to do actions in the external world, but becomes a means to build determination and will. Therefore, such a desire is an essential means rather than an obstacle to sadhana.
- In the path of renunciation, Self-Realization alone is the goal, and any other action that does not become a means is firmly rejected and refused. There is no half here and half there; total dedication and devotion are the essential limbs for renunciation.
- This path of the rare few is the highest of all. It is difficult, but not impossible. Those who are fully prepared must walk this path of fire and light. They should not listen to the suggestions of those who are not capable of following the path of renunciation.
Those who are not prepared to become renunciant should not think that they cannot realize the Self. What is important to understand and achieve is the state of non-attachment, without which any path – of renunciation or action – is meaningless.