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I am the Soul
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or becoming detached is not the search for the self. It has to be a proper renunciation and detachment with the goal of the self in view.
We have understood what vairagya (detachment) is. Now let us analyse Tyaga (renunciation).
What is this renunciation (tyaga)?
Quite often our constant contact with external objects and things is instrumental in making us believe that giving up such objects and things is renunciation. But that is a wrong notion. In fact, to draw us out of this misunderstanding, Srimadji has very effectively phrased in this gatha -
त्याग विराग न चित्तमां,
Renunciation and detachment should not be limited to objects and things but should pervade the internal conscious state. Renunciation should percolate down to our mind and soul.
Like the various feelings which are present in the natural and affected thought flow in our soul, the feeling of renunciation should also be naturally present in the constant flow of thoughts.
Here the question arises as to what should be the internal relinquishment. When understood in the context of the search for self, it becomes evident that the renunciation refers to the giving up of sins, abandonment of sinful feelings, relinquishing the unnatural affected disposition.
Several reasons can be found to induce external renunciation and they are effective too. But unless the importance of internal renunciation is impressed in our mind it does not take place. One who has understood this importance will be vigilant every moment - "unless there is renunciation, the passions continue to reside within me. They pollute, defile my soul. They push me away from my goal." Thus for an awakened soul passions prick like a thorn.
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