My wife too is a pious lady. Suppose
I take Sannyasa, can I live with her and do spiritual Sadhana?

Now you are not fit for Sannyasa, though you might have a minute trace of Vairagya due
to the death of your child. After Sannyasa, you should not live with your wife. You should not
remain even in your own place, as Moha will be lurking in a corner of your mind. Old worldly
Samskaras will be ever waiting to dupe you. Maya is powerful. You will have to spend all your
energy in waging a guerilla war against old Samskaras and temptations. You will have no energy
for spiritual practices. Though you may think that you possess a high degree of Vairagya and that
your wife also is pious, yet you should be far away from her. You should not even think of her.
That is real Sannyasa. What is the meaning of taking Sannyasa and living with your wife and
children? How can you destroy Moha, worldly Samskaras and Vasanas?

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda

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Comments

  • It is very difficult to be a grihasta-sanyasi and attain the absolute. Yet I can say that one can attain it even living in material life with family. One should understand the terms Sanyas Correctly.

    Whereas I think Detachment (Vairagya) does not guarantee for immortal but a true detachment from sense enjoyment and material comforts can help one to have immortal in life, neither it is necessary that one can have the absolute in a true way if not living as per its terms.

    Daily spiritual practice (Self enlightenment Practice/Sadhana) is very needed which can be done either being in material life with family or being isolated but one should take a note that Vairaga does not mean for leaving family and home. Only a strong will power with Guru Mantra sadhana in a specific way requires being in spiritual practice to get the state of Absolute and receive the knowledge of divine power and enjoy the real joy of life.

    Neither only spiritual knowledge is completes itself in life nor only Material knowledge itself. Similarly it applies for man and woman as well they are synonym to each other. It is unfortunate that maximum people live in materially only which is incomplete in a way because the life has two facets. So, one can accomplish the Absolute while in gross material life.

    With LOVE,
    Kriyananda Maharshi Dayananda

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