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DISCOURSE 96
321 RENUNCIATION SHOULD NOT BE EXTERNAL; IT SHOULD BE INTERNAL
The author says " Tata RY EST:” in his work entitled Yogadrishti samuchchaya. When man acquires the first yogic vision, the Bhavodhvega or the feeling of renunciation appears in his heart. The adoration and pursuit of the path of moksha begins with renunciation. Whatever Dharma, a man may be following, Dharma pervades his personality only when the feeling of renunciation appears in him.
How can there be legal uprightness in a man unless he develops a detachment for wealth and splendour ? Unless man develops the feeling of detachment for wealth, how can there be morality and honesty in him. Only a man of renunciation can remain unshaken by avarice and temptation. How can a man observe the principles of propriety relating to marriage unless he develops a feeling of detachment for sensual pleasures and their glamour ? Only a man of renunciation can be contented with his wife. Only such a man would not think of another woman.
A man of renunciation may be a man of self-sacrifice or not. Sometimes, the life of a man of renunciation, may be outwardly sensual and luxurious but there will be the light of renunciation burning bright in his heart. Therefore, such a man does not like to follow unrighteous paths. Even if sometimes, on account of some excitement, he strays into the path of unrighteousness, he will soon return to the path of righteousness. A man who has renounced sensual pleasures cannot be fascinated by them for long.
One vital point must be remembered in this context. The feeling of renunciation must be natural and spontaneous. Renunciation is not a thing to be exhibited. Once there was a young mendicant. He thought that he was man of renunciation. He lived in a city. The king of the city was very magnanimous. He had great devotion for sadhus and saints.
One morning, the king happened to be going to a temple outside the city. As soon as the king came out of the gates of
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