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110
Conflict resolution
Tell me, would you call him a renouncer? Would it not be obvious to you that this is no sacrifice? If he has given up eating certain foods it is only because he is helpless due to his ill-health. Since he cannot digest certain foods, he cannot eat them. This is restraint born from fear of suffering. It is not renunciation. At the moment, he is helpless. Circumstances have forced him to give up whatever he desires. His desire to eat has not abated, but the desire for good health has made him give up rich food temporarily. He is not joyous about giving up rich food, in fact, it fills him with sorrow and craving.
Let us consider another example. A businessman goes abroad to earn money. He leaves behind his family, the love and affection of his wife, children, parents and relatives. In the new place far from home, he faces many problems. He finds almost no time to eat or drink, nor does he get proper accommodation. In this manner, he encounters innumerable difficulties, similar to those a monk would face or may be more.
So what is this? Is this penance? Is it a step towards spiritual development? Unfortunately it is nothing as lofty. All these difficulties are borne with the aim of achieving a reward of pleasure. Sacrificing something for material pleasure cannot be called renunciation.
Once, after spending the caturmāsa in Calcutta, we went to Orissa. After crossing a vast mountain range, we reached a small village at the base of the mountain. It was an area of dense forest inhabited by tribals far removed from civilization, who hunted their prey with bows and arrows.
Amidst such a scenario, we managed to unearth the address of a Rajasthani brother and found our way to his home. He was delighted to see us and welcomed us with much warmth. He said, "Mahārāj, how fortunate I am that you have come to my humble dwelling!" He gave us a place to stay and was very respectful and hospitable.
As conversation began, we asked him, “How is it that you have chosen to reside in such a strange place amidst forests and jungle folk?" We were truly perplexed.
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