________________
PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
It entails complete dedication. It is very sacred. It is purely divine. Turn the pages of the Upanishads. In days of yore Brahmacharins used to approach their teachers with profound humility, sincerity and Bhav with sacred sticks (Samiths) in their hands.
Have you fully determined with an iron will to stick to this line at any cost? Are you prepared to sacrifice this body and life in the cause of truth? Have you understood the glory and importance of Sannyasa and seclusion? If your daughter, brother or mother comes here and weeps, have you the strength of mind to resist Moha?
I shall keep you in the Gherua (orange-coloured) cloth, with holy thread and tuft of hair for some time. This is preparatory to Sannyasa. After studying your Vritti and mental state I shall initiate you into Sannyasa with proper Vedic rites, Vraja Homa, etc.
After coming here can you cut off your connections with your relatives? Can you stop all correspondence with your friends? Do not hide anything Be very guileless, frank and candid like a child. Speak the truth now. Open your heart.
Aspirants do not have unshakable faith in the Guru or in the Srutis. They have half or wavering faith. That is the reason why they fail to attain success in Yoga or Jnana.
Sri Vasishthaji says to Sri Rama: "Even though one may find refuge in a Guru, it is only through
158