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SANNYASA.
Preface. Sannyāsā stands for the higher course in spiritual training. It is the complement to the Householder's Dharma, which comprises the rules of conduct becoming a layman. The Householder's life when characterised by proper control, is the preliminary drill which is to fit the soldier for the day of battle, because the battle proper really begins only when the householder passes into the stage of sannyasa (asceticism).
Sannyası signifies renunciation of the world, and the renunciation is absolute. There is no middle course for the aspirant after moksha (salvation). Some of the rules of the Sadhu's life might appear at first sight to be unsuited to the modern conditions of life, but that is only when we lose sight of the high Ideal which is the aim in view. The Sadhu (saint) has completely passed out of the householder's life, where the life's Ideals comprise (1) • Dharma' (religious merit), (2) arlha (wealth), and (3) kāmı (pleasure). His Ideal is only moksha, the attainment of perfection of the highest and most superlative type. He aspires after and wants to become a God. Even 'dharma' (the acquisition of merit) is no longer his Ideal. He can only entertain it by falling down into the house. holder's life which he has left behind. He is now on the battle-field, in the very thick of the battle. The pleasures and joys of the world have no attraction for him any longer.
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